help me build my first race car

Well I don't have that much time right now but I will offer you this bit of advice. Build the best chassis you can build. I know it's not as sexy as a 600 HP engine but you'll go faster with less engine if the chassis works.

The baddest engine in the world is useless if you can't hook it up.
X2 no truer words can be spoken.and as far as motor why not build a 451 out of your 400 I understand they are cheap to build and are a strong running motor.I have seen them run well into the 10s.In a good chassis..and if you go with motor pleats will save $ a 10or11 sec.car can be dun petty cheap if you can do the work your self.......Artie