Im sure opinions are going to vary widely on this but having done a little work on mine (nothing major) I wish I had known about the advice of getting a scanner and/or tuner first. If nothing else I could have gotten a really good base line for the car and had been learning earlier about tuning. So I think something rated even higher than #1 would be to get a scanner and/or a tuner.
That said, I think given the design of the GP that it lends itself to some early mods that should be done no matter what, so I will list those. Im sure there may be some debate on this but thats what makes this all good.
1. U-bend delete
Now this can be in the form of a down pipe combo and done with or without the catalytic converter. In hindsight I wish I had my exhaust done with bolt in components, but I just had a three inch pipe put in from the collector back to the Y, and took out the catalytic converter and resonator.
I like it, it just doesnt leave me any real flexibility if I should want to do a cat back or some other type of exhaust set up. However, the U-bend is problematic, so definitely work on getting that out of there.
2. Intake
There is going to be a wide flung opinion on which intake to go with. Personally I dont care for the Wizard, SLP (which I currently have) nor any of the others. I would go with either a home built fender well intake or a simple short open cone set up. The only aftermarket intake that I have cared for is the K&N FIPK set up because it sorta combines the two concepts. Its a short intake but has a block off to keep the intake somewhat isolated from the engine bay. I havent been able to get my hands on one of these yet. I would like to try one of these out.
3. 180* Thermostat
Irregardless of what car it is, this is a good thing to do. Most thermostats are at 195* and that is just too high in my opinion. That high of temp is mainly to make the fuel ignite easier. Put in a drilled 180* T-stat and tune thing and spare your engine some stress.
4. Dump Dex Cool
As soon as you can, dump the orange stuff and go with a green all makes and models coolant. I have pictures of how nasty that stuff can be. Cost me a radiator. I know, I know, keep it topped off and dont let it get exposed to air and it will be all good. That may be, but it still gels up and any coolant that sensitive to air I dont want in my car. I put in a coolant filter and all makes and models green coolant and Ive been a happy camper.
After that, you kinda need a plan of what you exactly want to do with the car. Is it going to be an occasional track car? If so, what kind of speeds and traps are you wanting to run. If you are just wanting a show car, then just do the basic stuff to give the car some longevity and work on the show pieces.
Okay, hope this helps out.
It takes alot of mods to safely run a 2.55 my friend. Grinding down your snout is not a bad idea to accommodate future smaller pulleys. But just putting on the 2.55 and nothing else is a bad, bad, idea.
i dont trust what any company says i would rather get all of your views and chose from there . i appreciate all the help . thanks fellas . everyone have a great holiday . i will be back after x-mas to check the board and messages .
It is hard to tell people what to start with. My first mod was the ubend delete. I contemplated getting a downipe, but ended up with headers. I did 1.9 rockers, then went to cam. So, if you look at your long term goals with the car, that will help you decide. Oh yea, after putting on the 3.4 pulley in 2003, I said that will be the smallest pulley I will ever go. I will be running the 2.6 this weekend at the track. 
