The only budget for racing is HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO GO ? I have a couple of Bracket Racers that go real fast on a low budget with a small blk, using a Cast Stroker crank ! 66 Dart 2dr all steel, only a Fiberglass hood ! 3400# w/driver, 83/4 rear, 4.88 gear w/spool and axles ! 10.20's with a flat tappet cam, Cast iron 340 heads, and a 800cfm Holley, w/904 & w/trans brk ! It now goes 9.70's w/Alum Heads and Roller Cam, Total investment of $5500. It's deadly consistant !