well, I have spent the past few hours looking over the pages and pages of posts and have gotten very good info.

I am wondering would it be more cost effective to swap in a wrx engine to my 93L wagon, or should I get a bolt on turbo kit for my 1.8.

I know that the bolt up will probably be cheaper but I have heard mixed reviewes about them.

I drove a new wrx and a sti the other day, they were both fun but the sti was just nuts, I want that power (eventually) and that is why I am wondering. but 260 to 280 to the wheels will be plenty for me.

My opinion is that a used 2.0 longblock is pretty inexpensive anymore. I don't know a thing about the performance possibilities of the 1.8t, although I know that the VW folks are able to get a whole lot of power out of that much displacement.

If you're new to engines or engine tuning, I'd recommend swapping in an EJ20. If you're looking for something a little different and challenging, go for the 1.8. I doubt that there's a much aftermarket for that (EJ18?) engine, though.

well, I have spent the past few hours looking over the pages and pages of posts and have gotten very good info.

I am wondering would it be more cost effective to swap in a wrx engine to my 93L wagon, or should I get a bolt on turbo kit for my 1.8.

I know that the bolt up will probably be cheaper but I have heard mixed reviewes about them.

I drove a new wrx and a sti the other day, they were both fun but the sti was just nuts, I want that power (eventually) and that is why I am wondering. but 260 to 280 to the wheels will be plenty for me.

Based on what you have posted here, I would recommend a USDM EJ20 swap for you. Far fewer headaches as far as making it work and tuning it, plus a sea of tuning knowledge and parts at your fingertips after it's done.

A turbo kit for the EJ18 (1.8) will only net at most 200hp (to the crank), maybe more maybe less but right around there. Most 1.8 turbo kits that people have put together only have around 160-170hp.

There are a few other options. A 91-93 legacy turbo swap is a realtivly easy swap, since it is a phase 1 car and can even run on the 1.8 ECU. Its a closed deck block and can easly do 250hp+. There are also some early model JDM WRX motors that will work very well, like the EJ20G's that work well but will require more wiring/ecu work.
Then there are the newer motors like the USDM WRX swaps, USDM STI, etc. swaps that can be completely street legal and have insane power. Those will take alot of work to install and install properly, and will be very expensive for the parts and labor, definatly worth it however.

so a 91-93 legacy turbo engine EJ20DETT will fit in my 93 impreza 1.8 FWD just trying to learn here sorry

No, JDM twin turbo engines will not fit left hand drive cars without extensive modifications. Go with an EJ20 from an Impreza.