I've been thinking for a long time that I would upgrade the 20020v to a big turbo. (gt3071 or gt2871). I always thought I would do the turbo first and then save up for software, injectors etc.

I've been reading some posts lately that seem to indicate software should come first... so what is the preferred and *cheapest* path to bigger power on a stage1 chipped 20020v with 996 brakes?

I want to go distributorless at some point, but have no clue on the tuning aspect and would prefer pre-tuned chips but I guess there's a learning curve for everything. I expect to forgo the exhaust manifold to save money since I don't plan on going crazy with the upgrades on the old girl.

Upgrades like better suspension, sway bars (looks like you have brakes covered;) and other ancillary items like that are a good start. Motor/trans mounts, exhaust, intercooler. See if the motor is up to snuff (compression test, headgasket, head studs,ect,ect,ect). Then worry about making it go fast. Stuff like exhaust and intercooling are good supporting mods for a lager turbo.

How exactly do you plan to forgo the exhaust manifold with a t3(t25)-flanged turbo?

A larger turbo and new software go together. You can't do one without the other, at least not without serious problems.

034 hybrid turbos have the audi flange that would allow me to upgrade the turbo without the exhaust manifold.

I could go to the ebay cast iron RS2 knock-off but not sure I can come up with money for SEM *AND* a turbo. that's like $3k and I'll still need to add fueling modifications.

Looks like I need $4k-$5k to do the upgrade the right way.

I can't afford this.... darn it! there must be a cheaper slower way to do it.

There is never a cheap way to make this kind of power unless you can make a lot of your own stuff.

Its just not a good idea to go into it trying to come out cheap. If you go into it with no budget, but come out cheap, then good for you, but thats not usually the case.

Yaaa do it this way... eventually you will have to anyways...

Sounds like an RS2 type engine is about the limit of your budget. Get a used RS2 manifold. Those are about $850. Make friends with someone that can fab up a bigger intercooler setup for you. That's about $400 in parts. At that point get an RS2 type turbo. I have no idea what those cost, but certainly less than a grand. When you install the turbo get a chip from either 034 or one of the guys on here that have them. The only thing left to do will be to get a 3" SS exhaust fabbed up. Those parts will get you a little over 300 to the wheels and probably cost less than 4k. That's a good place to stop because you will be at the limit of the distributor. To get rid of it is either a lot of work, or a lot of money.

well, i'm surprised no one mentioned MAINTENANCE!

as with any project, the end result is only as good as the sum of the parts, so i would recommend a full bushing replacement with new control arms. also, a timing belt/water pump/idler pulley would be a close second. then, i'd do a full tuneup, replace all the filters, vac lines, and any hoses/lines that are rotted. once the car is 100%, then i'd start thinking about mods. i'm not even concerning myself with the turbo kit i have just yet as i have a lot of bushing work yet to do, as well as a new radiator to put in.

with a 200-20v, there's a lot to do to make it 100%, and i'd focus on making the car as close to 100% as one could get it, then and only then, i'd consider upgrades. see yodasfro's project thread.

I've owned this car for 8 or 9 years. She's about 97%.

I've spent thousands maintaining her and replacing with performance parts whenever possible. Had the clutch done (stock, not performance) a few years ago and all the subframe bushings replaced. Timing belt is recent as are the heater core and blower motor.

Mechanically near perfect. Full set of Samco hoses, Vortex Breather, Eibach/Bilsteins, 17x8 rubbers with 996 calipers.

The Turbo is original at 197k miles., if it died I would have upgraded but it keeps going. No play in the shaft but it feels hard to turn like it's attached to a really big wheel. I have no idea if this is correct.

Would starting my upgrades with a GT2871 and an electronic boost controller work to hold me over until I can afford fueling and stand alone engine management?

not sure what EBC run but they are cheaper than SEM and probably necessary for later on anyway.

opinions?