I don't add ballast, it always feels like you're just adding slowness to me, though I see the thinking around redistributing the weight. Brake balance is something I nearly always load up one or two clicks forward. Also if you have the Traction Control above 1, I find it a bit too aggressive for most cars, I sometimes go as high as 3 if the car is a handful on every bend.
I find the wheel makes two big differences, steering is much more variable and you can be more judicious with the brakes.
This is the setup I have, it's the budget end of the wheel/stand market but I love it.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Logitech-Driving-Force-GT-steering-wheel-/112025771055?nav=SEARCH