Buying uprated parts for my Corolla and doing general mods to it to increase engine performance where should I start?

I get the feeling that most people seem to change the exhaust first, but is this really the best value for money way of increasing BHP?

Open to all suggestions and this is most hypothetical.

Cheers

what engine is it?

a cat-back exhaust system and ITG panel filter are good places to start and will make the engine feel abit freeer but wont really give you much/any more power.

Ok, maybe a little background info.....

Its a 2003 Corolla T3-Spirit 1.6l 16v VVTI.  Would an engine upgrade be recommended still on that point?

And thanks for all the suggestions.  I was thinking along the lines of air filter and exhaust.  But Ill probably not do anything until things start to go wrong or need replacing that way itll be more cost efficient.

Whats an ITG Panel Filter?

Yes. Your engine is only 109bhp. The nineties non-vvti or vvc 1.6 engines are up to 140bhp as a starting platform.

You can get a 1.8 vvti from the celica with 189bhp if you want to go modern.

However, its a better job to go for (imo) the 3S-GE from the MR2 Mk2 (150bhp - 210bhp depending on engine) - there is a guy near me with the beams (197bhp) installed in his corolla, but his old fella runs a rally car shop and could fab up any parts required.

Id sugest this.

Quote

Vauxhall 2.0 16V engine c/w f/w, alternator, dizzy, starter & all injection etc. Out of 91 Calibra with 94K. Excellent running condition & now surplus to requirements, £235.

http://www.rallyusedparts.co.uk/facilities/searches/searchvaux.cfm

Would take a good bit of work to get it fitted properly but would be good fun doin it.

Id say dont bother, its a pointless exercise unless you want to throw lots of money at it, and at which point itd probably be more cost effective to get a faster car as standard

I think Ill do my initial plan, wait for exhaust to require replacing and then get a new one and an air filter at the same time.

Cheap, and a little extra for not too much.

id have to agree, you can throw buckets of cash at a slow (low CC) car when for less you could have got a nice quick one, which could then be quicker still given some cash on top

like a 200sx s14a

not fastest in world as standard, but very easily tuned