need more speed

Anybody got any ideas for a beginner to get horsepower numbers up and quarter mile times down on my bone stock 89 Formula 350 Firebird.  I have been told Hooker Super Comp headers and a Flowmaster cat-back exhaust would give me a good boost I can feel.  On the in-take side, I have also heard good things about a K&N cold air intake system, but it doesn't look like they have a kit for my car.  Will slapping a K&N filter in there do much for me or should I try to find a shop that can custom fit something for me.  I would prefer to do all the work myself so I can learn.  I am good at general maintenance type stuff, but like to think of myself as a fast learner.  Plus I got the motivation.  

A few free and low buck ideas are to advance the timing from 6 to 12 degrees and install a 160 degree thermostat. SLP used to sell a hi flow cold air inductrion kit for these cars. I don't know if they still do or not. Headers and a cat back exhaust will produce noticeable gains in these cars. I'm unsure about how the Hooker headers fit but I know the Ederbrock headers are a 100% bolt on deal. I know this is an old post question but I just ran across it. I have a used SLP cold air induction kit with a K&N filter if you would be instersted in it.