2 best bang for the buck performance mods are JLT CAI/tune and FRPP gears, if your stock gears are 3.55 then you should go with 4.10's.

 

I've got the Steeda CAI with Brenspeed tune, 4.10 gears & 285/40's on the back and it works for me.

(manual transmission ~ Hurst STS)

 

For a DD, gears will pull your MPG's down. Something to consider depending on how far your daily commute is.

I'd go with CAI and Tune first, by itself. Trust me, it will make a HUGE difference. You may possibly be happy enough with just that. Only power mod I've done in the whole 2 yrs I've owned my ride. I drive fast almost all the time and I'm pleased.

 

I'm making my way through the same process I drive my car everyday (Yes Chicago winter also!) So far I have CAI/Tune (Bama race, Bama Perf in winter) Shortie headers, catted X, mid muffler, now I'm going to get 3.73s (My biggest worry for winter driving, just gotta take it easy on the go pedal I hope!), well it's either 3.73's or the NON IC Vortech system, centrifugal should be OK to drive becasue if you stay out of it you don't make any boost, my reason for the Vortech over others. Then Maybe Roush rear springs so I don't lower the front at all, and that's about it.

That's my plan that I have and am working towards anyhow.

 

Definately get the 4.10's. also a good CAI and tune makes for a nice kick in the pants performance. I've got loudmouths but to tell you the truth, they are just too f-ing loud! Eventually, I will be going with Cervinis side exhaust and my loudmouths will be up for sale. Don't forget about a nice 3000 stall speed torque convertor for your auto as well. I will knock 4/10's off your 1/4 mile times!

 

If you can see yourself putting a supercharger on, don't spend money on any other performance mods. Delete plates, pulleys, CAI, etc....skip it all. Waste of money that will be made obsolete by your supercharger. I mean that stuff is all fine and good until you take the supercharger step.

Any major brand supercharger is going to be capable of more power than your car can handle. So skip the little 5-10 hp here and there add-ons and go straight for the real stuff. I wish I had.

Exhaust....I love me some muscle car sound. Do it, but do it just for the sound. Remember, the supercharger makes everything else (in a daily driver) pointless as far as horsepower goes.

 

Would you throw gears into that pointless mod category as well if your going to go FI?

 

Best mods for a DD.
CAI + tune = about 10 rwhp
Steeda CMDP = about 10 rwhp
Gears, I don't know about the 4.10s, but the 3.73s works for me as a DD. The 3.73s will keep you in the power band and give you good mpg. I just came back from a road trip and I got 25 to 26 mpg.

 

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Go with the Whipple H/O kit, and forget other engine mods as it will just be money thrown out the window when the SC comes. This includes tuners, pulleys, CAI etc.
Next go with Corsas unless you like drone, some do I don't.
Next go with GT 500 take off wheels and tires. There are prettier/stickier combos but none touch the price vs performance vs oem quality.
Finally change out the shocks/struts and sway bars.
Oh and Hawk ceramic pads and stainless hoses to the brakes.
THere are a million other do dads but this is the big stuff that made my car