Just bought 1989 N/A supra *Need Help*

[hates_losing_to_talons]

Hey,
New to the supra world and just bought a stock 1989 with the non-turbo (n/a).

1.I raced my buddys Eagle Talon TSI AWD last night (stock) and got killed off the line...just learned to drive standard a week ago and i did fine shifting, but i was just wondering what RPM i should be shifting at, i cant hear it due to the Magnaflow muffler the guy before me put on. Also on the start i spun the tires alot, and didnt seem to hook up right...someone told me to have it at around 2000 rpm before i drop the clutch. Is this about right?

2.What should i do (performance wise)? Im a student so not alot of cash flow right now, but saving is an option...a step by step performance upgrade list would be nice.

THanks for the help,