early pre96 blocks from the RA can be closed deck which is stronger.
but it is not that cut'n'dry as some are and some are not.
Classic STi may have forged pistons but again it's not cut'n'dry and can only really tell when taken apart.
If you target is less then 350BHP then just go for it and bolt bits on to the engine you have.
You could spend £2000 on getting a very simple rebuild, and would end up with very little, if any power gain.
£2000 on tuning kit will get you :
Turbo (TD05-18G/VF28/VF30 etc....): £200-250 2nd hand
Injector (550) : £200
ECU : £350-£xxxx depending on choice i.e Apexi (£350 2nd hand, plus £200 mapping), Simtek new & Mapped £1000
Fuel Pump : £70
Fuel Pressure Reg (Good Quality) : £200
Good TMIC or FMIC : £400
Full Decat : £300-£500
Induction Kit : £80 - £150
none of the above should cause engine damage if done right.
engine damage still happens on stock engines if not driven with a bit of mechanical sympathy.
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