I suggest following a similar path that SVT took..look at the whole intake & exhaust as a system. Look at the entire car as a whole.
1)K&N filter on Mirko or BAT MAF adapter
2)SVT throttle body
3)SVT UIM if you can find a used one
4)SVT or late Cougar or 3L LIM used
5)Gut the precats
6)Good aftermarket Y-pipe
7)Used SVT catback and replace resonator with higher flowing unit
8)Good condition plugs, wires, fuel system cleaning, high quality oil&filter.
9)Suggests holding off on chips (hit or miss without dyno tuning) and UDPs (potentially dangerous) for now
10) A rear STB and 21-24mm rear sway bar are big bang for buck to complemnt your (nice) SE suspension, as are used SVT wheels/tires often available cheap (check classifieds for SVT stuff). Replace shock/struts/brakes if worn
You can do all the engine work for about $800-$1000 if you can do the work and you will approach 200 crank HP. Then if you wish you could go further but since your car is a 96, be practical.
