In my quest for better handling, whats next?

That on-center dead spot is the only thing that still bugs me, but guess i'll get used to it as a drive the car more. It feels great in the corners (if I can find a road that has some), and it tracks straight as an arrow down the highway. Just that loose bit in the center feels weird.
The car is power steering, and I have adjusted as much of that slop out as I can.