EXHAUST
BORLAS OR FLOWMASTERS???
If you are really serious about increasing the performance of your Grand Am, a new exhaust system might be a good place to start. By increasing the amount of exhaust that can be removed at one time, your engine will be able to intake more air, resulting in more horsepower. Many higher end exhausts also produce a better sounding engine note, anywhere from purring like a kitten to growling like a tiger ;) It pays to do some research before you buy, some exhausts systems work better on certain engines than others.

PERFORMANCE AIR INTAKE
As a standalone upgrade, an improved air induction system isn't going to do much. But when combined with a new high-flow exhaust, it allows the engine to breathe much easier. For example, picture having to inhale through a straw, while exhaling through a garden hose. This is similar to having a high-flow exhaust with a stock air box - the performance boost is there, but not really utilized properly. Now imagine breathing and exhaling through a garden hose, and you get the ideas behind the exhaust/intake combo.
If you have the 3.1L, just call RAT. They'll
have production intakes ready to ship in a week or so - it's very
simple to do and it sounds great.