Reliability after swap? Options

[soltrain]

I'm sitting on the fence about purchasing a 94' celica st ($1300 w/no engine) and swapping the 3sgte. I've kinda priced out everything including the 183 clip, 153 tranny, new clutch, new axle, new fuel pump, FMIC and piping, rear brakes perhaps?

All and all + labor (I've got no experience) seems to be around 6-7k total.

As I am a poor college student, how reliable are your 3sgte swaps after they are completed? I haven't read much about anyone having any problems - hopefully everyone's doin fine?

I really enjoy driving, but I probably wont be driving around too much, grocerry shopping and the occasional road trips, so I'm not sure on if this is a good investment or not. Some of my friends have advised me to just buy a stock old school celica for 5k and be done with it.

Any advice from some old hands?

[Digndoug]

I dont have a swap, but I would say if you could get the car for 1000-1300 .. then another 4 for a swap.. do it.. I like my car.. I like how it drives an feels an all, and i would prolly want to keep my car if I had more power... IE having a swap.. If you get a celi, then get this one an do a swap.. cause really thats the only thing so far I have seen that 6gc's need is more power.. arh arh ahr....