Re: little add-ons
MAF-T is a good tool, once you start changing the basic structure of the combustion process it is more important. Being basically stock you may only get a little out of the MAF-T, but after a lid, intake, ported TB, Z06 maf or Ported MAF and exhaust etc...the MAF-T becomes more of a power adder. Basically the unles syou have LS1-Edit, the MAF-T is an invaluable tool as you can tune the A/F as you build the car. Once you get LS1Edit, you simply unhook and sell it.
For the timing tricker you can do the "free mod" as detailed in I believe installuniversity.com or do a search here or any of the boards. Buying an actually tricker may not be worth it, but a couple dollars on a resistor or whatever is worth it IMO.
Boo Yeah is right though, what your goals for you and your car should known so you can make yourself a mods planner and track your progress. Good-luck.
Charlie.