I leave most of the engine advice to those that know more about the subject than I. However, one really easy way to reduce weight and improve handling and nimbleness (if that's a word)
Is to go with the lightest wheels and tires you can. Aluminum alloy wheels, low profile radials (if that look passes muster) and the best lightweight brakes (aluminum calipers?) you can get will help overall weight, and improve handling.
If you are planning on a custom rear end assembly, consider the models with aluminum housings, they are not quite as tough as the iron makes, but lighter.
The jack pads instead of full bumpers would help, and the lightweight racing batteries I have been looking at , have extended *shelf* or storage life as well.
Aluminum heads, intake manifolds, alternator?, water pump, etc...
Let us know how it's coming along, and what style you are building. Pics when you get 'em too !
__________________
James Madison, father of the Constitution, said, "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." He also said, "No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.standdown.net/index.htm