some differing opinions here and that's normal. IMO the safety of a "healthy" motor (ie: good comp and leakdown before turboing) is all in the tune.

I think the block guards are a waste of time but then again that's just my view on it.

I had a stock B16 with a Precision SC34 tuned to 9.5psi and made 300hp. Drove it for 3 years hard as a daily. 9k redline.

The only thing I ended up doing was putting in ARP studs and a new OE gasket because the head was starting to lift under boost.

If you have the money...then build. Just remember Cheap/Fast/Reliable <- Pick 2