So, due to my negligence i damaged my motor by running it without enough oil. It makes a clicking noise above 3k rpm. I have a couple grand saved for a new car. My question is, should I investigate this problem, swap in a 4age, or just drive it until it dies and buy an STi like i originally wanted to?

What would the enthusiasts here do?

keep saving your money, buy a 3rd gen 3sgte clip, and mr2 tranny with lsd, mr2 inner axles with alltrac outters, and done.

manual boost controller, intake and exhaust is all you need to make 300whp with that setup.