I'm very concerned with the reliability and fuel efficiency of my 2002 Lancer ES, and I'm looking to spend some money to improve either of those. The car is currently at 68,000 miles. Here's what I'm thinking of so far (this includes regular 65,000~ maintenance stuff, plus extras), tell me if there's anything else I might want to consider:

Better brakes
Short ram intake
Lighter crankshaft pulley
New spark plug wires
New fuel filter
New belts (timing, alternator, accessories)
New water pump

 

The only things on that list that are worth buying are better brakes, new fuel filter, new belts and a new water pump. An SRI will do jack all in terms of reliability or fuel economy and the same goes for the new spark plug wires and the crankshaft pulley. Something to add would be new spark plugs. To help fuel economy, check that the tires are properly inflated and consider using an engine treatment like seafoam.

 

As said, the SRI and pulley will make the reliability LOWER.

Brakes - pads & rotors. You're done. Change the fluid if you're feeling able.
New plug wires - never hurts.
New fuel filter - always a good idea.
New belts - of course.
New water pump - can't hurt.

While you're doing all this, think about the oil pump as well. Some of the older Lancers (like your 02) have been experiencing engine death due to the oil pump dying. Might be worth a change since it looks like you're doing a whole tune-up deal.

 

piggyback will give you better gas mileage