Just a quick update if anyone is following this:
My ASR switch on my console now works and can turn off that annoying system. Why it works now I don't know, I was rooting around the console, reset codes, reset the computer and who know what else I tampered with. Whatever I did, I'm much happier now. Now to get rid of that annoying triangle when I disable it....
Also, the new Yokohama tires I bought made a world of difference in traction.