get the ntc3 and put a 2 speed tranny in it, $50 on ebay and then you have a car that will run 50+ and it handles better then the 4-tec. The steering of the 4-tec is sloppy and the long screws that hold it bend easy. If you have to work on the motor, it takes almost disassembling the back half of the car to work onit. The clutch for the 4-tec is a "finger" type and if you are running all out speed, every time it shifts, it wears on it. I replaced both parts of the shifting mechanism 2 times in 1 year. I havn't had to replace anything on the ntc3 in a year and a half in the drive line.

I was always working on my 4-tec and it was hard to get clean too. The little rubber boot that they used for the exhaust always seemed to crack and the little balloon they used to cover the receiver was always covered in oil from the exhaust. The battery case was right behind the front time and that also a dirt magnet. The fuel tank had a way of catching grime as well being encased in the middle of the car and was hard to keep clean. And also the screws that they use in the 4-tec are Phillips heads. they strip out easily. I also remember something about the front end with a set screw that gave me problems.

Then only thing that I dislike about the NTC3 is the rear tow adjustments. They have a tendency to have the ball cup pop off the ball when you smack something hard, and the front bumper piece under the foam is a joke. For the cost, go with an rpm blue bumper and that is solved.

Now you have enough information with all the posts to make a well informed choice. Let us know what you get.