One of the first things you'll want to get is some kind of scanner so you can keep an eye on KR(Knock Retard).....INTENSE-Racing.com: AeroForce Interceptor Scan Gauge

Cheap mods will include: a homemade fenderwell intake ($20 - $50), reprogrammed PCM ($100 - $200), Autolite 605's or 104's($10 -$15), 180* thermostat ($7 - $12), U-bend delete ($20 - $45) 2.5in or 3in downpipe ($80 - $200). With these mod's, you def. feel a difference without spending a lot of cash. If you have the cash, scratch the downpipe and get headers.