Beginner Road Track Racing: Feedback on Engine Options Wanted

Mean416 said
I agree with @TT5.9mag

But I think it's more than being competitive. You want a safe, fun to drive car that handles well and has good driving dynamics.

This means expensive brakes, tires, cage, restraints, seats, helmets, suits, completely upgraded chassis, suspension. A warmed over 5.9 will be just fine for starters, but you will need to invest in cooling and oil control for it to last.

All this is just time and money. Just depends on how much of each you've got, really. I like the Miata idea because a lot of those bases are covered right out of the gate and you have a legendarily reliable and fun to drive car you can learn in.

Our beloved Mopars were not endowed with any kind of responsive handling in mind. So there's a lot of re-engineering required to build a fun track car.

Idk if I fully agree with that last part, maybe to some degree. @BergmanAutoCraft has already done the "re-engineering" also @Mattax and @72bluNblu have a lot of experience with this. I've modified the factory suspension on my '70 Duster to where it's worlds better than stock even though it still doesn't even have good shocks or aftermarket upper control arms.

I did track days with friends who drove Miatas and while they were competitive and are a great platform it's just so... boring. They're like the LS of the entry-level track car world. IMO better option is a SN95 or newer Mustang, those at least can be easily upgraded for more power when the need arise. Miata engines are quite fragile even in stock form.