I've considered this project, a friend of mine did a GC8 with jdm sti tranny/motor and went RHD with it.

I'd rather do 8k for an MRS, preferably with engine trouble [there is a flaw in the cylinder walls for many of the 00-01 models] for 7k, spend 4k on a GT-S swap engine/transmission with bolt-ons for about 220hp and 200lbs. I don't think you'll actually get near 2100lbs in the GC8, the MRS weighs 2155lbs dead stock.

You'll end up with a car that's less than 10 years old with an OEM swap [stock MRS has the GT celica motor vs the GT-S], is dead reliable, ~1 ton, midship, and with suspension etc. you could realistically do it for around 15k if you do most of it yourself. I'm doing this project later this year and will use it primarily has a weekend car/track car. The car has an excellent chassis and brakes stock. It does look goofy, which has no bearing except that I get to save money.