Thanks guys, yeah I decided to do something a bit different. However this car is still to be build on a budget of about 10K. I went with the F20c because it has power and reliability out of the box (and Im slightly obsessed with vtec) and its NA. To build a 3sge to the spec that this engine has would take a LOT of money, and would probably not be that reliable.

I am reusing the gearbox that was in there, the s54. I know its not real strong, but its nice and light. It also simplifies the install greatly as it locates the whole drivetrain on its mounts, sorts the driveshafts and shift linkage issues.

I had to go to a segmented driveshaft from an ST185 celica to fit down the side of the engine as the engine is relatively wide at the bellhousing compared to the gearbox width. (thanks Knightrous for this info!)

The goal for the car is to have a daily which is regularly raced at events. I'm hoping that the final weight is about 1 tonne.

I'm of two minds on this one.  Normally I'd be leading the angry villagers building the pyre to burn you at the stake for heresy, but . . .
 
Having worked with the F20 in another lifetime, and seen what they produce out of the crate  (and what can be done with a little work) I would agree with your comment about the 3SGE build.  Good luck, looking forward to seeing it in the flesh.
 
Incidentally, did you know that Bullit has an F20C Rotrex kit off the shelf?  Just ask for the Skelta special . . .

Rotrex you say, hmmm very interesting. The clutch that I had made for it is very over-engineered for possible future boost plans.. Hopefully it will be done by the end of christmas holidays. Definitely will be getting it out there...

Bolts up where the aircon compressor would normally live, so you need to do away with the comforts of home.  Still, in a race car . . .

Whoa! That'll be interesting when finished. Good luck!

cheers, yeah... the aircon is already gone and probably ain't coming back haha. So definitely room.

What ECU are you intending to run?

Thinking either stock with piggyback hondata, or AEM... have only had a fairly brief look at that side of things though

I like what you are doing. It is a smart mod for the MR2. Just need to transfer some of the suspension system over and you will be hard to catch!
 

Awesome!