engine build vs. new turbo??

[spider_slayer]

well.......i finally have some money put away and i'm pretty sure that my next year of college is gonna be taken care of so this summer i got some cash to blow. and everyone knows where it is gonna go....my question is what go fast goodies should i get.

i'm relatively sure my headgasket needs to be replaced, maybe even the water pump. its overheated a few times so i think i should get the block and head looked at somewhere (if anyone knows a good shop in the mid west let me know). but the head gasket and water pump should be about 400 if i choose the metal head gasket which i want to go with. and then god knows how much to get my head and block machined. i think the timing chain could be ticking so thats another 350.

so the engine is gonna for sure be pulled...i have about 2-3k to blow. lets say it costs 1000 to machine my block and get it back in perfect working order thats 1700 spent and i have about 300-1300 left to spend. my question is what would be the better upgrade.....

A) cams, springs, retainers and then be able to keep a few bucks in the bank

or go all out and.......

B) t28, fuel pump, injectors, maf and what ever else i need to up the turbo

i am wondering what are the benifits and power gains from both. let me hear it guys

[180fan]

Go with important stuff first. Water pump, headgasket, and chain. If your block is going to be at the machinist, might want to consider getting new piston rings and bearings installed as well. If your head's going to be at the machinist, consider getting new valve guides, valve stem seals, and a polish job, possibly a valve job but that's your call. Valve springs and retainers are a good idea while the head is off. Cams can always wait, as they're a pretty easy install.

How much power do you hope to lay down? If it's over 400, you might want to consider getting new pistons. In the end though, it won't make impressive numbers over what you had before. But you'll be able to sleep easier knowing that your motor should be running fine for quite a while longer now that it's been freshened up and probably could take quite a bit more of a beating than you could with your motor in its previous state. Pros: Fresh motor that you probably won't have to tear down again for a long time.cons: Expensive, not much in terms of power gains.

The t28 turbo upgrade is a good one to consider. Cheap (relatively speaking), and makes pretty good power that's easily streetable without much of a sacrifice in terms of drivability. Pros: Cheap (relatively), will make more power than you did before or with the other option.Cons: Might not be as much power as you like and should you decide that you need more power, you might have to go back to the previous option of tearing down the motor if the motor needs strengthening or rebuild due to bad rings, or worn bearings, etc. Cost is more money and down time should anything go screwy later.

Me personally, I'd go route #1 with the reliability issues and overhaul. Actually I have gone that route, I'm still waiting to get more cash to get my block and head worked.

[own3d]

lets just wait till we take the motor out and find out how bad it really is? thatd be better than buying some turbo stuff then finding out you have to spend all yo money on getting the engine just to run right

[spider_slayer]

yea, i think your both right. i've had the engine in for about a year and i havn't exactally been how should you say.....forgiving. its been a blast don't get me wrong but now i gotta give her some love . turbo can wait.

now, when you say getting new ring and bearings.....i thought when you sent a block to get machined you are supose to gut it and then they resleve it and mag-flex it to test for cracks and ish....is this not how it works? if not then cool....thats one less thing to take apart.

also since i really havn't done much homework on block and head work. how much would i be looking at to get both back to factory order assuming there is nothing horriably wrong?

also, i would REALLY REALLY LIKE TO KNOW OF A GOOD SHOP IN THE MID WEST TO SEND MY ENGINE TO.....please?

[own3d]

well how much power are you wanting to put down mike? It is possible that the block/head will still be within spec. if they are then id just do the head gasket, waterpump, and TC. http://www.srparts.com/engine.html that site seems reasonable, you can get some new rings and everything youd need to take your head off and throw it back on for $360. bearing shouldnt be to expensive, not really any need to spend alot on pistons and rods since there's redtops with 500whp on stock internals and i know you dont plan on going over that.

acctually after a little searching just spend an afternoon reading thishttp://www.primeracarclub.co.nz/performance.html

that should let ya know about anything about the engine you could want to know