That's a bit more than I paid, but they're not cheap given the price for a used complete engine. However, I've got a build plan for an engine--nothing fancy--but I want the engine to seem like the equivalent of a completely new engine.

By "nothing fancy" I still mean 180-200whp on pump gas, NA.

*impatiently waits for build thread*

After reading Quinn's build over on cr.net, its had me thinking about building the BP4W head I have sitting on the shelf and skipping VVT, but I'd hate to give up the low/mid range torque.

I like Emilio's method of building, confirming and then telling. My bench-racing skills are legendary for their inflation factor. :)

I've heard that as an excuse for not installing a larger turbo (don't want the lag of a bigger unit) except that on the track or during spirited driving yours rpm's will already have negated that point. BTW, I'm not advocating a position but just making an observation.

*impatiently awaits telling thread*

Well I am thinking if getting rid of my turbo setup and to simplify the car into a more reliable track car (before I spend money breaking things).

Ah, no. The idea that VVT engines only make additional torque below the lowest RPM seen on track is quite fallacious. Especially with a 5-speed, ~4500rpm is not an unreasonable minimum RPM to expect on a road course.

My point is that larger turbos have a reputation for producing more lag than smaller turbos, which is true. However, in a track environment your rpm's are usually high enough all the time to keep the turbo spooled up. At a stop sign from idle, different story.