My car is completely stock as far as performance goes. I want to change that, but I'm not looking to go overboard. I would like to achieve 275 - 300Hp at the wheels. Where should I start first?

 

Intake and exhaust are nice starters. As for myself the downpipe came first. I just recently ordered some more: hi flow cat, cat back, pulleys, and petti ecu. Intake and intercooler are my next mods. That is just what I am doing...trust me, deciding is the hardest part.
94 rx7 blk. r2

 

I meant to mention that there is a "two to three mod rule" as some people say. The ecu needs to be upgraded a lot faster on rx7's than other cars, just keep that in mind.
94 rx7 blk. r2

 

Take a look at Pettit Racing's Base upgrade package:

http://www.pettitracing.com/sections/Base_System.html

Had I known about it when I started, I probably would have started with it.

 

I was thinking of going with the exhaust and intake first. Even though I don't drive the winter (who does unless you don't get snow) I'd like to get a Stainless steel cat-back (maybe Blitz, its modestly priced). Any recommendations on the intake

 

N-tech makes a very nice hi flow cat. Pettit makes a good ss downpipe. I got racing beat dual tip cat back because I heard the performance is okay but the sound is good (not too loud). If you want performance then apex n1 or n1 dual. The n1 dual is loud as crap though. m2 performance has a nice exhaust, suppose to be moderately loud with good performace gain. m2 performance has a very nice intake, carbon fiber box with k&n filters. Price is $480 and it takes forever to arrive, or so i hear. Also cwc makes a good looking intake or they used to, i don't know what the deal is but their website says their ic and intake are unavailable. Some people even say make your own intake which is probably what I am going to look into. Hope I have provided some help.
94 rx7 blk r2

 

Just getting a downpipe itself will be a good improvement, so I wouldn't worry too much about which one. For just a basic mod, they will all give you about the same increase. Once you do so more modifications, then the downpipe selection will play a bigger roll.

I'm using the Bonez downpipe currently with their high-flo cats. I also have the GReddy Power Extreme cat-bat. I like the combination a lot.

As far as intakes, I would personally go for either the Blitz or Apexi. They all have about the same performance boost. I'm currently using the HKS but that's only because the Apexi (my first choice) and Blitz were on back order when I was ready to make my purchase.

I wouldn't worry about a "Cold Air Intake". Getting a better intercooler will do you more good than a cold air intake.

 

Getting 275 RWHP is pretty easy. However, it's going to be very hard to stop there. As soon as you get 275 RWHP you are going to crave for more power; it's really addicting. As of right now I'm going to go all out and get a T-78 single turbo in a few months.

Here are the mods I would do if I happen to be in your position.
1) Stainless Steel downpipe.
2) Exhaust
3) Intake
4) ECU...Pettit, Power FC, or Haltech are all extremely good.