I would suggest that you start with the
Engine Block. In the year since I've joined this forum I've seem multiple posts about engines running larger turbos suffering piston failures. When that happens you have to start over from scratch with a new engine. Because not only the head gets totaled in most cases the turbo is also destroyed.
Build a block with FORGED pistons and H beam connecting rods as a starting point. Note, Mountune offers the MRX Short block with these components PLUS a cylinder support plate for something in the range of 4300 bucks. Just be sure to check the torque values of each connecting rod and the crankshaft journal caps. Because I've also seen a few posts indicating that Mountune has some techs that forgot to do the final torque procedure. Yeah, some have found loose Main Bearing caps and rod end caps.
Once you have the block squared away then you can look into a larger turbo. BTW if I ever go to a larger turbo I'm leaning towards the S280 because of the torque curve produced. To my eye the S280 seems to produce more area "under the curve" that the MRX or Whoosh hybrids.
I'll also note that if you are running long tread life tires like I am the plain jane bone stock motor will overpower the available traction in first and second gear on dry concrete. Boost your power up to the 275 HP region and traction will become a concern. On the plus side the 3rd gear and up rush will just add to the grin factor. Which is why I'm still debating adding power to my 2019. Fact is the stock engine is very satisfying in a daily driver and building it up right will likely end up costing in the range of 10K or a bit more. BTW, figure 7-8K for the engine and likely another 2K in clutch upgrades, a limited Slip Differential and a set of wheels and tires that can provide enough traction to properly use that additional horsepower.
BTW, I am certain that some will state I am over the top on the engine buildup requirements. To those I will simply point out the total cost incurred when that factory engine blows up a piston. Building the engine up properly for the higher power and boost is actually the lowest cost approach.
