[TcmaBoy]

The next step is to stop wasting money on the 7MGE. Then you need to swap the 7MGE for the 7MGTE. Used 7MGTEs are about $800-$900.

When you get your 7MGTE put a metal head gasket in it. The stock composit gaskets are known for blowing.

Stay away from those junk Bosch platinum plugs. They have been known to fowl and melt down. If you are building a serious turbo motor then get a set of Denso Iridum plugs.

Stay away from "high flow" filters such as K&Ns. Use a stock paper filter. The K&Ns only provide marginal flow gains, but let massive amounts of dirt into the motor.

From there it all depends on budget and power goals. The 7MGTE can do up to 500 HP before you need to replace the internals. Always do supporting fuel modifications when you do turbo work.

You need to do a realistic assesment of what the vehicle is going to be used for.

You will also want to replace your transmission with an R-154.

I don't know why you are agianst swaping engines. This is the way to go. You would have to replace the internals in your 7MGE to lower compression to boost friendly 8.5:1, which the 7MGTE already has. Then you will still need a turbo. The 7MGTE already has one. The 7MGE block is not taped for piston oil squirters like the 7MGTE blocks are. Then you will need to buy all the sensors, ignition parts, ECU, and other electronics for the 7MGTE. Basicaly you will be spending a lot more money to get the same engine. If your idea if "fun" is throwing money down a hole then go ahead and rebuild your 7MGE with 7MGTE parts.