Mods in a Modular

[FordFan02GT]

Okay so the other day I broke down and traded my 02 v6 on a new 02 GT (Was the last one on lot, Just happened to be Red with black leather interior and 4000 in rebates) So now i start my quest for aftermarket goodies, but I am looking for a little advice and knowledge. First off, I plan on doing all the little bolt ons first, pullies, MAF, TB, headers, exhaust... you know, all that smit. But digging around, I come up with questions.

First off, on a MAF conversion, I have noticed warnings about using a cold air system with the 85 MM MAF. Has anyone really found this to be a problem? To little ole me it would seem the car would benifit from the two. I mean MORE air thats COLD is what a engine wants. Or should i just hunker down and get that Ram Air system that they are putting on the new Mach?

Now what the hell is a H pipe or X pipe and is it really needed? I am thinking about scrapping the stock exhaust and running 2.5 straight with some flowmasters. (No cats) I got a shop out here who i can get to do it, all mandrel bent SS for around 600, while i see the cat back systems for @ 400 and up. Or would the X/H pipe be better? Is it feeding back low end torque? whats the deal?

Chips... Who has the best one out there? I know everyone has a opionion, so all will be considered.

What about cams? Is there a good one out there that will give me a good run before and after the eventual S/C?

And as for S/C, Who has played with high boost on a stock block? I see 8 pounders all the time, what about 11 or 14? too much on a stock block? I know its a good idea to change pistons and what not, but if I am gonna do that, I might as well get a 5.4 thrown in for more giggle power. Thats why I am wondering about how much boost i can run before smit starts breaking.

Also, how much break in time should i put in before i make serious mods. Right now i think i just broke the 200 mile mark, and i know it used to be 500 miles before a engine was "broke in", But how soon is too soon?

Any help or advice ya'll can give me would be appreciated.