Just starting need direction HELP!

Whats up everybody I just bought a 1997 golf gl four door hatck with a five speed transmission. All I can say is that all the reviews and reading I did on this car dosnt give it justice. To put it another way i luv this thing. Well since im so impressed off the bat with the car its made me want to take this dub to the next level. Im planning on going all out on this thing and I plan on doing it myself. Im a quick learner and I have a buddy with a pretty nice setup as far as tools and equipment so since this is my first project car I guess I just need some insight on getting some more hps under the hood. Im open to all options besides a forced induction system unless someone can do some hard persuading. From what ive read those system cause some hard ware and tare and can get quite pricey right? Im thinking on a cai system, though im just not sure if there as productive on this type of car are they?. Exhaust, headers, plugs, weight reduction and any other type of add on im open too its just I not sure on whats most compatable with vws and im not real sure on any other types of things i can do to get her really whippin weather its big mods or small. I guess my point is I want her light fast and the pretty much the only and nicest lookin vdub in my town I just need some imput. Any would be much appreciated

Any performance add ons for a 2.0L are a waste of money. I installed a turbo kit on my gti and made a world of difference. At 13psi I made 200whp, and beat many hondas, acturas, vr6 gti's and net 1.8t gti's. Bummer my car was totalled with an electrical fire. BUT I did pull the entire turbo kit off it b4 the insurance company took it. It is for sale on vwvortex and I am asking 2500 for it which is a hell of a deal.