These cars are driven hard. So if something goes bad it may cause a chain reaction, if it was me in your shoes especially being on budget. I'd run away.

 

I bought my car with a busted trans. Thought meh I will rip it out. Did my research and was ready to go. I complicated things by getting an MR. But non the less. Took me a while to get it out and working on jack stands sucked. I actually had to find someone to help me pop the TOB off. I was stuck for 2 days on that alone. I could go on and on. I did drive my trans to Ivey and he rebuilt it then I picked it up. So saved somewhat on shipping.

In the end when I had to get my clutch replaced a year ago I did not tackle this job again. I paid a shop to do it. It just wasn't worth the headaches again and I don't think I saved that much. Few hundred bucks. I liked the learning process and was worth it on that level. But was a frustrating process.

Good luck on whatever you decide.