It’s amazing what’s happening in the performance world right now. Even with our so-called recession, there are more opportunities for building cars and making horsepower than perhaps any other time in the history of high performance. Want an example? The second-generation Camaros and Firebirds are still cheap, especially the later model cars with those weak, smog motors. Pick up a Firebird for cheap and drop in a Gen III engine along with a matching 4L60E automatic or a Tremec five-speed like the TKO-600. You can find LS series engine/trans combos for around $1,500, and the car might be even cheaper. These cars already have a durable 8.5 10-bolt rear, so the drivetrain is set. It would be inexpensive and fast.