Engine Build Recommendadtion Options

[N_Jay]

OK, we have recently hashed out head gaskets, Pistons, rods, and bearings.
A while a go it was oil pumps.

So what about a fresh build discussion.

I plan on building a decent 2.0 based street engine.
Goals are decent power, longevity and drivability.
Think fun reliable touring with an occasional autocross. (Kind of what a factory 2.0 was good for, but with a little more kick in the pants.)
AND reasonable price (Yes, that is always open to interpretation)

What is recommended displacement? Bore and Stroke?
What pistons, rods and cylinders? What compression?
What cam?
Guessing micro squirt or tuned up D-Jet.

What "tricks" are worth while for a few HP and/or drivability, longevity, etc.
What "tricks" are not worth while (or worst yet help one direction and hurt another)

How much worse would it be to start with a 1.8 base? (Heads, etc.)

[stugray]

Quick Recipe:
96mm jugs & KB pistons from European MS
webcam 86b camshaft & lifters
New FW, & clutch assembly
have rotating assembly balanced
Mallory Unilite (now MSD) with 6AL ignition
2.0L heads and have them flycut/trued a little to get a new mating surface & raise the CR a tad
Deck the case and have it checked for line bore.
Set the deck height for ~.035 (no head gaskets).
This will get you close to 9.0/1 CR. (Edit - Sorry it is more like 9.5:1 CR)

Then install carbs or microsquirt.