Hey guys,
I just moved to Japan after 15 years in Korea and, in the process, had to leave my much loved, roll-caged, highly boosted, stiff-riding, four-point harness equipped Genesis Coupe behind. I am now carless but, as with my situation in Korea before, I simply don't need to commute. Everything I need to do is easily within walking distance or I can hop on a cheap, clean, and comfortable commuter train. This means my car can be stupid, uncomfortable, and even somewhat unreliable, though I'd prefer to take it to the track without blowing up too much expensive stuff. So, recommendations, please.
Stuff I do want:
1. I'd like to exceed a power to weight ratio of one horsepower for every ten pounds. I've never done this before, and yes, I know this is a dumb and arbitrary goal. I'm perfectly happy to build up toward this power weight ratio, though I'd prefer not to spend a ton of money doing so.
2. I'd like RWD. I'd consider AWD, but I don't think it's as much fun.
3. I'd like it to be under 3,000 lbs. The only thing I didn't like about my Genesis - after the mods that is - was the weight.
4. I have to pass a pretty strict inspection every two years. As such, I'd like something that's either simple to work on so I can pull mods on and off whenever or something where I can hide the mods away where nobody can see them.
5. Preferably a Japanese vehicle, for ease of parts and service.
What I'm considering:
1. NC Miata with a 2.5 swap and cams/intake. This seems like a relatively easy way to get that 10:1 power weight ratio, Miatas are cheap but not as cheap as dirt, and they handle, are THE ANSWER, etc. The 2.5 swap would probably be invisible to inspectors.
2. Altezza RS200. This is the 210 hp, four cylinder version. 3sge. The car is listed under 3k lbs, and the 3sge is supposed to be capable of silly power. The chassis is supposed to be good, and I have a soft spot for Toyotas. Would need forced induction for power weight goal. These are dirt cheap in Japan.
3. Toyota MRS. I have driven these and love them. The engine is not so great and the 1ZZ swap would be visible to inspectors. Would need to do a supercharger in all likelihood. Also dirt cheap.
4. E70 Corolla/KP61. I love E70s, and had one as my first car. These are a little more expensive, but very simple and I love the platform. I would buy a cheap, rwd V6 of around 200 hp, mate it to a front subframe, and roll it under the car after every inspection, keeping a stock subframe/engine/trans in the garage. I'm thinking of a 3.8 Ford or a 3.8 Dodge out of a Jeep Wrangler. The other option is a 3sge.
5. RX8. These are incredibly cheap. I love the way they look. I hear they are a joy to drive. And I've heard nothing but horrible things about the Renesis both in terms of potential and reliability.
6. S13-14-15. Easy to make big power. I like the chassis. They are more expensive than anything else I've mentioned, though.
7. Kind of considering an earlier Mitsu Evolution, but AWD.