well depneding on the year and condition in this case we will consintrate on 1gs 90-94.They cost anywhere from about 2000 up to about 5000. If you buy a 90 or 91 and soem 92 drive line up grade you consist of putting a 4 bolt rearend in welding the center diff(some people think welding makes it crappy for daily driving i dont think its that bad) and doing some tranny upgrades (ie..steel shift forks and double synchro 2nd gear although some of the early 90s you cant do the 2nd gear stuff to) the 92.5-94 have the 4 bolt rearend already and will only need to have the trany mods done. They all benifit from a act 2600 clutch and that about it for the drive linbe

As far as how fast you can go? you can put one in the mid to low 13s for about 1000 to 1300 dollars. boost controler turbo back exhaust air filter fuel pump and you will be good to go!

Reliablity hmm that is a very interesting question.Any time you mod a car the reliablity is going to go down some you also have to concider that some of these cars are going on 10 or 11 years old they are going to need some work. they can be very reliable but you need to be realistic about the goals you are going to set for the car and the condition of the car you buy.

Really your best bet is going to www.dsm.org and read your ass off!! Just about all of the local dsm guys started there basic knowledge there!! also go to www.vfaq.com (there is a link on the dsm page)..research research research! its the key!