College...on a budget...you've heard this before

Hey. Its not like this is an old question or anything but I'm on a tight budget and I'm looking for ways of getting a little more kick out of my stock 95 GSX. My dad and I can install parts and do mechanical work but things like welding a new exhaust system is beyond me. I'm not looking for an 11 second car either right now, because my car lives 1500 miles away while I'm in college. After I graduate, I plan to get more into it, but for now, I'm just looking for some relatively cheap yet effective performance upgrades. I got the car last May after my brother officially took over my 87 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera so now that I have a taste of some speed, I want more. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.