Glad Shawn could influence you.
First thing first. Do Free mods like TB bypass, EGR delete is optional (i havent done it), descreen the MAF (might throw an SES light might not)...
The Hurst shifter that comes in the car is nice... but a pro 5.0 or ripper would keep u from ever bending a 3rd gear shift fork.
Subframe connectors is the first mod u should get. Improve ride quality, less rattles, etc.
Get rid of the ugly exhaust tips and get some corsa or borla tips.. keep the slp exhaust if u like it.
Some rearends last some dont. I havent seen any of teh bad rap members bust there rearends yet. My LT1 has much more low end torque and im running drag radials. Buy a TA girdle and u should be perfectly fine under 450hp and torque. If you buy a pre 2001 model you might want to invest into the L6 intake.
I'd get a WS6 or SS without the supension package and put in some Bilstein HD's (im doing this right now) along with a 32mm front sway bar... leave the 19mm in the back alone. The SLP bilsteins aren't valved for the stock spring height... they are more so engineered to work with the 21mm sway bar put in the back... The wrong valve set up is costing the SS and WS6 improved Skip pad and slalom numbers.
Switch out all fluids to synthetic, sea foam the engine, do your basic tune up...
All of these mods are pretty easy except for changing the shocks.. There are tons of other things you could do but these mods are extremely safe, improve life of the car, and driving experience. They are a place to start and work with almost any future combo u want.