What about ignition on a carb setup?
I know the non-VVT motors can run an MSD setup that is like $700 for the box and $300 for the wiring harness, but not sure what options there are for the VVT motors.
Seems like (to me) if someone were to run a carb, doesn't make sense to run a VVT motor. Without the controls, you have to lock out the VVT anyways so might as well start with the simpler (and cheaper) '08 and older motor anyway. Add Eagle heads if you want a bump in flow, or maybe even start with a 6.1.