BP build vs the BPT

[Eric]

So im sure this is an age old question, but what do you think is more worth while? Swapping your BP motor with a 323 BPT or just trying to build your BP? From what ive researched on various forums, both can be done, but the BPT is the cheaper option. Even the BP can handle Boost -- just at a fairly low PSI. I personally have been on the hunt for a BPT for a few months with little to no luck. I could always get one imported from like New Zealand for 1200 dollars, but forget that idea.

Ive been contemplating boosting the protege since it would be vastly unique in my area and fairly quick with this fairly light chassis. Only issue is that i do not know which path to take. Unfortunately, my 97 has 134k on it, although it has been well maintained over the years. Carfax shows routine visits since it was bought in 96.

What do you think? Boost the BP or just wait and hope a BPT will fall out of the sky and land softly in my garage?

[Turpro]

Boost the bp. It can handle abuse. Don't know where you read that it can only handle low psi but it definetly wasn't here with us bp nuts lol

[therieldeal]

if you throw some stronger rods and pistons in your stock motor it will handle as much power as you can reasonably make (we're talking like 500 transmission-breaking horsepower).

as-is it will handle 200-250hp no problem for a while, depending how much you abuse it and how well it's tuned.

[Eric]

haha i can try to go back and find out. I do recall why i heard this though. The BPT (apparently) is built with more aggressive cams, and beefier lowerend, and the exhaust manifold.

For my project, im wondering if my bottem end will be ok, and if the stock exhaust will suffice. The piping is fairly large (in my opinion) compared to other 4 cylinder motors. Typically boosted motors have atleast 2.25 in piping, versus the 2 in piping the 1.8 BP offers. Im also curious about the high milage on my motor...

[therieldeal]

the normal GTX bpt is nearly the same thing as your stock motor... the cams are different but not any more agressive, and the bottom end is identical aside from a .6 point drop in compression (8.8:1 down to 8.2:1). the head on the GTX actually has smaller intake ports.

when you go turbo you lose your stock exhaust manifold entirely... i think you need to do a bit more research

[Eric]

haha too be honest, im not familiar with forced induction. No, its not new material to me, but building it is. Dont worry, i wont be diving into this without doing much research and with the help of several other guys that have built numerous kits. I am having a touch time visualizing it though, i would like to see pictures of a bpt in the engine bay so i get a better idea.

[90prtege]

just LOOK use the search feature cause there is TONS of bpt cars on here