So just to preface.. I know computers. I can make computers sing, and dance and make you toast in the morning. On the flipside, I know just enough about cars to screw something up. So be patient

I don't know the names of specific parts, so searching won't help (but i did read a ton of threads in this forum).

2 things that stand out from what i read. The engine is inferior to the manual, but mostly because it can't suck in as much air as the 6 port.

So would a drop in air filter help in the least bit? Also, what about the.. I think it's the catalytic converter / pipe? I read the easiest thing is to remove it, but i don't want my car to stink up the road. Any suggestions in that area? Are there any aftermarket ones that have a more efficient cat?

And yes, I plan on using the MM cobb tuning. But I'd just like to figure out if some basic air-flow mods would give something more than negligible. Don't need a rocket

 

airflow mods for our cars (4/6 port; auto/man etc) won't gain you much in the power department. Considering how much you spend on these parts, the gain isn't much.

 

I too am a computer tech, not a car tech in the least but this is my experience....

I recently installed the Racing Beat intake w/ Duct. I noticed the biggest difference under 5K rpm, I had the K&N drop in filter before. It's smoother now in the lower rpm range and I don't have to press on the gas quite as hard any more to get some speed. I'm not sure what the difference would be without the intake duct but I don't see a point of installing it without. Removing the CAT will help a lot but can cause emissions issues depending on where you live, I currently run a mid pipe and yes it shoots flames. The high flow cat's are good if you want to stay legal, I would recommend the RP High Flow Cat. I have the RP Midpipe and RB Race exhaust.

Every little bit counts I say, just depends on how much you are willing to spend to get that extra little bit.

 

if you're looking for a slight bump I'd look towards a cold air intake like the Aem/Mazdaspeed, or leave the factory system intact and do the drop in. From there do some type of exhaust, maybe the BHR ignition too. These mods aren't crazy expensive, will get you a better sound and slightly better mileage when you combine everything. You might notice a little more pep, but you won't be seeing hyperspace speed or anything, really the only way to make significant gains is with forced induction (turbo, supercharger etc.) but that opens up a whole lot of other stuff you have to be prepared for. I've pondered boosting my car but with the 4 port one issue might be the tranny holding up, and since I've already replaced one just driving it around normally I'm not sure I'm ready to go through that whole mess again.
You might also want to start with suspension and just leave the engine alone for now, you'd be surprised what a decent set of springs/shocks and some good tires will get you, whenever I play Forza or GT5 those are the first 2 things I spend money on lol Try to approach your with a plan too, do you want handling or power first or? You'll save some $$$ if you go about it the right way with a clear objective in mind etc., otherwise you might end up buying something you don't want or need, then having to buy something else or trying to sell stuff you no longer or never did want etc.