the problem with a KB on a 96-98 gt is they don't offer a 6lb kit only the 9lb intercolled kit@4799...so there goes your money. you still need money to install it and the bottom end won't last very long with that boost. I think you should go the NA route, some stage 2 heads/cams..a pi intake and that leaves you enough for an install. and in the neighborhood of 300rwhp which is enough to hold your own. then save for a new forged shortblock and have that installed, then you go for the blower...all the while still having a car to drive thats fun.
Agreed. IMO, PnP the NPI heads, convert to a PI intake and stick with an S-trim and spin it hard (A Mongoose kit from MPH would do nicely). Although it makes it power in a different manor, It's every bit as good as the KB, and far more cost effective.
Yah the KB for our years is out of your price range(4899), save up for the mongoose mph vortech kit then put pi cams and pi intake in with the adapter plates later.