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Feel for you lad. Afraid I have heard many similar stories. Most came down to lack of correct information and/or well intentioned work. People who have worked on piston and think that it directly relates to round motors. The internet is a two edged sword. Lots of both good and bad information.
I grew up in the age of cheap bolt on horsepower. Back then it didn't take much to make something run a lot better. Over the years most manufactures have made their package very effecient and refined. Mazda in particular has always worked on a handling package that usually out performs anything in its class. It's costs a lot more now for very little improvement.
I always tell my clients that if you want it done correctly you are going to spend a lot up front. If you want something that is going to perform and be reliable.
I, like you have very bad luck when it comes to used. I know some people have good luck with them, I do not. That is why I will not buy and install used parts unless it is the last resort. And even then there is no warrenty on labor when it goes bad.
If you can take the 8 back to original, have a good motor built for it. If you want to go through the learning process, get a first gen and play with it.
If you do have to upgrade the 8, Use the same manufacture for all your components. That way you have equipment that was designed and engineered to work together.
I can safely say that every premature motor failure in vehicles that had multi manufacture parts installed could be attributed to the configuration found in the vehicle. Either not working correctly together or installation.
Please don't make another piston 7 or 8. Buy a 6 if you have to, or Miata.
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