Originally Posted by simmode1

^^^I don't disagree with any of that. But inversely, those things don't kill the deal for me. For me, reputation of GDM cars high priced maintenance causes me to really think twice about seriously considering them.

For me, I'd rather deal with those elements from the GC than trying to duplicate those results with the FRS/BRZ. Some of those items you listed in your hypothetically build list either wouldn't actually need upgrading or you could snag them when an Evo X user was done with their stock components for some inexpensive upgrades. The first gen does not need an another manifold. There are bolt on options.