4.3 Blazer performance

Hey everyone-

I picked up a 2004 Blazer (4x4) with the x code 4.3 and slushbox. I originally had a plan to get an older blazer (grandfathered) and swap in a v8, but this deal was too good to pass up.

So, my high-winding 305 isn't going to happen thanks to emissions testing. However, my now daily driver still needs a kick in the pants. I'm a highschool kid on a Walmart budget, so I not only like to do my own work but I have to   .

What can be done to get more get up and go from this vortec v6? I'm not willing to drop $250 bucks on a cold air kit that might net me 5hp, since that seems like a total waste of money for the gain. Fabricating my own is a possibility though   . Anywho, I cannot find ANY headers that will work on my rig, and the performance options seem to be limited to literally a couple cams and cat-back exhaust (which doesn't help much with highly restrictive cats).

My plans include larger torsion bars to quiet down the roll and a glasspack to annoy the neighbors with...otherwise, I'm still planning. Any ideas?  
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Projects: '72 Challenger Rallye 340 (motor's seized, will be sticking in a 383 from a 300), my '04 Blazer 4x4 DD

trying to reduce body roll...   check out the 4 way brand shocks with the locked in coil over springs...  put one wheel at a time up a curb... loosen the spring clamp...  let it slide down.. tighten it...    put the other front wheel up at the same height..   the locked in coil overs pulling down will really reduce body roll...   at neutral tension.. they do help some.. but with them pulling down.. you really won't believe its the same truck..    and if you think this is crud.. take a look at indy car suspension... count the springs..  they have one pushing the other way also...

try it..  you won't believe the difference...    it stops the torsion bar from being unloaded...  

if you want it a little faster to accelerate...  try a lower profile set of tires... on the same rims...  this will give you an instant gear ratio change...     going to a taller tire hurts performance..

as for the glass pack...  

Check with some of the local roundy round racers.  Lots of them use sixes bu their hop ups probably won't be emissions legal.  You might also want to check with the chip manufacturers to see what they have to offer.  Just a hint - if you are looking to make a cold air intake use smooth wall tubing (not corrugated or convoluted tubing) as it will not disrupt the air flow as much.  You might also want to check Circle Track magazine.  This is a pure racing mag but they may have some trick 4.3 stuff, especially headers.  

Thanks to both of you for the ideas!

First, @ waynep712: This would be great, except I'm in New Hampshire (northern winters). I'd rather keep it at the stock ride height, hence why I figured I'd just get new, larger 'bars. However, I'll look into them as they may make some that will keep it at stock ride height (I know, topheavy doesn't help at all). Gotta get up the driveway in the winter!

@ arcaguy: This is a great idea since I'm friends with a bunch of circle track guys, never thought to check there. They'd also know where to go and what to do to pass the smog dogs okay...but they're chevy guys, so I'll ask them. I've figured that for headers I'll probably have to make my own...time consuming, but worth it.  
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Projects: '72 Challenger Rallye 340 (motor's seized, will be sticking in a 383 from a 300), my '04 Blazer 4x4 DD

The 4.3 is really a great engine. It's tough and durable. As a high school student in northern Wisconsin i know what it's like to be very budget minded. We have three blazers with 4.3s. You could make a free flowing intake. Also going to a true dual exhaust system might help. For a six cylinder these engines can perform very well.