Jack,
Thanks for the insight! The 283 would be a screamer, but I wonder what the odds would be to lasting an entire season

. I think wagonboy and I have a good idea now what the options are, and of course part of the fun is "experimenting"!
Sorry to hear about the bowling center. I don't know if you remember me, but we spoke briefly awhile back when I had just returned from Afghanistan and was thinking of building a car for the U/SA Challenge at the Sportsnationals. My timing was off (I stayed on Active Duty), but this will be the next best thing!
Take care and be safe!
Lew