Eventually you can have the v6 as fast as the v8 or faster, but the top end
would always rule with a v8.

Just my muffler and tips were 395$.  It gets expencive for a v6.

I also have a 2000 V6 and can understand the insurance problem!  I've done a
couple of things that are relatively inexpensive and have helped.

Cheapest so far:  Pull one of the screws holding down the air intake and run
to the nearest hardware store and buy four longer screws, same size (they
are metric) and a dozen washers.  Remove the four screws, use the washers to
provide lift for the intake and use the longer screws to tighten it all
down.  This increases the areas that air can flow in from.  Cost:  less than
$5

K&N Filter can't hurt and probably further reduces intake restriction.  It
will pay for itself eventually, since it's washable and reusable.  Cost:
about $50

Final intake mod so far has been to replace the air intake cover with a
Whisper lid from Thunderracing.com  Cost:  $140

My exhaust has been freed up using a muffler from a 2002 Camaro SS.  I
bought a take off muffler and intermediate pipe on eBay for $105 (no
shipping, since seller was within driving distance for me).  Installation of
muffler alone was $60.

Combined, there is a definite improvement in power (better than it was,
still no V8).  The wife complains that the car is too loud (I leave for work
while she is still "asleep").  It sounds about perfect to me.  She will
appreciate it more when I take things further!

Coming soon:  160 degree thermostat, Hypertech tuner, "free" or SLP Ram Air
kit.  Non horsepower items purchased and adding soon include BMR Strut Tower
Brace, polyurethane bushings for front and rear sway bars, Z28 19mm rear
sway bar, Zexel-Torsen Limited Slip differential, and 17 inch Camaro SS take
off rims (when current rubber wears out).

Later:  Headers, larger catalyst, SS Intermediate pipe, MSD Ignition,
upgraded brakes, maybe LE1 front and rear sway bars.  Dare I hope for a
supercharger?

Have fun,
Steve