[Tony Curcio]

B for me please.
Start with a roller that's old enough to be cheap, but not old enough to be collectible. A Fox-body Mustang/Fairmount or Monte Carlo/Cutlass/Regal for example. A third gen Camaro would be nice, but they seem to getting higher prices. Used parts are readily available, but I see a lot of rollers with a spool and axles and suspension upgrades for under $3k.
Add a home built 400" sbc with cast pistons, a moderate cam and used Edelbrock Torquer and 850 Holley. Rebuild a TH350 or glide. Probably have to pay full price for well matched converter.
This should be good for low twelves or even high elevens, with DOT drag radials and mufflers. Then go get some bracket racing skills running against the regulars in Street Elim (aka Sportsman or Bracket 3).
Almost forgot- don't do anything to the roller that would make it illegal for Stock, just in case the money for a proper race engine should suddenly appear.