guys, thanks for being awesome and insightful. threads die all the time & I thought I'd give this one a proper send off.
My mazda needed an engine, a transmission, and new suspension. I was lucky enough to find a guy selling the motor & trans from a 14 st for $700 but truly everything after that was out of pocket and up front for me to test out building a dream.
I'm in my mid 20s with good credit.. I decided to finance a new car instead of build one :/ not as fun, but a financially sound decision.