New here (sort of), have some questions...

PI headswap then do exhaust

Well, the 96-98 are known for their poor cylinder heads. One common remedy is the PI swap. Find a pair of used PI GT heads (used on the 99+ GT's) and swap it out. Most people who have done this report about 240rwhp or so on a stock 96-98 GT. GEFRacing has a kit especially for this that has all you need including the headsClick here

If you end up swapping the entire motor, why not just go ahead and treat yourself to a 4V? The Cobra engine would probably cost around what a 99+ motor swap would cost. As for the Bullitt intake, it isn't worth it unless you are going to supercharge your car in the near future. The Bullitt intake doesn't yield much power in N/A form, but really comes alive with a blower.

You're cheapest route would be to go with the PI head change kit from GEFRacing ($350 for the heads, $115 for the changing kit). If you aren't satisfied with that, just swap in a 4V

you can try "parkwayford" they have a complete kit, heads,intake,gaskets, bolts, heater hose, dipstick tube, and the plugs,for $1,320 shipped. As soon as i get more money saved I'd like to get this kit for my 98

Wait, so what is the GEFracing kit ($349.95 + $115.95) missing compared to the $1,200 and $1,300 kits? Why are the other kits nearly 3x as much?