The effect of I/H/E

I was talking to a friend of mine, (i have a 1.6ltr 1998 Civic Hatch) and he was telling me that an intake and filter would do nothing, and an exaust would be waisting my money, (all it will do is add a note). I am interested in preformance.

Do you agree with him, what should i do for preformance.

I want an exaust, but you need headers for an exaust system to work well.