modify the 2.0L or swap for a VR6?

[EddieMan]

Hi,
I am new to the car modifing seen but I want to learn. I have a 97 Jetta GLS with 64,000 miles and I want to get the car up to about 250hp and have it still be an everyday car. Questions: Should I keep the 2.0L or swap it for a VR6? Is it even possible to modify a 2.0L to get the kind of hp I want without draining my bank account? Depending on which motor I have what other mods should I do to the car? Last question: Lately my Jetta has been backfiring and I want to fix it. What could be causing it and how do I fix it?
-Thank You
-Eddie