i personally dont see any problem with a 16 year old(like myself) having a nice car. i have a 2000 civic si, and im hooking it up, all with my money. I in no way think i am as good of a driver as you seasoned vets, but probably better than 90% of the non-enthusiast community. I believe simply driving a car with a standard transmision makes you, not only more in tune with your car but also with the road. I have avoided 2 near accidents where hicks in their big trucks have come over into my lane, nearly hitting me. As far as the original post concerns, go with an si engine, i think that would be the easiest thing to do. but what the F do i know? im a damn kid