Hey, DarkImportGrey!
You know what REALLY makes the car hook up around corners?
You're gonna think this is silly, but I'm not joking...A TRAILER HITCH!
I had one on my 89 Hatch. I was moving, and it was the only way to haul all my shit across the US.
It weighed about 20 pounds, so it did add some weight, but the handling benefit was unbelievable! Incredible!
There's trailer hitches for $59 to $69 at a couple of sites I know of...here's one:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/...Civic&GO=GO%21
Anyway, since you're Autocrossing, try this out! It could be your new secret!
Flunky
PS-I drove that car and trailer down the coast highway from the Oregon/Cali border down to the bay area. It hooked up like mad!