rx7locost wrote:
Most decisions come down to your goals. It sounds like low-cost is a primary goal based on your comments. As far a Miatae go, if you have access to the racing crowd, you can sell off unused bits to them to lower the cost of a possibly higher-cost Miata. There is a lot of experience here with that as a donor.
If cost is not a main driver, mix and match this engine with that transmission. different front/rear brakes, differential et. is doable. But generally less experienced help available to help you along with your build. We do have a lot of knowledge to help you out. But you may not have a specific build to follow. Do you like to solve challenges? Do you have previous automotive experience? Are you prepared to build and rebuild along the way?
The more I've thought about it, I think I'm going to try to stick with a Miata based build.
Started looking at Copart, there's a large yard about 2 miles from my office.
Like you say, I can likely sell some of the not needed parts & would then have a complete & compatible system.
Now to start hunting down a 99-00 donor. TX doesn't require licensing for individuals buying salvage cars on Copart, and most are 'pure sale', so I'll start hunting in the Houston/Dallas/Austin areas. Extra benefit there, is a solid aftermarket for the Miata.