VW Noob

Ok, I just registered and need to know some information on VW's. I have a civic and know alot about them but know completely nothing about VW's, and I hate not knowing things about a car. I just got a 1988 Jetta GL, but it doesnt currently run, either timing belt/chain or possibly head, and I know the cost to do a head or rebuild the engine you can get alot better engine than rebuilding, and I was wanting to know what would best suit my jetta, its going to be a daily driver so I want it to be very dependable, but then again, I want it to leave people with civics that think they're fast and furious (I know I have a civic, but I dont race it and say that Im 'fast' my opinion its a slow POS) also the jetta I bought is an automatic, which is alright, I guess, but I like a 5 spd better, so converting it would that be hard? And what would be the cost of an engine swap that would make my jetta a lil quick, any suggestions or knowledge I could use would be appreciated, thanks
Brandon