Power? Or Torque?

[PerfectCreature]

So, I have been darting around on weather or not I wanted more upper RPM range power of just pure torque.
I decided I wanted pure torque, but on another forum I as advised that my Pontiac Grand Am was already factory tuned for the most torque I could get.
It is for the most part stock with an aftermarket SRI (Ebay intake w/K&N filter)

Now, I am wondering if this in entirely true, I have the SE1 version of the Grand Am and year is 2003, I feel sometimes that it is like driving underwater compared to the other vehicles I drive. I really love the interior of the Grand Am and like the looks of it.
Now, I mostly drive within town limits and from town to town, I rarely ever see a highway. I am looking for increased performance within those ranges, between 0-65 and roughly 1500RPM to 5500RPM.
I have already looked into getting the street performance cam and an exhaust.
I am wondering which other modifications can be done to keep as much torque as possible but still give me the power I need to make it so it feels like I am driving on land and not water.
Do not get me wrong, the Grand Am is a formidable car, just not enough to quench my cravings.
So, what else can be done, and I will have to pay a mechanic for the work since I have limited knowledge, It was discussed earlier that I would have wanted a 3500 engine but I decided it is an incredible amount of work from the information that was given and it may be better to just add parts to the 3400 engine I have.
I have also been debating getting a turbo as means of power as well.
I would like suggestions on the most cost effective parts first.
Thanks.

[pocket-rocket]

Well, from what I've read and been told by an engine tuner, the GA's spark table is set up nasty from the factory. It's advanced so far from the factory that it's getting knock retard a lot of the time (PCM pulling spark, and consequently power goes down), so getting your car tuned will help. Since you also have an automatic, you need to keep in mind that tons of low end grunt from standing stops is going to kill your transmission- so prepare to upgrade that as well, and possibly shoot for a higher power band. Besides, power does no good if you can't get traction because you've built such a low end beast, especially in FWD.

[PerfectCreature]

Ah, that is true, my dad has Trans Am which is where I learned to love the torque so much and you can't get off at a stop light without a chirp or two.
Yes, I am aware of the wreckage that take-offs at stop lights do that I why I do it only once in awhile. Most time I am very easy to go off and have a light foot.

So, Like mentioned I plan on getting an exhaust (Pacesetter) that should alleviate some of the concentrated power by widening the powerband.
You mentioned a new transmission if I were to do these upgrades, would you suggest the 3500 with a turbo because that was other route I was going to go but was told it is extremely expensive when paying a shop to do it.
Thanks

[pocket-rocket]

Since it's all pretty much custom one off (turbo system wise), yes, it would be pretty expensive to have a shop do, but it would be a powerful beast.

PS. I love TA's (wish I had a WS6 myself)

[PerfectCreature]

Alright, say if I just wanted a 3500 for now, how much labor would it take if I brought them the engine, and all the swap over parts.

Then, after that had them add the turbo.
Separate estimates.
Its is easier to turbo a 3500 than a 3400 correct?
I would net more gains with a 3500 anyway, vs a 3400 that was turbo'd after tuning and such.
For a turbo set-up what sort of other parts would I need to be looking at.
The exhaust that I plan on getting and the cam I assume would play a big help in it.

I assume I could do the exhaust myself if I had access to a lift. The other stuff most likely not since I have limited knowledge and limited tools.