I think I have a mad idea. Get an old 90s corolla, gut it,

>>15759298
Get an LSD too

>>15759327
>300 hp drifting gts

>>15759298

Why use some shitty GM powertrain at all when Toyota's got their own slew of capable transverse engines? 3sgte should drop right in, or maybe a newer 2gr V6.

>>15759298
90's corollas where FWD, you need an early 80's corolla

>>15759474
That's the point, you have a mad powerful lightweight fwd sleeper that isn't a civic.

Plus there are no rust free relatively unmolested ae86s in my area

if it fits it sits

>>15759499
then get a cressida instead

>>15759401
>using a slower older powertrain

>>15759298

Another option is a Toyota Tercel. They're dirt cheap and many are under 2k lbs. Try to find one with the 5EFHE. Then use a combination of JDM 4EFTE parts and build a budget turbo engine with a IHI turbo setup from a Subaru. On a safe tune 200 whp isn't that crazy, which will haul the mail in something lighter than a Miata. If you want to keep it simple and non-LSD transaxle it can be done very cheaply. But if you want the LSD transaxle and the better turbo setup you're probably looking at closer to $3k. Most people wouldn't bother, but I'm working on doing the Subaru turbo upgrade on a 4EFTE Tercel with a C56 and a Quaife LSD right now.

>>15760031
what about swapping a more moddable transaxle l4 like a beams?

>>15760076
transverse*

>>15759523
This

>>15760076

You might be able to, but the 4EFTE and C/52/C56 literally drops into the Tercel using the same engine and trans mounts and axles. This project got a 4EFTE with a C56 all in one package for $900. The 4EFTE is pretty fun mostly stock pushing around 150 hp with a little extra boost and custom downpipe and exhaust. But eventually it will probably get a 5EFHE based engine with the IHI turbo setup.