7 bolt engine build question

[Aznspice27]

i have a 98 gst and i wanted to originally do a 6bolt hx35 build but i am expecting twins any day now so that expensive build has to hold off but i still want to upgrade my 7 bolt block... i was thinking of doing the evo3 turbo setup with manifold and o2 apexi n1 exhaust system full fuel upgrade from tank to rail and upgraded 750 injectors.... a few questions...

) a friend of mine who works on my car said there was small play within the crankshaft is there anything i should replace like bearings? or should i just look around for a 6 bolt block?

2) i dont want to spend the money for an eprom and dsm lite just yet not until i begin my 6 bolt build hopefully next summer and i heard tuning devices like the neo and safc arent that beneficial... any suggestions? im down for an eprom and maybe a key diver chip

i know its common sense to start with a 6 bolt but i dont want to spend the money machining the block and head if theres any way i can still use my 7 bolt that would be great if not then i'll just have to have her sit

thanx for your help and suggestions...

 

[400hp93talon]

If your starting to get play in your crankshaft dont drive your car other wise in a week you'll be one of those guys making a thread crying about the fact that they just got crankwalk. If you plan on keeping the 7bolt you need to put new mainbearings,rod bearing and crank seals in it. If you are capable of doing a 6bolt swap you should go that direction but rebuild the 7 bolt so you can drive it while you build the other motor. As for the key driver chip....I dont approve of them mainly because all of them I've seen are just guess tunes....you tell them what you have done to your car and hopefully they get it close enough to run. Dsmlink is expensive but its worth it in the long run!! good luck