[Christ]

I've been driving this car for awhile. The original engine had some problems, and threw a rod bearing (I suspect) and wouldn't start. $200 worth of towing fees and a spare engine later, I have it back on the road, albeit still with the auto trans in it (that's getting changed soonish).

Proposed upgrades to this car aren't all eco-minded, but even after all the work, I should easily be able to top 40MPG regularly.

The planned upgrades are, so far:
1.8L Ford/Mazda BP engine (Escort GT/Mazda Miata)
5 speed transmission (already have it)
Aspire knuckles (Got 'em)
VW MK2 suspension (got the coilovers from the Golf)
Manual brakes (easy)
Wheels/tires (13's on it now, looking possibly into 15's or 16's)
Possibly disc rear brakes (I hate working on drums)
Rear vent windows replaced with poly or steel/aluminum sheet
Rear hatch window (maybe... it's got a compound curve in it)

And, of course, some general weight reduction. Getting rid of the stuff that isn't used, and doesn't affect looks.

So far, with the 1.3L and the auto trans, I've been scoring 33-37MPG since getting it running properly. EGT's and Miatas are easily enough capable of putting down mid 30's, so putting that engine in a car with 75% the weight should net me decent numbers as well.