What is the most HP I can get from a 97 Celica GT 2.2 American Model, What can I can to add more horsepower. Options

[howie_vang]

I HAVE A 97 CELICA GT 2.2L AMERICAN MODEL AND I WANT TO ASK YOU 6GC FANS TO SEE WHAT CAN I DO TO ADD MORE HORSEPOWER TO MY CAR. THE REASONS ARE THAT I HAVE A FEW FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE FOLLOWING MODELS: 94-2001 ACURA INTEGRA GSR/LS, 94-2000 HONDA CIVIC EX/SI THAT WANTS TO RACE ME A QUARTER MILE. MY MAIN FOCUSED IS TO BEAT THE 94-2001 ACURA INTEGRA GSR THAT COMES WITH 180 HP STOCK. IS IT POSSIBLE TO BEAT IT WITHOUT SWAPPING YOUR ENGINE. MOST OF THEM HAD SAY THAT CELICAS ARE WEAK AND IT MAKES ME MAD. NEED HELP. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

HAS ANYBODY ABLE TO BEAT THESE MODELS BEFORE? ( WITHOUT SWAPPED ENGINES BUT ONLY MODIFICATIONS STUFF)

SO FAR MY CAR HAS:
1. CARBON FIBER HOOD
2. EBAY HEADER
3. INJEN SHORT RAM INTAKE SYSTEM
4. WHAT ELSE ARE OUT THERE THAT I CAN BUY...(GOOD SPRAK PLUGS & WIRE<DOES IT HELP?)

[richee3]

For what it's worth, I've beat a Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and a Mustang GT in my old truck at the local dragstrip before. It's not always what car has the most power or the least weight. It isn't always the driver. To the OP, as stated earlier, just have fun with the car. Do all the maintenance to keep it running great. What have you really accomplished if you race those cars and win? You might feel good about yourself for a day or two, but that feeling fades. Then you look back and you realize you've spent a ton of money on your car and those guys, if they spent the same amount of money on their cars, are STILL faster. Congratulate your friends for having fun cars, then drive away knowing that yours will last longer and looks better.