The Standard brigestones 040's dont get raved about on here, and its recommended you swap once they've worn out. I think someone on here said they were so bad on his car, he got them swapped straight away, although i never experience them myself so cant say for sure. but it could be them that caused the Tokyo drift moment!
I was never impressed with the paint either, but something i just lived with.
Glad you enjoying the car anyway. From what ive heard the Z is great fun on track.
Oh and the car looks great!