Rocan, I like your style!
Yeah, as far as finding that extra 25hp, it's hard for me to reccomend anything because all these mods really go hand in hand.
The 2002 'with the M10 in my opinion is more of a "watch me catch you in the corners/twisties" kind of car. If you're looking for "No traction in 1st, and 2nd gear when on the LOUD pedal", it's all possible. I'm thinking a M20 with light mods could easily move a 2002 with some power. That's what route I plan on going.