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another thing to note in the hp game is that it is a curve that varies with respect to rpm. as rpm increases hp increases. so, an ecu flash may get you 10 hp, but they do that by moving the rev limiter up a couple hundred rpm; performance isn't changed but max hp at the new max rpm is a bit higher. how often do you drive at 7400 rpm vs how often do you drive at 3000 rpm? freer-flowing exhaust may net you a few more hp, but again at max rpm when the engine is trying to move maximum air. at 1500 rpm the engine actually wants to see a bit of back pressure, so your $3k exhaust is actually robbing from peter to pay paul. cold air intake - what do you think the box has already? in fact, you could argue that the stock intake is more of a cold air intake than the aftermarket units, as the stock unit is completely sealed, whereas the aftermarket units depend on a rubber gasket mating to the engine cover to form part of the seal.
ask yourself what you want - more top-end and max speed, or more honk to pull yourself out of corners? if you want to go fast and straight you may have the wrong car. the ecu/cai/exhaust are a good start, however. if you want something fast out of the corners, start thinking weight, rotating mass and engine load - light battery, light seats, light body panels, light wheels, light flywheel, ac delete, roof delete, carpet delete, underdrive pulley - find out what the racers are doing to their cars.
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