suggestions please
 

i dont have much mechanical know how so i need help. but my 2001 protege has 161oookm on it, ive been searching a protege here for awhile and now that i have it i want to modify it and give it some more guts. 180 hp is good, but i dont know what all needs to be done such as the internals of the engine and shit. all help would be very much appreciated.

drop in a 2.0l in it

i think he means engine mods, and what has to be done to the engine to handle the mods

id start with basics. aftermarket muffeler system, turbo, intercooler, ect

but if you just chane the whole engine that'd be much easier

wouldn't it?

no it wouldnt

i have the 2.0 L, i was just wondering where to start, and how all the internal parts of the engine will handle more power when i start. i've playing around with it alot, im not used to driving a car that doesnt max out and 140, ive already taken it to 170, and then i decided to stop.

A low boost setup TUNED PROPERLY, USING PROPER ENGINE MANAGEMENT should get you fairly close to your goals without having to get new internals.

i would have thought with so many kms it would need new ones for the boost. what amount of boost can the stock engine and internals take?

your poainting with mighty BROAD strokes my friend. Do a compression check..If it is still good you should be ok for boost. THere is not a "set" number for boost the engine can take....however after about 250 lb-ft the stock rods do begin giving out..tuned properly 8-12 lbs of boost from a T25 should be fine