Coils won't fail you on emissions, and the Series 2 L67 coils are NOT hotter than MSD'*. They are in between standard coils and MSD'*.

The rockers, pem, and thermostat are all good ideas.
You can't go wrong with Wizbang'* advice since he is the one that did all the testing and development for those rockers.
As mentioned, the LIM is a good idea too. Agrazela was actually able to prove it works.
I would pass on the ceramic coated crossover. Your TB is going to get heat soaked eventually either way.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...+strikes+again

If you think the ported LIM testing alone was something, wait 'til you see the results of ported LIM plus ported front EM...

I don't believe that the car having originally been bought out-of-state gives you a pass on CARB regulations regarding aftermarket modifications.
You can read up on the reg'* starting here:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm

(If I'm wrong, let me know)

I look at it this way...we've got one guy (wizbang) with undivulged testing methods (and a possible stake in selling the rockers) saying it'* OK, versus at least two (maybe three?) guys on this forum alone who've broken stock valvesprings when going to higher lifts. I know who I'm siding with.

A tuned PCM will run you something like $100 ($150 or so if you buy a spare as a core).

A Tuner (plus a spare PCM for insurance) will run you something like $450-$500 (and you need a laptop); however, it will allow you to tune perfectly (including different tunes for different seasons, driving conditions, octanes...in short, you can have a custom tune for any situation), get rid of every single bit of KR, see exactly what each mod is doing for (or against) you, AND it is a full-function scanner and DTC reader/clearer (that functionality'* worth some $200 to $300 alone). Not only that, but if you ever sell the car, you can sell that tuner (on ClubGP, for example) for nearly what you paid (they have excellent resale value).
I know a tuner is a big investment, but you'll feel like a kid at Christmas again every time you use it

There are plenty of people who went SR, 1.8s, and even 1.9s without problems on other forums.
When it comes to people'* experience with L36/L67 performance products, you really have to look outside this forum. There is alot less experience with mods here than other places.
Wizbang isn't making any more money off the rockers. He sold the design to ZZP in a one time deal.

You say "full function" scanner. Does that include programming keyless entry key fobs and Theftlock for the radio? If so, that would offset some costs because it would save me money I know I would have to spend.

Yeah, I do look at other forums, and they are more mod-oriented...but I notice they're also alot more "HELP! I blew up my engine"-oriented

This forum seems to strike a good balance between doing modifications and maintaining reliability.

How about this argument...IIRC, even wizbang is suggesting you install upgraded springs on the intakes if you raise the shift points (which you must do anyway to get the full effect of the rockers). If you're putting springs on the intakes, you're in for the penny; might as well go in for the pound, eh?

I don't believe my tuner has those functionalities.

(I guess I should clarify...the tuner does not have all the functions of a $4000 GM Tech 2 scanner, but rather something like a $200-$300 high-end Autoxray or Actron)

Not if you want to waste energy opening the valve if you don't have to.