newbie to the group...

hey, been reading for a couple days, and had a question for the group. i've just recently started driving a VW (this is my jetta's 2nd winter with me), and it seems this cars acceleration and cornering has gotten to me. i drive an '88 with a german chassis, and a PF engine. i'm looking to give it a little more kick off the line( as if it really needs it), and the ability to corner even faster(i've been told this may be hazardous to my health :). i'm considering adding a turbo, and going to coil-over shocks/springs. given the fact that my coffers are empty at the moment i feel this is a good time to plan something like this( i CAN'T just go out and buy something). are there any brands / sources that would be well suited to someone who has relatively little exp. under the hood? before you tell me it's a bad idea to make mods w/out exp. i have a 30 yr. veteran VW mechanic for a father in law, and he'd most likely be helping me to do any work on the car. thanks. Pixie