Rebuilding before turbo...suggestions for rebuild?

[Clawhammer]

Well guys, I'm finally starting to mess with the motor. I picked up a DOHC, which has been sitting in my backyard. Other than what I was told about the motor at the time of sale, I know nothing about this motor, so I'm going to have it rebuilt, swap it in place of my SOCH, drive it NA while I collect my turbo parts, and then boost it. My goal is a reliable 300-350whp street car.

Now I've read the stickies here and on KA-T.org, and from what I've read it looks like this is very easy to do, and can be done with the motor in stock form, as long as everything is in good shape, which it presumably would be after a rebuild. So for you KA-T guys, what recommendations do you have for me?

Based on your experience, will I be fine with stock internals or should I start looking to forged stuff? What do you recommend my rebuild entail? Any special hardware, headgaskets, etc. (for example I've read a stock headgasket and ARP hardware should be fine for my goal)? Places have quoted me prices, some with new pistons, some without. Considering what I want to do down the road, is it a good idea to get new pistons? Obviously yes if it's suggested I go with forged stuff.

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate any insight you guys have to offer.

[Florida240sx]

This is my advice to you. Keep that engine on the side and rebuild forged. with pistons and rods. Get another stock ka in running condition and swap it in.Because around that 350 range you'll be ok on stock parts but on th edge, an dif oyu lose by half a car you'll crank that boost up couple more psi to win, so have an engine that can handle it.

[Clawhammer]

Haha ok. 350 is the max end, I'm actually looking more at 300, just from my research they usually clump power ranges and that is what I'm looking at.

[480sx]

I agree with FL, for your goals a stock DE bottom end would be fine. Having another long block on the side to build up as you get your cash flow worked out is a great idea. This lets you save cash on your initial turbo build.