yah a zc long block is a good way to pick up fast hp for a cheap price, u can always just blow nitrous, but then ur gonna have to worry about the integrity of ur engine, and in the long run ur probably gonna break stuff and have to spend more money because of it, if ur just starting on performance parts get ur intake, 8mm spark plug wires, good spark plugs, make sure ur engine is in top condition, u can always go for weight reduction (its free), pull ur a/c etc.... but honestly speed comes with money, the more ur willing to spend the faster ur car will go, cant be more honest than that. my car cost me 1300$, and ive spent almost 5k on it already with the engine swap and the other mods i have, and wouldnt hesitate to spend another 4k for a turbo/intercooler setup once i have a little more money set aside.