Hi Guys, first time poster but long time (4 years) follower of the 818 and many of your build threads.

I can't help but think there is a better (or just as good) donor for the 818. One questions I have been wondering about: why are we using a transmission from an AWD car that will only take advantage of the FWD output?

Also, WRX's and STi's are quite expensive in the hipster northwest. They are definitely overvalued. It would be nice to use something else that is turbocharged but more price sensitive. Here are some of the options I am curious about:

Mazdaspeed 6
Mazdaspeed 3
2005+mustang

Some of the other alternative donors I have seen build threads on:
Mazda 13B rotary engine
1993 Jetta VR6

Some of the alternative builds sound like they have gotten really expensive. So I would still want to about that. Anything too expensive would get crossed off the list for sure. But I am curious about any alternatives others have investigated.