First car. 16 years old. In love with custom cars?

Alright. So I'm 16 I'll be 17 when I get my license. I've got a job and am paying for my own car, insurance, gas. Etc. I was basically born and raised to breathe cars. I want my first car to be something affordable yet customizable. My dad owns a 10 second drag mustang that he built himself from the ground up. My step mom owns an 11 second Mitsubishi 3000 Gt vr-4 and a dodge stealth that's pretty tuned up. Then my brother owns a dodge stealth with a Mitsubishi 3000gt body on top. So it's American vs. Tuner in my house. I don't want a stealth or a 3000 I've learned that they are hard to work on and sometimes very expensive to repair. I'm pretty much open to any car (American or muscle) but nothing like a Honda civic. I just think they're too riced out for me. So the final question is what car can I get that is affordable for someone my age. That can be built up to look nice. I'm not building a race car. Just something that looks mean and can get up and go. Any suggestions?

Trying to gain some more horsepower?

So I recently bought a Honda Civic VP (DX) 1.6L, so far it has (how I bought it) a after market exhaust system and a air intake (which I'm going to have to replace later cause the silicone boots are cracking).

I'm not yet sure on rebuilding the engine and adding a supercharge or turbo yet. I want to increase the HP a bit and if possible the GM on it (which isn't bad right now, but would be great to make less stops at the gas station).

I was thinking on changing the Fuel pump, Injectors, Rail and regulator but I don't know if that'll be wasting gas or improving it?

What's the best way to start removing paint on a car?

So I just bought a Honda civic (used off crag's list) and I want to paint it flat green, no gloss or anything. I want to (at least try) to do it on my own, Not sure if ill paint it myself but I want to strip the paint and lay the primer. However I'm not sure what's the best way to start. And what's faster to remove the paint and clear coat.

Volks GTI vs Honda Civic Si vs Acura RSX type S?

Want something fun to drive, reliable, good on mpg and is going to last… While it will still be respectable at a red light if someone is giving me "that glare" haha…

I would like to drive these before I made a decision but I'm working 12 hours everyday this summer and won't have time to do much shopping around before I start college.

I'm leaning towards the Volkswagen but I do not know if the reliability and resale are as high as a civic si or Acura. Any input is appreciated.

What is the best way to polish black paint on a car?

I have a black 2006 Honda civic si. I recently purchased turtle wax for black paint. It comes in a spray bottle. Today I washed the car, dryed it off with a sponge-like rage called "the absorber". It looks like a shammy, but it's sort of spongey and rubbery. I've had good experiences with this rag in the past. I parked the car in the garage to let it cool off, then I applied the turtle wax spray using one side of a microfiber cloth to rub it on, then turning it over and polishing it off. I own an orbital buffer, but haven't used it in a few years. My goal is to get the swirls out of the clear coat and add a shine to it. My last car was green and I would wax it with a compound, once every year so. I'm seeing that it is quite difficult to keep black paint clean, as it shows everything. Please tell me your ideas, tips, tricks, do's and don't's. Much appreciated! What is the best way to polish black paint on a car