<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Congratulations Sean!
My 2 cents on your proposed mods:
Rain baffle delete Is it ok to drive in rain?
** I tried it and found no "seat of the pants" improvement. Heard quotes of +3 HP or so. Driving rain would be an issue, which is why Dodge put it there in the first place. I'm saving my modified airbox for dyno days and other power hungry events and using the stock one for day to day driving.
K&N's
** Every does it, claims +5 ~ 7 HP & nice whistle on part throttle. Must maintain properly or dirt could pass, especially in the driving rain senerio above. Stock filters more restrictive but keep more dirt out if driving in dusty areas.
Smooth tubes
** No brainer - do it. +5 ~ 7 HP.
Fresh Mobil 1 in trans, engine, diff, Coolant Change
** Why ask? (though it's fresh Mobil 1 in engine, not trans. Trans gets Syntorque. See Jon B @ Partsrack)
Power steering fluid change?
** As above. Don't forget brake (very important) and possibly clutch fluid.
mgw shift knob (for shorter throw)
** Best money you could spend.
champion plugs
** Yes, stock is best.
Jacobs or msd wires
** As above, sib.
Rear muffler delete? I don't want it too loud.
** If you don't want more sound, don't change anything. I deleted mine and like the "improved" sound. + 9 HP.
I have done everything you state above and "felt" very little noticable power improvement. Rather, I've found that the engine really got more powerful all by itself at about 5,000 miles as it broke in (the trans shift much nicer now too) In addition, the cooler air we're now experiencing (plus the colder tires) has added a perceived 50 HP and it didn't cost anything!
A few other things I did on my 1996 GTS that I'd recommend:
2000 M/Y oil pan & windage tray: Real issue on oil starvation during long tight corners. Adds about a quart and a half of oil capacity. Search board for more details or see Jon B.
1999+ Radiator Fan assembly. You'll run cooler and have better A/C performance for about $125
Shifter isolator eliminator: Much improved shifter feel for <$25. Search board for source.
New Alarm system EEM: 1996 EEM stunk!
Battery Tender: You don't plan on driving in the winter, do you?
Zaino Polish: Search board for details.
Review all TSB's for 1996 GTS's: There are many.
Valentine One radar detector: You'll need it.
Driving School: as above, you'll need it, (but you might not realize that until it's too late)
Enjoy...
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