should i put money in?

okay guys, i bought a lancer on halloween of last year. i got it before i learned how to drive standard so its an automatic. Should i still put money in it for performance? In january im considering buying a header for it, and an intake and other stuff, but my lil bro, who owns a sooped up lil civic crx says it not worth it. Should i or shouldnt I? Also, can i can horsepower from just a muffler and header or do i have to get all that other junk done to? And what about that test pipe thinggie i see everyone talking about? I'm kinda new to the whole thing so can some one please explain? Thanks

You Lancer should have more torque and generally be faster than his Civic assuming the same mods, but I still don't see much of a point to extensive tuning on AT cars. If all you're doing is bolt-ons I doubt you'll be disappointed, but if you plan on putting a lot of HP to the pavement then...well...trade it in for a 5spd ES and eat a little loss? ;)

My personal opinion, I would get the 5 spd. I got my '03 with the stick because I like shifting gears and I love that sound the engine makes as you downshift as it rises a bit and then comes down. << sighs >> My ex couldn't drive a stick, so I was stuck in automatic hell for a long time. Good luck with your shopping.

Junior.