Ya, first thing i upgrade is reactor, then usualy do either engine or shield second (depends on cash flow and how combative im feeling =p). Starting setup burns like 65 radine a jump and 1 every 2 min or something. Can clear out that starting 1000 or so radine quite fast. Numega/trellis is i belive 10 a jump and 1 every like half hour. Makes a VERY large impact.
With the recent changes to cargo pods, it is quite easy to rack up enough cash quick to do full non artifact upgrades, atleast in single player with auto generation.