[Ronnie Smith Jr]

Start with what you can afford and the type of vehicle that inspires you. You are the one that has to be happy with your choice. Chevy II's are my soft spot since that was my first race car. If a Chevy II is the car for you, do you already have it or are you looking for one? If you have it, do a complete analysis of the car and decide what the best bang for your buck is going to net you the most increase on the track? You can start small with a motor that runs the index then save and build one from scratch with all the best pieces and your opinion of the best engine builder (there are plenty of very good builders). For me, when I first started rehabbing my car, I went with the driveline change over. I netted 40 lbs in rotating mass and 80-100 in overall weight. Started at the front suspension, rotors, brakes then moved to an aluminum driveshaft, then to a rollerized transmission, then from rear drums/dana rearend to a Ford 9" and rotors/brakes and all lightened internals. I picked up .25 in et.

Whatever you do, in my opinion, deal with the hand you are dealt with and save for the right pieces and do it once. No matter how long it may take you. While you are enjoying yourself, you will be able to get out there and mix it up. This will also give you an opportunity to meet some of the great racers and you will learn a great deal by osmosis more than you may have initially planned.

Best of luck