Rebuilding, need lots of advice

[eclipse98rs]

I'm currently in the process of rebuild pretty much everything in the car from the suspension to the engine, and interior. It’s been a work in progress, money and a nagging wife has been the issue for awhile, but now I've finally got together enough cash for what I want to do. I'm working with a limited budget of 10k. I'm getting as much input as possible before I make my final decisions in the coming weeks and start ordering parts. I'm hoping I can get enough comments that I'll be able to finalize everything. I'm doing all of the work myself so I don't have to worry about labor. I've built a few 5.0 motors before, but this will be my first venture into forced induction and 4 cyl engines.

Engine
Howell Performance Rebuild Kit w/ eagle extreme rods. 8.6 comp. This is about the best price I've seen for a complete rebuild package, with decent parts.
Machine Work: It’s all getting done at the local Napa; I know a few guys and they do some decent work.
Felpro Gaskets
Napa Hoses
Goodyear Belts
NGK Plugs, copper, one ranges hotter.
MSD 8.5mm wires
Accell 500cc injectors
Fuel rail? I've yet to find one a like, what are your thoughts on the stock one?
MSD Sport Ignition: Your thoughts on this too?
Unorthodox Racing Pulley Set: Has anyone had any experience with this, I'm looking for the most cost effective pulley set.
Unorthodox Racing Cam Gears
Crower Valves Springs / Titanium Retains
SBI Rockers
Eaton PT Cruiser Lifters
ARP Stud Kit
Crower Turbo Cams
Indy SS Valves
Headwork: How does this head react to porting? Is the gain, worth the time and money?
Crank: Does anyone make a forged one for less than $1250? That’s the best I could find.

Has anyone had any experience with cyro treating? I've dealt with a company in the past whose cryo treated cranks for me. But I'm thinking about getting the whole engine assembly done for $350...not sure yet.

Drive train
I've recently acquired a 5 spd from a 2002 neon base model, the one with the 3.94 gear ratio.
LSD: How does the phantom grip compare to a true LSD, is it worth spending the extra cash on a true LSD?
Clutch: I'm really undecided on a clutch I've heard good and bad things about all the clutches out there, could I get some advice on this?

Braking
I've already done a rear drum to disc conversion.
Power Slot Rotors
Green Stuff Pads
Goodyear SS brake lines

Suspension
Tein Type Flex: Is it worth the money? That's my question I've heard nothing but good things about this setup.
Tein EDFC
Sway Bars: Any recommendations
Strut Bars: Any recommendations
Energy Suspension PU Bushing Kit

Electronics
Apexi AVCR Boost Controller
Apexi SAFC-2
Apexi Turbo Timer

Misc
AEM Intake / Bypass valve (The bypass is a must have, killed a car once because of that)
Fuel Regulator: B&M adjustable, is it worth it?
Fuel Pump: Walboro 255lph, enough said.
Fluidyne Radiator: Will the stock do, or am I going to need a upgraded one.
Turbo Kit: Here’s the biggest dilemma do I use HRC or Star, I've read up on both, but I'm just undecided. At this point I've been leaning more towards the HRC Stage 2 w/ fmic.
Exhaust: Everyone has an opinion; I want a system that isn't going to require me to wear ear plugs when I'm cruising at 70mph on the highway, and one that isn't going to restrict the engine.

If I left something out feel free to tell me, my notes are on about 20 different pieces of paper and it’s hard to transfer them onto here in just one sitting. Sorry about any typo's.

Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[Topple]

That's a big list... For the suspension...... I would for sure go with Tein, and with the EDFC, is so awesome! Check out RMDSM if your going for sway bars. Might like what they have. Anything for 100 bucks should get you a fantastic strut bar, now days even cheaper.
GReddy's new EVO 2 exhaust might be what your lookin for...

 

[dr1665]

Just going off the top of my head here trying to remember your huge list there:

MSD coil: If it's the standard type replacement, you might also check out the Screamin' Demon from Howell while you're there. More juice is good. I've heard it makes for a smoother idle and better response.

LSD: avoid that NuSkool POS. Unless you like holes in the tranny. The Phantom Grip is built a little better, but your best bet in a 2GNT, aside from the $1200+ Quaiffe is the Retro fit LSD which you can get from ERT (Exile Racing Technologies). They build it custom into your diff with improved materials and oiling mods for longetivity. They also have a GB going on right now at www.2GNT.com where you can pick one up for $350 instead of the usual $450 price.

Turbo kit: I'd go with the HRC. It seems like they are easier to get a hold of if you need something and the instructions are a lot better than the Star kit's. They are pretty much the standard by which others are measured. Given your setup, if you are building the engine up and installing the larger injectors, you might want to discuss with them the idea of a larger turbo like the 20 or even 25. Just a thought.

Headwork: the stock head flows very well, but I'd imagine it could benefit from some mild porting and polishing if you're going to be ramming so much air into it.

Crank: they're pretty stout on these cars. You might consider having the OEM balanced and all that, and saving the money for a better one that you could spend more time shopping for. There are stroker cranks out there, which I'm relatively sure are forged, but it's just another thought to ponder.

Injectors: have you given any thoughts to the 8 injector set up? Rather than buy some sketchy fuel rail (on these cars they're pretty much for looks anyways), pick up another one on the trader or something and build up a secondary fuel rail to add more fuel when you need it, but keep from drowing the engine under no boost.

Clutch: I hear that the SPEC clutch is pretty good. The CenterForce Dual Friction is a no-no. Stay away from that POS. The only thing I've ever heard anyone have bug them about a SPEC is some chatter at idle.


So thats just some thoughts I figured I'd bring to the table here. I'm going to be investing another 5 grand or so into mine by the Shootout, but I'm going all motor, so I know a little of what you're going through with that cash burning a hole in your pocket. You want this done fast, but you want it done right. If you haven't been over to 2GNT yet, you might check it out over there. A lot of experts with this engine that don't really get over here too often. Too much drama.

Good luck!