I've just started to get into cars at 18 and I used my first couple of paychecks to get myself a 1987 RX-7 Turbo II rolling shell with 82k miles on the body. Over the next period of my life, I want to learn as much as I can about auto mechanics that I can possible. Having this project is going to be a really big step in my life because I am deciding on taking auto mechanics classes for college.I've worked under a hood for a while now on my jeep, but I don't want to start with a rotary, because it's expensive and I don't think I'm ready, but I still want to have something that I can be proud of. I was thinking about putting a K24 in and I don't know what manual transmission to choose yet, but I'm not set on the engine. Some of my friends have recommended a 350z, BMW 5 speed, or S2000 transmission but I don't have anything in stone. For some of you guys that are a lot wiser than me, what engine and transmission would you guys recommend? I am 18 with a low-paying job, I don't have all the resources in the world so the low cost would be best, but I can sacrifice for something that would be formidable. This isn't something that I have any expectation on jumping into, and having done in a month it's going to take me time to raise money and to research. Any advice helps this would be my first time working this heavy on a car, Thanks, guys.

 

Considering how you have little experience the rotary would be your best bet. Different engine and transmission require a slew of tools to fabricate parts. So unless you go with something that already has a kit made (LS and 2JZ) then you better be comfortable welding and fabricating mounts. If you're deadset on not messing with the rotary a 5.3 LS would be easiest with the most power.

 

Learning how to work on a 13B that drops in to the car will be 1000% easier than figuring out how to swap in your own custom engine/trans combo with a custom wiring harness. Just my two cents.

 

Yeah, I'd just source a 13b. Rotary elitism aside it's going to be the easiest solution, especially with complete inexperience with fabrication.