Help me help my stepbrother with his Celica. Options

[Cameage]

Hi. My stepbrother recently acquired a '97 AT200. I know absolutely nothing about Celicas (or Toyotas in general, for that matter), besides what I've picked up by reading Jalopnik (this is how I know that he has an AT200). I don't like Toyota very much, but my dislike is really only towards their current (around 2000 and up) lineup. They seem to have engineered all of the fun out of their cars (though the FT-86 looks like it's going to be pretty sweet, if it's not bloated). I'm not trying to sound anti-Toyota on a Celica forum, I'm not a jerk. I like 6th-gen (and prior) Celicas, Supras, Mister 2s, and, because I'm a huge nerd, AE86s. Hiluxs and FJs are pretty great, too. So, yeah, my point is, Toyota is definitely not my favorite brand (that would be Saab), but I definitely have an appreciation for certain models (actually, I have a total lust for turbo Supras...but then, who doesn't?).

So. Here's my question. My car is pretty awesome. I'd like his car to also be awesome, so they can both be awesome sitting in front of our house. What would be the first steps toward improving a '97 Celica on a budget? Appearance isn't important, I'm just focusing on quick, relatively inexpensive ways to give the car a bit of a leg-up on all of the stock Celicas on the road.

[macavely]

Make the car lighter. (that doesn't cost anything.. Take every and anything out of the car that is not needed..

Upgrade the suspension.. shocks, springs, upgrade all the suspension bushings..

Air Intake Exhaust.. Not much of a HP gain but if done right will give it a little extra pep..

Tires.. Brakes..

looking for a spare engine you can work on.. Would be a good project for you and your brother to do on your spare time..