New Member-Couple ?s

Mercury, at this point I'm looking to spend no more than one thousand dollars on mods this spring. I am definitely going to get a shifter, I can't stand the stock shifter. It's not very crisp and the throws are pretty long. You guys also have me pretty convinced to get a set of 4.10 gears as well. These two things will probably cost around $500 I assume, so what would be the best bang for the buck with the remaining $500? I'm on a small budget, I know But it's hard being a car hobbyist and a college student, lol college is expensive! Anyway, let me know what you think. Also, has anyone driven a 96-98 Cobra with the Tri-Ax shifter and one with the Pro 5.0 shifter that can directly compare them? Which one is crisper, which one gives the shorter throws, etc. Thanks guys, it's been awesome being a part of these boards so far

Eric