So, here's the deal: Basically I'm looking to build a very light, small, powerfull RWD car. Sounds pretty standard, except the fact that I'm planning on going overboard with this project.

The 2002 seems to be the car for me. Looks awesome, has a unique history, is very light, and has been proven. The only downside is the engine compartment size, which comes with the fact that I'm looking for a small car, so I won't hold that agianst the car itself. That's just where the fun begins.

As for the powerplant...... I'm in love with Toyota engines. I'm planning on doing a completely custom job here. Ultimately I'd like to use the ultimate toyota engine; the inline-6 twin turbo 2jz-gte. Although this may be an unfeasable dream of mine, I want to make sure I can't fit a 6-cyl in there before I give up on a inline-6 in general. If I cant squease a inline-6, I may have to pick a diffrent car :-< although I'm willing to goto GREAT length to make this work.

I'm definaly going to dramatically move the radiator; likely to the rear, or in the sides of the car (I've got a couple nifty ideas for that). So that leaves me with the room from the grill to the firewall, at least as far as length goes. Given the nature of the grill, I wouldn't be opposed to having the engine extrude both into the firewall and/or through the grill a bit. Possibly extend the whole engine bay with some body fabrication if nothing else works.

I realise this is redickulious, but this will be a long-term project for an engineer and car enthusiast. Basically I think I can pull something like this off. I'm planning on spending a LOT of time and money. If someone knows or could measure primarily from the grill to the firewall, as well as the other engine bay measurements, that's be freakin fantastic. I've started looking for a 2002 to buy, but haven't got a tape-measure under the hood of one yet. I want to pick the engine/transmission/car combo before I start buying anything.

Any suggestions would be great, as I've never worked on a 2002.