Factory 96-98s were rated (engine) at 305hp IIRC - they dyno (generally speaking) at 85% of that figure (so a bone stock would be at or above 260rwhp on a dyno, using the 15% dyno figure loss, again strictly an approximation).
A few simple mods and a 96-98 will put you close to 300 or so (roughly)...
Once you add boost to the mix, it's been proven in the past to see engines start to let go at or around the 450hp level (hyper-crap pistons/rods - the forged cranks are good in these 4v engines).
Find a reputable tuner in your area if you plan on adding boost on stock internals and keep it somewhat "tame." You may or may not experience a failure - or you could be on borrowed time by boosting on the stock engine internals. If you have the funds, or the patience, save up money in the meantime and do a proper forged build to handle the added boost if you really want to enjoy the 500rwhp + power levels you are in search of...
YMMV
A few simple mods and a 96-98 will put you close to 300 or so (roughly)...
Once you add boost to the mix, it's been proven in the past to see engines start to let go at or around the 450hp level (hyper-crap pistons/rods - the forged cranks are good in these 4v engines).
Find a reputable tuner in your area if you plan on adding boost on stock internals and keep it somewhat "tame." You may or may not experience a failure - or you could be on borrowed time by boosting on the stock engine internals. If you have the funds, or the patience, save up money in the meantime and do a proper forged build to handle the added boost if you really want to enjoy the 500rwhp + power levels you are in search of...
YMMV
I don't know about the heads but the bottom end (pistons & rods) is usually the first thing to go on these motors. IIRC people usually tend to stay away from switching out the cams since they're expensive and only net about 40 or so horses. I don;t know how much boost you wanna run but a set of diamond or CP pistons run around $800 or so. But you may not need that much of a piston so I'm sure you can find a cheaper but strong enough set. Rods??? just look around for a set of h-beams from either Manley or Eagle and you should be set. I believe they cost about five, $600 but I could be wrong.