NA tuned or turbo

[Smackrazor]

I'm debating whether or not to go turbo with my car or would it be just as cheap to make a 200hp NA tuned car... maybe 250 hp. I don't want much more than that, just enough to keep up with the audi's and beamers.

[Janne Selinummi]

200 hp requires new camshafts, ported/polished head, new exhaust and improved intake, and also tweaked ECU and FPR.

250 hp, however, would require (in addition to the above mentioned stuff) high compression pistons, mechanical valvegear with high-tension valve springs, improved ignition system, an improved tubular exhaust manifold, balanced rotating assembly and uprated injectors.

So it's not going to be cheap. It can be done, but expect to pay a LOT to get turbo-like performance with a N/A Saab engine.

[Smackrazor]

Hmm... I might just go for 200hp then. If I ever feel the need to go turbo then I wouldn't have wasted too much money then either.