A good starting point could be to get rid of the restrictive turbo elbow and cats by using and downpipe that incorporates both the turbo elbow and the downpipe in one:
http://www.bicperformance.com/products.htm use a 3" test pipe, and a full 3" or larger cat back (or freeing up the exhaust as previously mentioned).
Buying an intercooler hardpipe kit (universal is cheapest, plus you can make them more efficient than any premade ones that go through the fender like stock) and a cheap intercooler with inlets and outlets on the same side:
http://store.driftmotion.com/productdetails.php?sid=145defaf1ca2de&product_id_int=287 (the piping can also be found on there too). You will probably want to instal a Blow Off Valve (BOV) on the pipes too and recirculate it back into the accordian hose.
Get a good air filter kit: K&N, Apexi, Blitz, etc.
Get a decent Manual Boost Controller (MBC), there are a few people on here who sell them for cheap.
I personally wouldn't go over 12 psi on the stock turbo or will not last long.
And a JDM motor is BS. You don't know what condition it's been in just because they advertise "low mileage" and "compression tested" of "leakdown tested". If you're going to do something like get another engine, BUILD YOUR OWN, save some money.
Before you do any of this, MAINTENACE, fix all of the shit that needs to be fixed on an old car like this! And last but not least... SEARCH, it's a good function that works on this site if you take your time and do it
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