Blacktop beams is not an easy conversion. Need custom engine mounts, modify the intake manifold (brake booster in the way), Modify fuel rail for return line, and you get a sump that hits your sway bar. Then there is the height issue and ECU issues, and it cant handle boost. Also you have to use a Y bellhousing with it because the starter is on the drivers side
By using a NA block, I bolt on ST141 mounts, 5SFE oil and water pump, Spacia pickup, splash plate and sump, and weld up an intake manifold and water pipes and weld ST141 mounts to the crossmember (easy). I have a bunch of SA63 bellhousings and have done this conversion 3 times. I also run Manual NA cams because they have much more duration then turbo cams. The GT3071r is plenty big enough for a <250' cam motor (0.64 rear). I found when I tried 268 cams the 0.86 rear was essential. I run ~21psi daily, and the occational push to 25psi (maybe 28 by accident). I had to run BRK8EIX to stop ignition problems above 22psi.
I am on my 5th gen 3 engine with this car tho :( but I do give it a hard time.
1. Forged, 40th Low Comp Arias pistons, spool rods. Spun a big end after a month, and was running it NA! (Wrong pickup).
2. Same engine rebuilt with new crank - After a few months something sucked into the engine and scratched the bores and pistons.
3. Dead stock Caldina internals in a stock Gen 3 NA block - Got over a year out of it at ~22psi. Took it to 25psi and broke a ring land.
4. SPS 20th pistons, spool rods - Cracked the cylinder at Willowbank after about 5 runs on my second week of racing. Still drove home.
5. SRP 86mm pistons, Late gen 3 reinforced block. In car next week.
Good to hear that IDB is still around! I bought 2TG valves and gears from you in the early 90s :)