To go 13's, all you need is good driving and a 99+ car.
To be guaranteed 13's, Gears (3.73 or 4.10), u/d pullies, Timing adjuster, (k&n of course), and a decent track.
In a 96-98, you need the above, sticky tires, and some 99+heads. I figure I might see a 13.99 without the headswap. But then I seem to have a Wednesday car.
The cobras respond just as good to mods, and they start off faster.
One thing to warn you about though. Regardless of what you get, you will get hooked on going faster. So start with the fastest base possible.
And for Pete's sake, ditch the Sunfire.
