new to GTA's. Advice required please.

Hi, first, for a living I performance tune volvo T5 cars. Engine builds, turbos, just about anything.
For MANY years ive been aware of GTA's and always looked at them thinking 'one day', that day is coming soon.
So, being a Renault I'm sure nothing is easy to do and I'm sure I'll have many hours improving the car I get.
I want to buy a good car that still need a little more. The car will be a keeper to me. To me it'll be a dream come true and a safe investment.
I'd just like to know what the weaknesses of the car are engine/drive train related.
Also, the 2,500cc turbo engine, what kind of power can be squeezed without going mad.
I'm thinking bigger turbos. Fueling, exhausts etc. What kind of reputation for reliability do the heads, pistons and crank have?
I may be wrong but boost on a standard GTA turbo is about 9.5-10psi. What kind of boost can the standard turbos run up to?
I'm guessing intercooler needs addressing the already seen the 'charge cooler' kits. Looks like good stuff.
I'm not looking for a million bhp. Just a nice hard kick in the back and won't be embarrassed by a small Ford St or vauxhall.
Be prepared for many more questions as my relationship with the marque grows.
Thanks in advance.

[BIG_MVS]

Welcome Niles.

Have a good search through the forum (use the search facility on the left of the main page) as there are plenty of New Owner/Purchase and what to look for threads.

If you are handy with the spanners a project maybe viable but as you say you are probably best with a more pampered GTA. Vince's looks like a cracker and looks really nice in Black.

Current rule of thumb is around £1 -2k for a project without MOT, £3-4k for an MOT'd rolling restoration, £5-6k for a half decent GTA and £8-10k for a really nice one.

Good luck with the search. Always liked the Volvo T5 in it's various forms, what have you got at the moment then out of interest?

Thanks. I've been talking to Vince about his car and we are heading towards me buying his car.
Very much looking forward to driving it home. Obviously I'll post updates etc.