At the risk of starting a food fight, I learned on my 5 other Neons, start with a faster car, one that's already forced inducted, which is why I bought an SRT-4 (stage 3r 380+hp untuned).
I've dropped enough money into it that you would still have around 250hp with a turbocharged stock motor in a Protege. Plus my drivetrain is bulletproof, 1.71 60ft on slicks and stock clutch.
I like my P5 might spend some to make it quick with a little nitrous but that's it.