Looking to upgrade a 2001 boxster

[lbrown2009]

Hi all! I am new to the forums and a recent purchase of an 01 boxster has me reading these pages until 3am every night : ) I am looking to add some horsepower and torque but I want to keep the primary use for street driving. I know there are tons of suggestions on here, I am just looking for the most recent, don't want to spend more than 2k. The car is stock(5 spd 44k miles) from purchase, will changing the headers increase exhaust noise? what brand of headers are highly recommended? How good is the softronic ECU flash?

thank you in advance

Lance