Best bang for the buck.
#16
I'm probably in the minority, but I really don't like nitrous. I like the idea, go fast at the press of a button, but to me I'd just rather not screw with it. I'd love my car to be all engine, and probably only use the nitrous if I was trying to get really fast times.
#17
I'm in the same boat as you Guitar. I want to see how fast I can go all motor, then a boosted setup after that, and nitrous last. I'm not too sure about LS1s, but LT1s stock can be pretty nitrous friendly at like 100 shot or so. I still wouldn't do it first though lol
#19
Heads/cam/intake will run you over $1500, but if you shop around right, it shouldn't cost you much more than $1500. Then when you get it in a car, maybe you'll have enough saved up for exhaust, lid, and tune.