Where do I start? Exhaust, intake, chip?? Bang for the buck??

 

free flow air filter, smooth air intake tube ( like fabspeed )

 

First off, there is very little power left on the table to be gained with any bolt on "upgrades" on the 996. Best money spent on these cars is an exhaust, PSE being the best, but there are a lot of options out there (do a search). However, this upgrade is for sound improvement only, don't expect any significant power increase. Any airbox mod is a waste of time IMO, the stock box already flows more air than the engine can use, you're just setting youself up for a "check engine" light. Same with chips, very little power to be gained on a 996.
Best bang for the buck upgrades on the 996 are suspension tuning, the M030 (RoW) is the factory sports suspension and provides a significant improvement in handling over standard US spec. suspensions. Next, maybe a short shifter (B&M or factory) will improve the driving fun factor. If my car was under warranty I would get the factory SSK to avoid any hassles even though it is the same part.

 

I agree with DJ. Bang for the buck, you won't even notice the chip or intake. Just get a good exhaust, but do it for the sound, not performance...cause you're not going to get any more If you want my .02, get the cargraphic exhaust. I think it sounds better than the PSE, and it's less money. PSE sounds great, but's a little quiet for my taste.

 

The 996 engine is fairly squeezed of horsepower. How about suspension? If you are truly serious about better performance and actually want to prove that on the track, your best bang for the buck would be to get stiffer suspension and bigger rubber. Part of the cost of the upgrade is compromise on street driving comfort.

 

there is a bolt-on from the factory known as option x51. it adds 25+ hp and lists for $12,000 but can be found for a lot less. it won't void your warranty and you will recoup some of the cost at resale (as a used buyer, i'd pay a premium for it).

the best bang-for-the-buck on latter 996s is the x74 suspension upgrade. if it were compatable with the earlier cars, i'd have it instead of the row m030 that's on my '00.

 

DE, suspension, short-shift

 

They are correct. Most OBD II cars are similar, unless you want to do major upgrades like cams, forced induction, etc.

 

I agree track time, suspension and a short shifter kit are the best mods money can buy. You can go with an exhaust also to enhance the sound, but in terms of performance, it will not be worth the investment compared to a suspension.

 

How much less?

 

I believe you can get for under $8,000 now from some dealers.