First of all, this is one of the most informative sites I have ever came across! Why mess with a good thing? Let's face it the V6 vortec is a great engine, It is a big V6 with nice baseline torque, Just begging to be capitalized on. One of the easiest things to do for an imediate gain is to remove the baffle on the throttle plate (30mnts). This was for people as GM said, did not like the initial take off when the pedal was pushed so it restricted the air flow. Next get a less restrictive air filter, be it cold air intake or just a new type of filter, next propper gap of your sparkplugs and of corse a new cap and roter, take a look at the inside of your old cap and tell me what you see on the pegs! Next make sure that your oxygen sensor's are in good working order Next make sure that your cat is free and flowing nicely. GET A CATBACK EXHAUST SYSTEM, it will make a world of difference!! I don't care whose you buy. GET ONE!! Leave the headders for now, they are not that bad. Now it's time for the hypertech programmer, trust me you will love this, just get it for as cheap as you can find. Now if you want more, change out the rockers, this is really easy, vortecs have shoulder studs that have zero adjustment. Try the 1.6 roller tips. Now for forced induction (SUPERCHARGER) Do your research!!! I have a Vortech Which I love, but you might like something else. Now, change the Headers this is where you will get there benefits of a better flow. Still not satisfied!! (Camshaft) again this will take research, there are to many variables to consider! Still not satisfied !! Pistons! Forged!! NO Other!! And for a little more get your throttle body flowed and ported It gives you a little more. I have done a lot more than I have listed. But It gives you an idea of the proccess I'm not going to give you all my secrets since I don't want you to pull up next to me, and Heaven forbid SMOKE ME!!