automatic?

What do you guys feel about automatics?
I have a 96 civic and i could sell it look for a manual or i could just stick with what i ahve. Im not looking for my car to be extremely fast but i do want to help it gain some speed. So what are some things that would give it a pretty good step up. I cant afford NOS or stuff like that, and i know intake but is ther anything else?

Mainly im just doing it for looks and b/c iv become obsessed with cars and want to learn everything i can about them. I just dont want to have my car look really nice and have a stock engine still. That doesnt work for me.

So what is your opionions. I know its all my choice but i still want to know how others feel. Sell the car or stick with what i have?
Thnx everyone.