Don't get me wrong a Fox is a GREAT platform and they can be had for cheap. If it were me I would buy any solid Fox roller I could find, forget the year, just find somthing solid. Build a carbed 351 with a big cam, ported heads (or aftermarket if the budget allows) a C4 with a big converter and trans break and big gear in the 8.8 and have a fun little car.

 

Nice choice. your going to need to replace the whole block because its gonna be pretty old. Build it and go with a nice turbo setup. Kits for those cars are pretty cheap now.

 

eh for the strip i would go with a either a fox or 3rd gen. nice cammed motor w/ spray since it is going to be a drag car. nothing touches nitrous power for the 1320.

 

Ive got a buddy that runs 8's with one with a 'stock' suspension.
Well according to the rules that require stock pickup points.
Its an LX Fastback. It has a C4 with a Brake, a 414 Windsor, and a BIG Nitrous Sytem.
However I dont think cheap or affordable is in the same Hemisphere as this car.

On the other hand a 10.9 motor car could be done for a reasonable amount.
If you were willing to spend a bit more on fuel system, trans, converter, and chassis 10.00 on the bottle would be pretty easy without having to deal with all the certifications required of 9-second car.