from what ive seen the headers on stock exhaust give a more noticible change in exhaust note rather than power, while there is still power gained it doesnt make a big difference until an aftermarket exhaust is put on.

so more for sound than power

 

i agree on the rims, should have been the first thing to go, i hate to say it but a temp fix would be to throw on some thick spacers and powder coat the wheels black, at least it would match the rest of the car and hold you off till next year. i kept my stock wheels for a while but i really liked the stock 06-08 wheels, if i hadnt run into extra cash i would have just powder coated them as well. looks good though(except for the rims)

 

You're right... I just walked into an amazing deal on headers. This guy had them but never used them and sold his Z. I got them dirt cheap. Exhaust comes next year! Very pumped about that because the chrome is peeling off of my stock tips.

 

Looks good man, props to you for setting a budget and sticking to it.