I put a TA49 on my 87GN about 8 months ago. I haven't made it back to the track, but it's a LOT stronger now....stock intercooler...stock heads...stock torque converter.
If you go bigger on the turbo, you will want a different torque converter....and a downpipe... The TA49 and the TE44 will spool like mad with the stock converter. It really depends on what you want, and how much you want to spend. These cars can get expensive very quickly.
With the TA49/009 injectors/LS1 MAF/Trans+/Extender chip/Ported elbow w/ 2.75" downpipe, I "figure" that I could run low12's/high 11's with what I have (max boost/race mode)....this is after I box the rear control arms and put some good bushings in there. It may take a change in intercoolers to get there....at least a "big neck", but mid 12's should be happening where I'm at now. So far my best 60' has been around 1.88...ran a 13.40 at 99mph, but that was with stock turbo and stock MAF running a RA93 street chip.
There comes a point where your street/strip car becomes more of a strip/street car if you know what I mean. For a daily driver you can't beat the TA49/TE44. The TA will go in easier since you can easily bolt on your stock (adjustable) WG actuator...the TE44 requires some modifications or a new WG actuator. The TA does have the removable inlet cone...I went with a billet piece there...the TE's inlet is one pc with the turbo compressor.
You'll also have to decide whether you'll want to stay with the Garrett .63 exhaust housing or go with a new housing. (I sent in my old Garrett housing for the new TA49)
One other thought....I would recommend John Craig/Limit Engineering on the turbo. Believe it or not, the price was cheaper going through Quad Air/Red Armstrong. Just give Quad Air a call. My turbo was actually drop shipped straight from Limit Engineering.
John