Take pictures, this is the best thing.
1) Repair existing problems, FIRST
2) Tune ups, because you just started owning it, reset all the maintenance to your intervals so you know exactly when to change it all.
3) 17 Inch rims are usually too big for a 96-00 Civic, but can be pulled off sometimes; otherwise, it's ugly.
4) How do you know it handles well? What's your driving experience?
5) To tell the difference between cut springs and coils, look at it... Take a picture if you cant tell the difference. So far, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a cut spring or Ebay coil sleeve on stock shocks.
6) Please do your research, or make your own build thread that you can sneak in advice relative to photos. Everybody makes a thread like this and it's annoying, there's enough info on the internet on how you can "How to build my Civic like everybody else"
7) If you want more "UNF!!" without motor swapping, just turbocharge and tune it for 200HP which'll run you around ~$2500, if you don't have the money, dont consider it. If you want to learn more, search it up.
8) If you just want to do bolt ons and you're going to expect power, its a waste of time. You can spend $1000's on headers, exhaust, intake, cam, external coil (MSD), etc;. They're all just overkill. Without a proper tune & OBD1 conversion at this point, you can't get any power, and even with a proper tune, it's just a D-series Civic. An ECONOMICAL engine which it's potential has already been tapped to the best by Honda without turbocharging.
9) Look at your car, figure out what needs to be done before you do any work on it. You'll just be driving a hunk of junk if you accessorize it before you take care of it.
10) Good luck.
Read the thread in my signature or click here
http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=219682