I have the hot air fever...when I am finished....the only non stock looking thingy under the hood will be the DP, and the nice detail paint...other than that....NO IC...11.50 or lower is my goal, and once I hit that, my car is done with the modding, and I go for an IC car to beat on....
If you want an IC, get an 86-87 GN, and put a few $$ into it for the 11's. If you are looking for a challenge, get the hot air. IMO, they cost mostly the same in the end.....meaning:
2000 for hot air car, 5000 for IC car in simular/comparable shape
around 6000 in mods for 11's in hot air car, around 2000, maybe a little less for the IC car to go 11's.
Concept: How much wrench time? I am starting from scratch with a fresh .030 block, and a total roller set-up, a whole slew of bolt-ons, and a beefy trans and converter....for the IC cars, the regular bolt-ons, a little spray, and good tuning with a chip and you have the same goals. It is all a matter of how handy or creative you wanna be.
Just ask Lee Thompson!!! He created his own Down Pipe for cryin out loud!!!! lol. My 2 cents, anybody feel free to correct me if I am wrong or off in my guesstimates!
John