I've had all generations and 4th gen are the most easy to go fast with low budget bolt on's.
#1 stall converter - 3600
#2 3.73 gears
#3 exhaust - full headers or cat-back
#4 cold air intake
etc, etc
I was in the 12's with under 7 grand total and the cars handle/stop/feel good compared to older years.
I hate the looks but they are decent cars for low money
t-tops are not a big deal in 4th gen - still, sub frame connectors are good, but not mandatory for mild street.
you can handle too with bigger sway bars, a strut brace, better shocks.