To add to what Richard has been saying, you will have difficulty with traction if you get much above 225 hp. Maybe you are a better driver than me, but wheelspin coming out of a corner is not fun. If you are serious about power, then a limited slip diff should be on your list (plan on about $1500 or so). The NM engine mount bushing helps reduce torque steer. The intercooler is probably a good idea for you in Florida. The intakes and exhaust is generally thought of as sound only, except a downpipe can get you more ponies. Then again, if the car sounds faster, it must be, right? :-)

Rear sway bars are adjustable, so that you can tune the handling to your liking.

Drive the car for a while before you start spending money on upgrades. Find out what you like about the car, and what you want to improve. Also, make sure that the basics are done (carbon cleaning, wheel alignment), and make sure that the recalls are done (auxiliary water pump and timing chain). Also look to make sure that the oil feed line to the turbo is not leaking, this is a common issue.

Keep reading, there is lots of info here to learn.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Thank you for your comment Mike!

I agree, I have read nonstop on everything about this car and I'd be more than happy sitting at 210-220. I love the drive of it, I've put down a few hundred miles on it in 6 days now for the very reasons you stated. All the recalls were indeed met, so that's a good thing, obviously!

The exhaust I think I'm backing off of a bit, downpipe and muffler, call it a day there. Rear sway sounds like a definite as well.

My gameplan is spark plugs, intake, downpipe & muffler, the WMW BOV, and the intercooler. Maybe some new wheels if money isn't too much of an issue after the previous upgrades. I'll probably have all of that done, tune it, and end it right there and be happy. Upgrade looks from then on.

 

If running a catless down pipe is good for power, how can installing a catback system that eliminates the second cat not be a good thing? Just curious.