the best starting point for some light modifications is

1. CAI - get a Injen full CAI system or if u can get a Fujita they are almost the same, CAI will let ur car have cleaner smoother air intake, u wont get any power gains without doing the exhaust as well but u may get a small % of fuel economy and it will give the car a nice smooth sound =)

2. front and rear strut braces will give u a little more stability, u can goto rear sway bar re-enforcement (like an ASR brace or tie) to advance this a little but it will start costing a bit more

3. good suspension like some tein super streets or even some good springs etc will be good for the car, (not necessarily lower sussy just good quality) good sussy will put less stress and wear on the car and be safer and give u less tyre wear as well

4. some nice light weight wheels, rays wheels are the ideal but they will be expensive, make sure that whatever u get is only 1-2 sizes bigger than urs stock and remember the bigger u go the less performance u will get, i think race-nation sell some nice rays and jdm style light weight replicas that arnt too expensive =)

5. dont get a axle back exhaust - it will give nothing but noise and no gains at all and cost $$ =(

6. and oil pressure/temp guage will give u a good indication about when u can boot ur car a bit more and when vtec is ready to do its thing

i dont really know ur model of car so i cant help much more but im sure others will be able to expand on my post and correct me where i am wrong =)

good luck