IMO don't buy cheap strut bars cuz they tend to bend easily. Try to find a Neuspeed sturt bar cuz it gives great chassis reinforcement, also try to find a ITR rear sway bar kit, you'll be amazed how much improvements it gives you (less oversteer). Overall these 2 mods won't cost you over $250 if you can do the install your self. A CAI will not help mucn unless you have other mods come with it, I'd say 1-2whp and 2-3wtq gain. But since your gf has an automatic, I suggest you to leave the engine alone cuz the tranny won't hold too much power, and mods like I/H/E only give very little HP, especially on an automatic.