it depends on what type of car you want. if you want handling, then you would probably want to drop that on coilovers or complete Auto-exe suspension...if you want speed, then EMS, FMIC/TMIC exhaust, pg manifold etc. if you want appearance, then wheels, grill, lip, etc
Corksport Catback exhaust, MS or AEM CAI, your choice of 3" cat delete pipes and recirc-bypass valve, and the most important part for the engine, an XEDE PnP EMS. Spend the rest on your choice of full synthetic lubrication fluids and that will pretty much wrap up your $3k and leave you with a killer car you will enjoy immensly. Ken at ProtegeGarage.com can set you up with the engine bolt-ons.
Inspect the rear differential attachment bolts at every oil change (5k miles)and refrain from high-rev clutch-drop starts and the car should be very reliable. There's lots more you can do (spend $$$) on the car, but these changes are a huge improvement for only $3k.
I am talking about strictly straight line performance.
How does corksport catback + downpipe and their intercooler kit sound along with the header... i don't know if i want to go into tuning yet until the accessport comes out. How much power am i looking at with the above mods, and are those quality pieces?
