MK3 DUB! You have the 2.0L crossflow head which folks like to transplant into the somewhat lighterweight MK2 Jetta/Golf. It's a pretty sturdy engine. Capable of modest boost with only other minor upgrades. Easily tweakable.
Basics I'd do first are the usual: chip, exhaust, intake.... of course a basic tuneup as well. If yours has over 100k miles and your not sure of timing belt condition, go ahead and replace it as well as associated cheap parts. Lots of mods for your Jetta are available. IMO though stick with the mechanical stuff though as the cosmetics will only spend your hard earned cash and probably increase the weight of the car even more...not to mention look like that guy from the Fast and the Furious.
I'm a former dubber myself... but a MK2 lover primarily. So I don't know much on troubleshooting and tweaking on MK3... although mechanically they arent too different...
the best site I've found for all VW watercooled (and audi) is vwvortex.com forum is
http://forum.vwvortex.com I'm dustinvw on there... dont post much anymore because I sold the Jetta a few years ago. make sure to use search function though as they will just ignore you if the question has been covered many times.
congrats on the dub!
P.S. the stealership in waldorf carries all kinds of parts but their service is expensive. also check out
Morgan's Auto Parts I have ordered stuff from them in the past and have visited their "junkyard" a few years ago when I lived in Pax. (MK2 distributer was $$$ new but lots cheaper used from them) they have a big inventory too.
P.S.S. I also used Techtonics tuning extensively for my aftermarket parts. Great quality parts, with OEM available.
Techtonics Tuning Home Page the only thing they really don't carry is suspension package upgrades... so you'll have to look elsewhere for that.
other sites that come to mind are
ECS Tuning ::#OEM / Performance Parts for Volkswagen :: Front#Page ,
VW PERFORMANCE AFTERMARKET PARTS-Autotech Sport Tuning ,
Euro Sport Accessories, Inc - Performance and OE parts for Volkswagen and Audi ,
. ..:. Neuspeed The Official Site .:.. .
also check out
Discussion: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine they are a good source for all stuff cheap and used
P.S.S.S. BUY THE BENTLEY MANUAL! the Haynes ones suck. best $$$ EVER spent on VW.