Generally speaking purchasing a new car is not the only way.
This would especially hold true if money was already sunk into suspension and body mods.
A port and polished head, with I/H/E, and lighter flywheel could yeild acceptable results. And it could be done for much less then another car. If you did all the above yourself and shopped around it could be done for under 2-grand no issues, perhaps even 1-grand if you were really thrifty and a patient shopper.
You may even find results in having your factory intake or exhaust manifold ported or polished. Becareful, too much hogging of the intake manifold could result in sluggish throttle responce.
Not everyone is looking to out-run everyone else, some of us really love our Cords and look for enjoyment in just making our daily rides better. I know I sure love my Accord over most other sport compact--and have no intention of selling anytime soon.
Tearing into your shortblock; however, really should be saved as a finishing step in an ever extensive list of F23A modifications.