I like MY_92_DONKEY's explanation, but I would go with:
Shorty Equal Length 1 5/8", a 2 1/2" x-pipe, a roots type hairdryer with a 2.8 pulley, frame ties, quarter hole drag lites, 275 street/strips, intake, cold air intake, underdrive pulleys, a steep gear (3.73:1 or 4.10:1), MSD box, and with that set up you can just have the heads ported & spit shined. Also you may want to look at injectors and a fuel pump with that set up.
Definately for going with a steep gear, you might want to change the axle though- check out an Auburn for 2001 cause I don't know how many splines they come with. Drop'er an inch or two and throw on some traction bars. Make sure that if ya do change the heads and go for the Patriots, watch that compression ratio... make sure you buy the custom forged pistons. That should give you a start... as far as the the cam, rings, crank, lifters, rocker arms, springs, etc... you might want to wait and let someone else get that info for you cause I gotta go. Peace