First i would make sure the gasket on that valve cover is tight!!!! Get a new gasket and make sure you lubricate it with some oil before you put it on!!!
Second. The brakes. Check the calipers or better yet get some brembos. Thats what the hard core SOB's use. Check out nopi.com
http://www.nopionline.com/partdetail...oductID=322383 those are some good pads.
Your 2.2 liter engine also has lots of aftermarket products. Have fun.