Looking into getting a turbo car, need some advice.
 

Hey everyone, I'm fairly new here.

I'm currently looking at a '91 long nose turbo car. It's got MSPNP2, log manifold, eBay 60 trim, RX8 injectors, an android tablet setup with MSDroid and last but not least, an OEM hardtop. Other lesser goodies include Tien Super Streets, some tilty wheel action, etc. NOW, it does have one MAJOR downfall...

It's an autotragic.

Basically I have a 2006 Colorado (bought to fix and flip) the guy wants, so we'd do a straight up trade. Now, I have access to a full 5 speed swap including wiring for very cheap, thanks @viperormiata. But, I guess my real question is, is it worth it to get involved with someone else's project? Especially that far in. It needs to be tuned properly, and has some minor quirks, but he says it runs and drives. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth messing with. I don't have infinite funds to dish out at this thing, but I do miss my Miatas, and want to get back into one. Thanks for all your help.

Congrats, you just asked the most impossible question to answer in the universe. Everyone's gonna have an opinion, and no one will actually be able to tell you, and if you're silly enough to think otherwise then it sounds like you "like to learn the hard way".

PS: the only part of that Miata that sounds not terrible is the oem top, if it's not in terrible shape that is.

the top is worth about 500-1000 depending on condition.
the rest of the crap is probably worth what the mspnp2 is worth, which is about 500.

so figure 1500 for that car

By the time you iron someone elses aids, you might have wished you started from scratch, which you may likely do anyway. That being said, what do you want? A project/learning experience or an easy button turn-key solution? You can convert to manual, but ultimately only you can determine how much your time is worth.

If I where to do it all over again, I would have started off with an NB. Just sayin and thats from having a 1.6L->BP4W->BP6D