Sorry for an odd question, but are the current 103's just 96s with the screaming eagle bore kits? I know that the 88's that have been punched out 95 have similar parts but are not really the same. Sorry to get off topic, but have been considering taking a 103 for a test drive to see if I want to do the 103 kit. Kind of similar to your question.

 

A factory 103 is the same motor as the 96, just with a bigger bore...otherwise it's the same. Same heads, valves, springs, etc.
The SE kit comes with SE pistons, SE valve springs, etc.
The result is pretty much the same thing, except for upgraded valve springs & such. A stock 103 and a 96 with a 103 kit in it will produce the same numbers unless other mods are done at the same time, such as cams, etc.

You would have a lot better results spending that money on cams & head work. The gain from going from a 96 to a 103 is minimal and waste of money IMO. You would not be gaining but like 8 ft/lb of TQ and 1-2 HP at best, and you can get a LOT more than that just doing cams & head work for less $.

 

Excellent point and very true.

 

Yep, just cams in my 88 made a huge difference. Head work would have been icing on the cake!