Hello everyone, pretty new to auto sports. Im not really looking to be a top quality racer, but want a pretty fun car to drive. My question is what chassis to start with? I would like to use a rotary engine because of the weight and location, but read somewhere that the chassis in the rx's are a little heavy for it??? Would like something cheap and easy to replace if something happens along the way. Thanks for any info.
It's a little unclear what you're asking...are you looking for a complete car, or are you thinking about building your own from scratch? What kind of racing are you thinking about, road racing, autocross or something else? What class are you thinking about running in? Do you have any experience, have you gone to any driving schools?
Building from scratch. Sorry for the vagueness. Not sure about racing, but love idea of small engine, quick acceleration. Not FWD though.
For building from scratch, I'd have a look around the various locost forums etc...
In reply to BoxheadTim: Not trying to be dumb, but what are some examples?
http://locostusa.com/forums/
http://www.kineticvehicles.com/
http://www.cheapsportscar.net/
In reply to Marty!: Thank you
I thought about building a locost (slang for a home built Lotus 7 repicla) and still might someday. While not too many will argue the awesomeness of a rotary I believe a Miata based car is the way too go.
There are many successful builds out there that did this so help is just a internet connection away. Miatas are also plentiful and cheap with lots of hop-up potential down the road. Look at the links, buy Keith's book and the Original "Ron Champions How to build a Sports Car for 500 pounds".
Then read and re-read them to make sure this is something you have the time and desire to do. I have the desire, just not the time. 
http://www.caterham.co.uk/
http://www.flyinmiata.com/westfield/
Here's 2 more links at the higher end of the spectrum just to show you how awesome these cars can be.
Last we heard Bill from FM was turbocharging their Westy. 260+ hp in a 1500 pound car just seems so wrong it's gotta be right.
Maybe Keith will chime in here soon and let us know if it was ever done.
Was it ever done? It was done two years ago! 
It's, umm, fast. There's actually a bit of an arms race with the little cars here now, we have three in-house - the turbocharged Westfield, a sub-1000 lb bike-engined Locost and mine. I have the lowest power/weight ratio but the best handling and brakes. I'll catch 'em...
You guys already hit the major sources. The last time I spotted a thread with this question was seven months ago. This is the list I posted back then:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/westfield/
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/
http://www.cheapsportscar.net/
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Locost_North_America
http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Sports-Car/dp/1844253910
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