Some of you may know how badly I want boost, and I'm really having trouble deciding between my two options - either an L67 swap into my current car or just buying an SSEi.

Problem with an L67 swap - I don't really have the know-how to replace an engine by myself, but my uncle is an automotive guru and could do it for me. I'd plan on going down and spending a weekend there in the summer and doing it then. I really don't care about the AL7s, HUD and all the other crap that come on an SSEi, I just want boost.

Problem with buying an SSEi - Mainly, the possibility of a payment. Being in college I really don't get enough hours at work to afford a payment after all of my other monthly dues are paid for. Another problem, most big dealers with SSEi'* will only give ~3,000 for the trade (according to KBB). I could sell my car on my own and hope for $5,000ish, but I don't have another car to drive in the time between the car switch. Since this wouldn't happen tillt he summer I could try to save my pennies until then. I know this is referred to as the 'easiest' way.

Either of which I choose, it'll be happening in the summer.

And opinions are greatly appreciated.

I know you want boost badly... but in all honesty, I don't think it'* a financially sound decision. But I'd personally stick it out with the SLE. You're in college, you have other priorities... by the sound of it, the only SSEi you'll be getting may be one that isn't as nice shape as what you have now.

But, if you DO get $5k for the SLE, you may have a shot. Best of luck.

School is my priority. That'* why I'm waiting till this summer to do anything.

What you can do also is get a loan for the SSEi that has no early payment penalty. Then when you get it, sell your car and pay off as much of the loan as you can with the money. This will make your payments very low and allow you to pay it off sooner.

But like others have said and me being personnally in the position of having 3 cars and in college, worry about college first.

go for the swap. it will be a great learning experience for you and it will make your car unique, because you took the time to do the swap. not to mention, the sleeper factor since most people think only ssei'* are supercharged.

You need to decide on one thing FIRST. That is: Do you CHERISH your current car, would you miss it terribly? If you really don't care if you sold it or not, go ahead and get a SSEi, but if you love your car so much that you cannot stand the thought of someone else driving, go for the L67 swap.

That should help you tremendously

When I first joined I had a strong opinion that you should swap your car. I hate having the same thing as the other guy, and I like something that much more when I do it with my own hands.

Thats all changed now, I bought the GTP to drive while my car was being swapped. I fell in love with the HUD. Also while being toted around Jacksonville with 1993SLE, I also fell in love with the AL7s. I would like to have an SSEi, but my car has a lot of scentamental value, and 302k on the clock, so I will never sell it.

Seems like there'* a large group who think that swapping isn't practical (wich many time honestly it'* not) but if you want to make your car unuiqe and have someone like your uncle who can help go for it.
I want to do a swap on my car in the future just for the fact I have a sentimental attachment to it now.
I guess what it boils down to is how much you love the car you have.

i agree completely. i have put so much money and blood and sweat and tears into my car, that i wanna keep it forever.

swapping used to be so "special" almost rare and really set your car appart...but now it seems like so many more people are doing them that it takes the "special" factor away....doesn't mean I wouldn't do one personally but that something to throw out there.