Noobie Lookin For Some Help

Alright I have a '99 Sonoma 4.3l v6 Ext. Cab. I've added some appearance mods such as neons in the interior and a ub kit, added my stereo system. Performance ups weren't that important to me but now I'm wanting some, but I know nothing about engines really, so therefor I'm not sure what to buy.

I figured that my air intake/filter and exhaust system would be the first thing I otta do. A friend of mine has a air filter that he said he'd give me but I'm not sure if it'd work on my truck or anything. It's a coned filter is all I know lol.

Anyway if someone can like list some stuff I could do to make my engine run better and sound nice, I'd really appreciate it ;)

On the performance page, where you posted this thread, there are two threads: mods that work, and mods that don't.

Yeah I looked at those. I don't quite understand most of it though.

I changed my air filter today with a K&N Performance filter. I just kinda need to know what to do from there.

This is what I've done to my 4.3 Blazer and I have no special auto skills or tools:
-Replaced thermostat with a Hypertech lower temp stat (intructions on how to access and replace stat come with new stat)$
-Intalled K&N FIPK air intake (instructions come with kit; pretty easy job; now I just clean the filter every now and then)$$
-Bought and installed Hypertech Power Programmer (very easy, just plugs into OBD plug/socket under dash, you push buttons to make selections and the computer does the rest)$$$
-Did throttle plate mod that involved grinding down diffuser under throttle plate, but if your nervous about possibly messing-up the plate itself, better not attempt this; but it is FREE. Instructions can be found on another thread. (I just used a bench grinder and some hand files)
Oh yeah, I did buy a Haynes manual that I referenced for some of the above procedures. (Stat replacement)
Once again, I'm not an expert, but this stuff was all pretty easy if you're willing to spend a little $$.

Hmm I have a Haynes manual as well. Pretty handy so far. What exactly does the computer thing do for your engine? Like I don't intend on racing or anything so I don't really want a new engine or w/e, but I would at least like it to sound a little better lol. Such as a friend of mine who has an S-10, he's done some stuff to his truck and it's like, louder basically. Not so much as a loud fan noise like mine, but more of a roar type deal, and he's no mechanic. I thought maybe he changed the exhaust?

Yeah I looked at those. I don't quite understand most of it though.

I changed my air filter today with a K&N Performance filter. I just kinda need to know what to do from there.
Make the truck breathe better. Headers, exhaust, hi flow cat, and intake, probably a cold air one. That will increase the noise and give a small increase in power. True for almost any vehicle let alone a Sonoma. Get the rocker arms Blazer SS mentiones in the performance mods sticky above while you're at it. He's active on other forums besides this and i'm pretty sure his Blazer is supercharged along with nitrous so he knows what he's talking about. Make sure you have a heat shield for your intake, otherwise, it won't be any better than the stock airbox. Feel free to buy the cheap ones on Ebay. Just use a quality air filter like K & N instead of what is supplied. I believe the programmers change the shift points for the better, but don't quote me on that.