Man It's been 2 years? I rem seeing your posts. I drive a manual 2012 too, the car, although was in great nick, had minor problems and needed fixes, some done by myself and other needed diagnosing. But I'm slowly getting there.
For shocks, get new. I got new KYB all around when I got the car 3 years back. Same for plugs, get brand new OEM iridiums. I always make it a point to use OEM Honda filters.
The R18 is smooth as butter, even at lower revs if it works as it should.
For bumpers and kits, I got modulo originals from Peshawar, it looks great. Where are you getting a Type R conversion from?