Good call.

Take your time. Trust me.

If you want to go boost, and be reliable... $1,500 ain't gunna cut it.

Get the Skunk2 intake manifold, header, cams, ecu and a tune, like Mike said.

If having someone else do the labor for you isn't in your budget, try and get all the bolt ons first. Header, catback, intake manifold, aftermarket intake (Whale Penis FTMFW!), throttle body, msd, new plugs and wires, ect.