2G Newbie with new build - some confusion

[dfauci]

I've searched and searched and i have found that i can find the answer "YES" to any question. this has raised some concerns for me as i get ready to start my build.

I just bought a 95 TSi AWD 5 speed. I am going to rebuild the engine. My goals are to make it as bullet proof as possible without extreme over spending. I want to make a 300-350 awhp DD.

This car has a 7 bolt bottom and a 6 bolt head (i guess he "shattered" the old head somehow and replaced it with a 6 bolt).

that aside, i'm looking around at rebuild kits and the big question i cant find a good answer for it what compression ratio should i look for in the pistons? Here's what i've put together so far (im not sure this is where i will buy everything from THIS particular place - but its at least handy to use as a reference)

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

(it says no timing belt because i was going to try to find an OEM timing kit)

so first - will those pistons and rod's (brand) accommodate my power plans and hold it nicely?

secondly, there are options for 8.3 and 9.0 compression pistons. which would be a good place to start? (i plan on running 91 octane because E85 isnt terribly easy to come by and i figured that 18 or so PSI would be enough boost for my desired power)

what size head gasket should i be looking for since its a 6 bolt head on a 7 bolt block?

and will the 6 bolt head affect my ability to use those ARP head and main studs?

thanks for any advice/info guys! i'm still doing tons of research before i even start this build so if you think im getting ahead of myself please point me in a better direction to focus my efforts!

 

[yhype]

The factory rods and pistons have been known to strong enough for those power levels so any aftermarket performance rods and pistons will be fine.

A Gates Timing belt kit is just as good as the OEM kit in mosts' opinions around here.

If your planning on running 91 octane on a DD I would stick with the standard 8.3 compression pistons.

Head gasket size will usually depend on how much the engine block is bored out so I would wait till the bores are measured/machined.

As far as the ARPs go, the main studs will be fine as the're the crank main caps, but the head studs as where I think you might find a problem, I know people have to drill out 7 bolt head bolt holes to use them on a 6 bolt block, so to having a 6 bolt head on a 7 bolt I would think your loosing clamping pressure on the head with the smaller studs(might not even be an issue though at 300-350hp levels).

 

[guseclipse]

Going forged is great. But your saying no overspending. If you want 350hp max Evo 9 pistons will be more than enough. That's a budget build to me.

Edit: timing belt I would go with Evo 9 as well. Cheaper than gates racing but uses same Kevlar reinforcement