Here's a passing thought if you have 2 cars to work with, build them both.

A street/strip car is always a compromise and the car is either competitive and not very streetabe or the other way around.

Why not start on one as just nice transportation (maybe a 351) to get you around and have fun with and start collecting parts to turn the other into a monster.

You can hone your skills on the "driver" and have something to chase parts in for your import killer.