I want to know what a good set of plugs and wires will give me the best performance for my dollar. I don't want to go spedning a lot of money of them but just get a decent set up.

 

I would stick with AC/Delco platinum plugs. I use to change wire long a go but do not anymore. I leave the originals for the life of the engine unless there is a problem. I find that changing them to an aftermarket brand usually creates a problem or they last 2 years at best.

If I were to change the wires then I would use an exact factory set (AC/Delco).

 

You should be able to get AT LEAST 100,000 miles on factory plugs, wires, and coil packs. BUT if you DO change them, call someone like ZZPerformance to see what they recommend. They will sell you anything, but what do they recommend for your specific application? I can tell you they will recommend NGK Iridium plugs and not Platinums, and probably something like Taylor 10 mm wires.
Honestly, it's hard to beat factory parts. And they told me to throw away my MSD coil packs and put factory coils back on. (I have a misfire on #4, and the coils have 100,000+ miles on them). The factory coils are stronger.
Pull a front plug and look at it. If it looks cooked, replace them. Otherwise put it back in and save your $$$.

 

The plugs might last 100,000 miles with a no set of cylinder heads. I put on 5,500 miles a year and after 8-10 years those plugs will not come out easily. My wife's 2002 Malibu has 46,000 miles. I will change them @ 60,000 by 2010 and that should last until the Chevy Volt is available.

 

I put on 38,000 miles a year. I didn't think about the plugs not coming out. GOOD POINT! You need to take out you plugs and inspect them every 5 years or so if you don't put any miles on them. Maybe some anti sieze on the threads on the install?