40th Anniversary V6 Build Help? [Question/Discussion]

So just under 3 months ago now I bought myself an '04 Torch Red 3.8L V6 with 5 on the floor, and I am absolutely loving it! I was raised as a Chevy kid so it's mildly ironic, but I have no complaints. I've already knocked against the speed governor (safety of a track of course) and am admittedly hungry for more.

As a broke college student I understand that it's going to take a while to do too much to my car, but I'm planning ahead (read way, wayyyyy ahead).

As such, my question to all of you is what would you recommend as a build for an '04 V6 3.8L to really beef it up? I'm not doing a V8 engine swap, and I already know I'm going to install 4.2L pistons and camshaft and a few other mods, but beyond reading some mod guides here and there, I still don't know what order to do things in to maximize performance gained. Since I'm planning for the long haul here price doesn't worry me terribly, but let's not go ridiculous (read $8g+). I'm a novice driveway mechanic at best, so that's also to keep in mind (but I'm always willing to learn!). All help is appreciated guys, Thanks!