Stage I

Exhaust & Intake

Target Completion Date: Had been End of June, now by End of Summer :)

EXHAUST:
Going for something different from most, I'm going to run a full 2.5" custom exhaust system.

CIA Headers - Currently sitting in the stockpile. Ceramic coated. Run to 2.5" pipes that will be merged into 3" on the Y-pipe.
*more info on clear image automotive*

CIA Y-Pipe - Note: I had originally planned on having CarrTech Performance Exhaust Specialists (my choice local exhaust shop) fabricate the Y-pipe for me, as Dan @ CIA had recommended. However, after Dan got the clearance issues with the Y-pipe for cars with automatic transmissions figured out, I decided to have him make me one so as to bypass having to leave my car at the exhaust shop for an entire day, and I also think I'm probably getting a better quality product this way. Y-pipe will be coming with all the necessary hardware to get bolted up, including the proper gaskets to seal to headers. All other required welding and exhaust work will still be performed by CarrTech.
*more info on carrtech*

Random Technology High Flow Catalytic Converter - Also in the stockpile. Special-ordered through CIA as 3"in/2.5"out. Approx. 405cfm.
Note: Since having purchased the RT cat, I have talked to several people who have had problems with theirs. It seems the RT cats have a tendency to come loose in the casing and vibrate. So for your money's worth, I would recommend getting the less expensive Catco (or similar) high flow cat. (Price difference is approx. $100 cheaper)

2.5" I-pipe - Note: I had been looking for a mandrel bent 2.5" pipe, and there are a few places that make them, but do not sell them individually; only as part of catbacks. This wouldn't have been worth the $, so I'm just going to have a 2.5" regular bent.

INTAKE:
Need more air flowing in to fully take advantage of increased flow out of new exhaust system.

SLP Cold Air Induction - Decided on going with SLP because # 1 it's the only CAI that is actually made to fit my car (late '95-'97 model year 3.8L), # 2 it requires no extra parts, and # 3 it is made by a company who actually works in association with Chevy.
Review: Bought mine used off of Dom from the FirebirdV6.com board. It made three noticeable differences - 1)Sound. Got rid of the raspy sound that the exhaust had had at higher RPMs. 2)Appearance. Looks much nicer than the stock airbox. 3)Acceleration. Aaah, the car can breathe... Makes acceleration easier. Install: Not too bad; took about 45 min, which was only a little longer than I had been expecting. It also took me a minute to figure out that you need to cut the rubber piece off the incoming air temp. sensor in order for it to fit in the new SLP elbow. Biggest PITA was trying to get the filters on right. Final decision: Good mod. to make.
Note: I had originally bought the drop-in K&N replacement filter for the stock airbox, and have come to this conclusion: If you plan on getting a cold air induction (SLP, K&N, or otherwise), it isn't worth buying the K&N drop-in filter to use "until then." You really won't notice any gains, and at $30-50 it's money you're tossing down the drain.

OTHER:

AC Delco Rapidfire Spark Plugs - Currently in stockpile. As long as I have the exhaust manifolds off to put on the headers, why not change the plugs? The opportunities don't come any better than that.
Note: Yes, I had previously had some Bosch +4 Platinum Spark Plugs sitting in the stockpile, but I heard some complaints from a few people about them, a few of whom had switched to the Rapidfires afterward and couldn't be happier. Haven't ever heard anything but great reviews for this plug, so I went back and had them exchanged.
Taylor Spiro Pro 8mm Spark Plug Wires - Currently in stockpile. New plugs? Why not new wires? Cheap upgrade to do while I'm at it. These seem to review as the best "bang-for-your-buck" wires for our cars.