Thanks for the suggestions. I am thinking about a Miata. They are tough little cars. They will make you a better driver too by teaching how to use momentum and not relying in hp alone to get out of turns. I would love an S13/14 but everyone want too much for most of those. I would consider a shell if I could find the right one.

I would really like an E36 M3 SC'd but I think the Jap route would be better for replacing parts as they break. This is a GREAT rwd track car but when it is a purpose built car that gets used things WILL break.

The type R is a great car for tracking. I am not a fan of anything really that is fwd but I can def respect that car for what it is. Just more personal taste than anything.

As far as the 5.0.... I think Freightliner and Peterbuilt make better handling and lighter cars.... That is a no-go for HPDE/NASA.

Sorry for the long post and random thoughts. Sometimes it is just nice to brainstorm online where people can come up with new paradigms that I have not pondered.