Opinions on motor build.
 

I am looking to build an engine for 99 10AE and my thoughts were to buy a very low mile 20-30K JDM 1994-98 1.8 BP, throw in a set of M-tuned or 949 Racing rods and swap over my 1999 head. I can get a complete engine with 5 speed for around $800 shipped to my door. I was thinking 1994-98 for the 9 to 1 compression as well as being $700 cheaper that the 1999-2004 engine.

I have a GT2560 turbo and I am looking at ARTtech log manifold and 3" exhaust, MS2 PNP, 550cc injectors, Ebay bar and plate intercooler. I am hoping to get around 250WHP, is this a achievable goal?

the stock motor should be good for a safe 250whp.

It has 127000 miles on it but there is no knocks or smoke, just being paranoid. What is the max power the stock rods can handle?

250whp is the safe limit, 127k is starting to get into age, but plenty of people have boosted them for many many miles after that.

do a compression and leak down test on your motor to see how well it is and if its a good idea to boost it.

WHP is better than boost, but not as accurate as WTQ when you're trying to describe the strength of the motor. I'd put the ability of the stock motor at ~230wtq if you're looking for longevity.

Jason_C just made 270whp and ~250wtq from a 2560R, a tubular manifold, and a 2560R@15psi, so you'll be right up against the limit of the stock motor. I would add the turbo, keep it at around 220-230whp, and decide whether the cost of building a motor is worth the additional power increase.

I'll try the stock motor, I am going to do a compression test tomorrow, what is the cylinder pressure supposed to be?

Supposedly 135 is minimum, 180-200 is ideal.

Not looking good

#1 190psi
#2 180psi
#3 170psi
#4 125psi

Add oil to #4 and repeat. That is not good, though.

I dont know what I was thinking when I did the first test, but I forgot to open the the T/B. So I checked it again at operating temps, dry, with the throttle open this time and got these results.
#1 208psi
#2 205psi
#3 205psi
#4 205psi

much better, so I think I will boost the stock engine and give it a good tune.

Thanks for the help guys.

Opening the TB won't change the results.. I'd find someone with a leakdown tester and check it again.

Edit: you'd do well to listen to Savingtons advice.