I was thinking you've got a bit of an incorrect approach. Not to discount your enthusiasm, but I think you should maybe save up the budget you have now, and make a more meaningful impact later with a slightly larger budget. If you really want to keep with an IC engine, then make sure your motor is a 4G15. This is a lesser-known application of lean burn technology used in early 90's Mitsubishis, potentially including your
Mirage. I hope it is at least MIVEC (variable timing based on RPM, like Honda's VTEC). Do some research on that and see what you find. 5-speed is also a must if you want to get the best mileage in an urban setting. The best thing you could do by far to save money and energy in the long run though is to go electric. Thanks for coming out of lurking though, and I hope you're not discouraged by the advice you're getting. If you do exactly as you planned it definitely can't hurt.
