The DOHC is a good engine, it's as smooth as a cashmere codpiece, delivers good power if you have the right one (125BHP) has plenty of torque and is extremely reliable. Downsides are that it is big. Very big. The inlet manifold is very high and needs to be modified if you want to retain the original injection system. There are very few, if any , tuning parts, you could spend a fortune getting it to 170 bhp. Having said that 125 will still be lively, it is old enough to not need a cat and the emissions will pass easily. I am going with mine for starters, as it uses the same box as the V6 I will most likely go for the 24V Cosworth later.
As far as bargains are concerned I got one myself t'other day - a nice shiney repackable exhaust off a Caterham. Got it for free so I m well chuffed. Need to mod it slightly for IVA but I am guaranteed a pass noise wise as I can stuff it to my hearts content. No rude comments, please
Best and all that,
Enoch
www.deepfolly.co.uk