Looks like I'm picking up a 1997GS 5sp 55K with a blown engine--my first DSM. Don't know how bad the enging is, but I will likely be looking for a rebuilt engine shortly (if anyone knows a reputable rebulder near GA). Since it has been sitting for a year, I will also replace all brakes/clutch, etc.. Having read though many turbo message threads on the boards, I have decided against going Turbo. It seems like too much risk, aggravation, and constant mainanance, which conflict seriously with my reliability requirement for the car (reliability is #1, fun to drive #2--I will not be racing it). So, I am now looking at the best way to improve performance non-turbo. If between the engine purchase/repair and mods I can keep that cost under $5K, that would be great.

This site has been a amazing resource, but when it comes to itemizing mods from a cost/benefit/HP standpoing, I am struggling to find what I need. Perhaps I just haven't been able to find it. A thread like this for example:

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Dude, congratulations on the car. As long as you are starting from scratch, here is what I did/have seen done and what I recommend IN ORDER:

1) Engine Item #1, X-dollars, get you estimated X-HP
2) Engine Item #2, X-dollars, get you estimated X-HP
3) Exhaust Item #1, X-dollars, get you estimated X-HP
4) Ignition Item #1, X-dollars, get you estimated X-HP
5) Clutch/Brakes Item #1, X-Dollars, get X-better perfomance.

You guys are the pros on this stuff, so what you say holds much weight.