I black out way before I can pull 13g's <g>....

If it is your first Rod, I would suggest something simple and enclosed. Open cars are for true enthusiasts. Stick to a mild (read that MILD) engine and an automatic trans. You want to go cruizin and go to shows and have fun. Affording the fuel and the insurance and the maintenance and the repair...all while putting your own spin on your rodding style is not for the broke, or the cheap, or the timid.
Make sure you thoroughly check out the ride before you buy it. Don't get 'buy fever' and just grab the first thing that gets you hot. Finding out it is a mechanical POS after a few weeks will really get you down. Join a local rod club and find out who is a good mechanical guy and enlist his help. If you live in a warm climate, get one with A/C...no fun being wilted getting to a cruise..
Best of all...Have fun with it...
Jeff