i had a 4g63-t, oh my DSM= headache, they say the engines were built in japan,created shipped then installed in ohio or what not.. don't know bout the newer version motors 5 upward
but lifter tick, crank walk, hmmm prone to rod knock, ohhh not to mention wierd leaks, oil, coolant... exhaust manifold... power steering pump leaking into alternator, burns alternator, oil pump failure, bent valves,clogged oil squirters ohthey stick open....
4G63 fanatics may dismiss this claims, talk to any of those eclipse owners you'll get a laundry list of issues, that's the 1G 2G motor Evo 3 style engines.ok once you battle all those issues, you can have a pretty fast ride they respond well to mods I haven;t found one that runs or sounds in my favor.
In terms of 4 cylinder engines my list would be.....
SR20DET all years especially nvcs models (rocker issue

)
K20 from Honda
3SGE Beams
4A-GE/ze
4g63 evo 4>>>>>>>
4E-FTE/5E
KA24DE
EJ20
FS- Mazda ( found in the Mazdaspeed Protege)
B18C
B16A
My list is not based solely on performance I am also considering from a reliability, stand point, ease of repair...
The SR20 is a stout lil monster, responds well to mods, head flows well, great rod ratio for rev and boost. I prefer to remain impartial towards engine choice, most people like an engine because of the attention it receives, this is mainly due to the fact that they were widely available to those with the resources to push them to the limit. Just as Hondas became popular. Many platforms out there can lay hp down, takes knowledge,resources***(B.T), and a creative nitch..