Engine swap!

ok my friend has a 2000 neon es. I was woundering weither or not he should try and put cash into the engine the way it is or swap it for the nice Srt-4 engine? what do you guys think?

Obviously, the srt-4 motor would be the ideal way to go. But if he's anything like I am, large amounts of money don't come by very often.

Using the stock motor isn't unheard of either. I believe 209 neon has minor mods on his neon and he's running mid 14's.

I'm not familiar with the es but I would swap in the late 90's r/t engine and tranny instead of the srt. It would be easier. It wouldn't be as fast but it would still be fast.