1975 duster

Stick with a small block, preferably a 360. Easiest and cheaper to build with less weight on the nose than a big block. Start simple, SS springs, 6 cyl torsion bars, good race shocks. I use Rancho rears and Koni SPA-1 fronts. Some cheaper drag shocks can work well in many cases. Keep weight in the rear to help traction. 1975 was the heaviest year for Dusters and Dart Sports.

Don't cut too much out of the car. Gotta keep the structural integrity. In fact, frame connectors will help a lot and, if you go that route, tie in an 8-point roll bar into them.

Start slow and don't get carried away with performance mods. Learn how to tune your carb. Lots of good books are out there on Holleys. Consistency wins more bracket races than speed. Focus on that for starters with basic speed mods.