Looking for some modification guideance. Options

[Bluelightning]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newb here so, I apologize if I ask any stupid questions up front.

My wife and I just recntly purchesed her a Bone Stock 1996 AT200 5-speed to use as a daily driver in place of the 2003 Dodge Durango she was driving. Fuel costs where getting to much for us, so we needed something a bit more economical, plus she wanted something fun to drive.

We where supprised at how well the car responds with only 108 HP. Now we are looking at our options for increasing that.

I have been doing a bit of research here on the site and understand that the 3S-GTE swap is the hands down prefered option for all out power, but I also want to keep an eye on overall cost of ownership as well. IE Mantinece cost, and fuel costs after modification. I need to keep these costs reasonable for a daily driver.

What I am looking for is something that will fit the following requirements post modification.

1: Run well on Regular Unleaded gas.
2: Pass Texas emissions testing
3: I can get replacement parts, and normal maintenance items at a reasonable cost.

My understanding is this pretry much rules out a JDM engine swap.

What about a swap for a 5S-FE from a USDM GT? Is this a reasonable option? Will it meet my requirements above?

Would I just be better off sticking with my 7A-FE and working with it?

I would not be opposed to a turbo kit for the existing engine, but I belive that would require me to run a higher grade of gas. Is that correct?

If that is the case what performance mods would be recommended for a NA 7A-FE to get a few more HP out of it? Would I be pretty much limited to an intake upgrade, and exhaust upgrades? Would that net me much HP gain on the 7A-FE?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations you can make.


This post has been edited by Bluelightning: Sep 23, 2005 - 10:24 AM

[Bluelightning]

OK. it looks like I have a fairly clear picture now.. It sounds like I either need to throw all my reservations out the windows and go all out for the 3S-GTE, or just go with minor mods for the 7A-FE and be happy with what I can get out of it.

Thank you everyone for you time. It is greatly appreciated.