I like the idea of a 7MGTE powered 2wd mini. The 7MGTE is a lot'a power for a little money. It's got to be one of the best deals going hp/$. And aside from the gasket issue, I hear the bottom end is bulletproof to about 600hp.

Now for the hijack part of the post: Corey!! I've been puzzling about how to make a 4x4 replacement frame. It's the compound curves in the frame rails that were stumping me. You've given me some new ideas!!! And much easier for a 4x4 than what your doing, I think. Thanks for the inspiration.

Also, there are more than a few people putting 1JZ and 2JZ motors into BMW 3 series. 3 series cars from the mid-90's are getting reasonably priced. And there is a lot of nice wheel, suspension and brake hardware for those cars. How about a 400 hp M3 killer for less than $10k!!! Oh yeah! -- Matt