[Pewter-Q]

I'm extremely excited for this build to pick up some steam. Definitely a good direction so far with your plans too. I like the idea of a simply done sheetmetal dash. Maybe do some engine turning like treatment on it and get it polished instead of covered.

The idea I really like is the GenIII/IV aluminum block swap. You could get a built 4L60E instead of the 80E to save some weight but you wouldn't be saving any cash however. This is an idea I've been rolling over in my head too, an RCSB OBS with a full GenIV powertrain set up pro-touring style. I'd go with an LS2 out of a wrecked TBSS or GTO. Add a cam dyno tune and some bolt ons and you should be at or near your hp mark.