proper EVERYTHING, all the help I can get!!

so far the car (Accord LX, 2door) has a cheap cold air intake. As far as I know, that's about it. I've asked in other forums about things I can do to pep it up more. Info offered were things like, drop an H22 in it and be done with it. Well, I can't afford that. I'm looking for the basics. Like possibly spark plugs, spark plug wiring, muffler, umm, any of the small affordable stuff that will pep it up a little. Also, I'm assuming this WOULD be the case, but I'll ask anyway. Would a more expensive cold air intake make a difference? It's no Z28, which is what I did have, but it's got a little pep to it...just would like to have a little more to back up that box of bumble bees I got goin in the muffler department. Muffler ideas are welcome. I have a friend trying to sell me a Dynomax racing muffler along with some others, but they'll all be tried out before a conclusion will be made. Keep in mind guys, I'm not trying to 'trick' my ride out to any extent, just basically wanna follow through with the cold air intake that was on it when I got it, and do the basic modifications to add a little pep. So, any and ALL brand names or suggestions are more than welcome for this female novice. thanx!