If by little guy you mean on a tight budget..................
Our combo is
2007 Fastech 200" full body
Started with the injected 65 401 Buick Nailhead.
Current engine is a 462" Buick iron block.
4 Port Hilborn Alky injected.
Super-mag 4.
Hosier 33x12x15
3.89 Ford 9"
P/G with brake 4400 rpm stall leave at 4000
Best run was a 1.10 60' , 4.95 @ 144 1/8th , 7.82 @176.9 (trans eating itself up on the pass)
The day we ran the pass was a balmy 49-53 degrees. We had a difficult time trying to get the engine temp up above 160.
Trans is repaired and the converter damage is yet to be determined. Hope to know soon, though....
Good thread look forward to seeing more builds.