hey, i have a AE101 FXGT as well
and basically all i can offer is ... if your going to do it ... do it RIGHT the 1st time ... start with something decent = get rid of silver top
i am doing body mods at the moment to mine engine IF i do anything at all will be unique as well ... but the problem is for me i dont see the point in spending that money on the car ... im ready for a house and stuff like that
these are the other things you have to think of (it may or may not apply to you)
i would love to put a 3S-GTE in there convert it to 4WD but ... as you ahve pointed outand has been pointed out BIG $$$$ are needed and LOTS of know how ...
what about things like a convert the silver top into a 4A-GTE or put a 4A-GZE conversion .... both of them engines when modified would make a nice amount of power for what they are ..
the problem i have found with the AE101 is the lack of parts available not only performance parts but anything ...
BUT in saying that ... i love the AE101 its one of my favourite cars and i am spending money on my car cause i plan to keep it for a few years so i want it to look nice in the process hence why im only really doign the body side of things (appart from the few things like exhaust etc)
but if indeed you go ahead ... then i would love to see this ... or if you have any other ae101 stuff to share
and if i can offer any help then by all means ask ... ive looked into the ae101 quiet a bit and can offer some information,
hope that helps or not

:P
Nothing to see here ...