Girlfriends cavilier, what should I do with it?

[Amphiron]

My girlfriends 2000 Cavilier just went down. It's blown a headgasket and its had a rod knock forever. Shes getting a new car and the Cavilier seems like something id like to play with? I might just give her $300 for it to put towards a Lancer.
My goal here? A junkyard built autocross/back up car I can drive when my stealth is getting work done.
I plan on tearing everything out of the car that is unneeded and making it light as possible after that I wanna do a engine swap. I don't know if anything is going to bolt in there directly that has more power, but that would be nice. I know a 4g63 wont bolt in there so thats out of the question... Any suggestion?

[Hans@GZP]

Is that an ecotec motor? If so, they like boost from what I hear :)

[stealthee]

I dont think the Ecotec started in the Cavy's until 02 or 03.

There is a dirt track near here, actually several, that do FWD "stock" cars. My brother has a 98 Neon he races at the one and there are more than one Cavaliers that compete with him. Its a fun hobby. Hardest part is getting started because you need the cage, seat, helmet, and all the stuff. Also need to have a tow vehicle and trailer/dolly.

[kjzstealth]

well, since the motor is toast the ecotec swap sounds like what you should do!!!!

[Amphiron]

well, since the motor is toast the ecotec swap sounds like what you should do!!!!

How cheap are turbo manifold/headers and what housings do they support? Would be nice if I could just get a turbo from a DSM at the junkyard rebuild it and run it at wastegate pressure. I think anything above 200hp in a gutted cavi will be more then a little spunky.