I've had mine converted over. I didn't want the hatch just because It was so popular. Everyone is right on the differences. My rear end, brakes, and sus is changed over. I just have to change the tank and lines. But if you have some bigger plans in mind, buying an SR-5 doesn't really kill you since you'll be upgrading those pieces anyway.

I bought mine with the intention of stuffing a KA24 in it and then turboing that. So the engine issue really didn't matter since I will loom my own harness and do my wiring. The car is great though stock, although the engine is so anemic it's not even funny. It's a far cry from my old blacktop 240, but that's the price for change.

Buy the car if you like it, but know it will take work to make it a competent drift machine. Good luck.