Everyone has said what needs to be said.
Look stuff up and don't get pressured into doing things by other people (just because everyone says you should get an intake or exhaust doesn't mean you should, or choose those springs over another set), do tons of research. Wikipedia is great for basic info (how engines work, suspension types) and if you want something more in depth and focused:
http://www.autozine.org/technical_sc...ech_index.html