tuning for a beginner

In general, what are the first few things that people do when starting to tune their stock engines? if it makes any difference, im thinking in terms of a 96-00 dx hatchback.

tuning a stock engine is worthless.

maybe you are using the term "tune" incorrectly.

Well it depends on what your goals are and what the budget is. I guess in your case if you have a low budget: Headers, Intake, Cat back Exhaust System, New igniton Wires & spark plugs. If you have a slightly higher budget but not enough for a swap, go with a turbo kit (drag, and rev hard are good, but with greddy you can still pass smog if your in a smog state.) and some of the other things mentioned above. otherwise just do a swap, B series are incredibly easy to do into that chasis and a skilled mechanic can have your car in & out in less than 2 days if they aren't too busy. They are pricey though,easily into the 3000 range and beyond depending on what you do.

thanks alot. my car has relatively low kilometers so doing a swap at this point seems kind of dumb. ill probably stick with the low budget option for now