Thank you Sensei Miyagi

Hi there everyone, im pretty much at noob at the internals of cars but i know the basics. So my question here is what is a good way to learn in depth about how to get more power from engines etc. and like should i try and find some sort of car club? By the by, I'm in Chicago if that makes a differance. Thanks alot. P.S. my family cars are shit mobiles (1990 Mazda 626, 04 Toyota Prius, Toyota Siena...), but im living vicariously through my friend who is filthy rich, who i convinced to get a 2005 WRX STI.