To improve acceleration I'd remove all creature comfort equipments (Power windows, power steering, spare tire, tools, carpets, rear seat, passenger seat, anything you can live without) this should improve the power to weight ratio.

hehehe then use 13" rims with 165/70 tires. Just keep the engine bone stock and in tip top condition, no need for additional tinkering which might compromise the engine's reliability
Case in point ... lancer "itlog" EL version, 1300cc SOHC, but light as hell and goes like a 1600cc engined sedan. But no creature comforts aside from air conditioning. Fun to drive in the twisties also since it's light and does not understeer as much as regular sedans
