Unless you spend a LOT of money, the best you're going to get is a blip in HP, not a bump. You've got a compact truck, not a drifter. Get a Dodge SRT-10 if you want a truck with horsepower.
I've got a 91 2.4L and I don't think it is that slow. Once I get over 2000rpms or so, it pulls decently. My truck is stock, but I just replaced the plugs, wires, distro cap and rotor. Plugs and wires were both replaced with premium bosch.
I have a 97 with the 4 banger, I love the truck but mine is also gutless... I want some more power in mine... I like the look of the truck plus I have had that truck for ever... money isnt really an issue, and as far as how long it takes, I have a jetta to drive while its being worked on... what all could be done for more power? I was thinking a turbo but can that motor handle it?
Handling it depends on the age and condition of your motor and the amount of boost. Have you scaned the posts here for turbo installations? Do you know if anyone makes a kit or are you going to have to build your own?
I would build it my self, I have a saab 9000 as a parts car with a turbo... also my buddy has an internal wastegate turbo off an older nissan he sd we could use... not sure what its off from I think it was an aftermarket one...