OK. Im ready to tackle the suspension...Decided not to go with coilovers but will go with springs....other than that what do I need? Rear sway bar (any opinions on the ones out there) , front sway bar too? Koni shocks? anything else I'm missing?

 

Koni's and front bar aren't necessary unless you're going to track the car. Adjustable rear control arms are recommended for camber adjustment in the rear. Those along with the rear bar and springs ought to set you up pretty nice.

 

If you go with springs, I'd suggest you do quality shocks and struts at the same time - it'll be cheaper to do it now than later.

For the rear bar, I went with the H-Sport (Hotchkiss). The bar is adjustable (I started in the middle, and ended up firm to get rid of the lightness in the rear end.

Adjustable rear control arms are a good idea. I did the H-Sport, again.

I thought springs, too, but ended up with Spax coilovers and camber plates (for the front) for maximum adjustability.

 

What do you want out of the car? A stock Cooper or MCS has more handling prowess than most drivers' talent can take advantage of.
If you autocross and do not mind which class you wind up in, I would do the camber plates and Quaiffe LSD.
If you increase the spring rates, upgrade the shocks, especially if the car has the new softer shocks on them.
What is your driving style? If you like a car that is loose, you could go with a thinner front sway (stock Cooper on an MCS or SS+ car). If you feel that your ability is not fast enough to catch an assy car, mine isn't I swapped ends at the autocross yesterday, maybe you should set up the car for a push.
To get push you could strengthen the rears ability to grip or decrease the fronts. To gain grip in the rear try an adjustable rear sway, more static negative camber (adjustable rear control arms), or some toe in.
To gain grip in the front, try a larger front bar, more static negative camber (camber plates), or softer front springs relative to the rear.
The best money to spend on the cars suspension is in a high quality four wheel alignment. Try to find a shop that will let you sit in the car while they do the alignment. If the shop says no, keep looking. Tell the shop how you want the car to act, and ask their reccomendations on how to get there. A good alingment is worth every penny and can be as much as $100.
The air pressures in the tires can be an effective tool to change the handling of the car. Drop air pressure in the tires on the end of the car that looses grip first.
My car is set-up for national level H Stock autocross. I have SS+ springs, and rear sway, Koni adjustable shocks, stock MC front sway, 215/40 16 Hoosiers. I have a co-driver and his style is for the car to exhibt great amounts of looseness and I prefer a neutral handling car, we use the shocks and air pressures to tune on the fly.
Hope this helps.
Lastly, my #1 reccomnendation is to go to a drivers school and learn the limits of your ability and your car in a safe environment.