1st Gen Race Car Questions...
 

I am considering buying a caged 1st gen shell with a logbook to either put back to IT7 or ITA in SCCA club racing, I'm trying to decide if it's worth it cost wise or to do something else, I know buying a race ready car is always easier, but I don't want to miss out on this if it can be done cheap.

I put together a list of what I think I need, I still need to go see the car and he said he will throw in as much as he can. This list does not really include a legitimate engine build as I don't know how much to expect or what condition an engine I'd be getting would be in, I do know the seller is a huge rotary guy though and said he can help with a build.

Race car: $350.00
Donor Car: $500-$800

Parts

Race suspension: $400 (Mazdaspeed IT kit $1098)
Upper strut mount: $100.00 (fronts) rears?
Idler arm (competition) $80.00
Pitman arm: $130.00
Rear links: $370.00
Watts links plus competition mount: $160.00
Clutch: $200.00
Brake pads: $147.00 - $230.00
Brake rotors: $80.00
Brake master: $45.00
Steering wheel: $70.00
Hub: $60.00
Harness: $70.00
Padding: $30.00
Transponder: $350.00 (rental)
Wheels:
Tires:
Engine/Rebuild: $200 - $800.00
Paint: $100.00
Front control arms: $340.00 (complete + bushings)
Tie Rods: $228
Seat: $80.00 - $150.00
Seat mounting: $40.00
Seat back brace: $40.00
Steel braided lines: $100.00
Engine mod (exhaust, header, carb) $280 header, $100 air filter, $100 exhaust.
Fuel pump/regulator/filter: $310.00
Misc. $300.00

I got these prices primarily from Racing Beat, Mazdatrix, or RockAuto. I don't know RX-7 suspension that well but I'd assume a donor car wouldn't be mint and driving so I would assume most of the suspension needs to be replaced unless the suspension on the race car (it's currently a shell/slight roller I'm told) has good suspension.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Re: 1st Gen Race Car Questions...
 

sterlingmetalworks.com (pretty sure that's the correct url, might want to google it) gives you a breakdown on how to modify the stock nikki carbs to increase power and make it more reliable. I'll have to hunt down another member here, he does a lot of scca events in southern michigan in his fb so would be able to give you more advice