I recently bought a 1998 Accord Coupe EX 2.3L vtec 5 speed. I want to make it a more fun ride, but can't break the bank at this point. I was wondering what you would do first, second, and third to make it a more zippy and better handling ride. Would you do clutch first, or exhaust first or headers, or something else?

 

There isnt a point in doing a clutch, its not going to make it any faster.

I would start with an intake, then an exhaust. Intakes are pretty cheap, where as a quality exhaust is going to cost you $400 or $500. Get it breathing right and sounding good. Header can come after that.

 

sounds good. I'll start with an intake. I have read a lot of good things about K&M. What kind of exhaust would you recommend?

 

K&N, Injen, AEM are all good brands for an intake. For exhaust Apexi, Greddy, Skunk2 etc are all good brands.

 

Would you do a cold air intake or just an intake? I live in upstate NY, so I drive 4 month out of the year in the winter conditions.

 

Snow isn't as big of a problem as a lot of rain. They make "bypass valves" where you basically just put it in the joint, so if the filter is filled with water it can get air from the engine bay which is safer.

As long as you don't plan on driving through foot deep puddles a cold air intake shouldn't be a problem.

 

I would put a nice stereo system in it and drive it.
If you want a "zippy" car then buy one, JMO

 

I had a supercharged Mini Cooper, that was really fun, but circumstances had me sell it. I know this won't ever be that without loads of money, but i can make it a good ride with some mods and a stereo like you mentioned.