Newbie Got a Few Questions on a 91 Civic, Please

ok, first off, my name is Kevin

i am about to be given (almost) a 91 Civic Hatchback.

I dont really know much about it except that it has a 4 spd and No tach and the guy claims it gets like 35mpgs's

This is my first import car and i am into modifying Jeeps and have a very built one that i did all myself. I am sure that i will be bitten by the Import bug and will be doing many mods soon.
My questions are these.

Any idea which model had a 4spd with no tach?

Also, are there any year/models that have Direct Bolt/Plug in dashes with a tach? if so, what?

Also, the first thing i am going to mod is the handling. What do yall recommend? I dont think this one has sway bars (real cheapo model). Is there a year and model that will have sway bars that bolt right in? There are a good amount of Junk yards around here with these and if i know what to look for i will have a field day!

Do strut tower braces actually work? Are they worth it?

Any advice is well appreciated.

Any ideas?

Thanks