Notice how Russell has not responded since the third post

 

I like Rob's suggestion the best, probably the most economical and easiest way to build a bracket racer.



I'm tempted to go a little older with an oldsmobile though, something that came with a 403 or 455.

 

a big block 455 or even a chevy big block engine drops right in to a 81- Cutlass/Monte no problem, chevy big block parts are easy to come by



use headers from a late 60s g-body for economical reasons, only requires one smack on the frame with a sledgehammer to fit, better then paying almost $500 for big block chevy headers



you can get a nice manual steering box from a late 60s car or el-camino and it drops right in as well.

 

i plan on running in a stock eliminator class, so the engine had to have come in the car.