Mike, what is your plan for a front end, suspension? If i were to ever build another, it probably would be a strut frontend. Maybe a mustang two, but those would be my personal choices. Are you going to leave the motor in the stock position? Any setback will help, but the aluminum block REALLY helps in front/rear weight distribution. With your axle in back staying in stock location, it should still work well on the street. I bought a Dakota lithium 60ah battery, 16.5 lbs. Can be used with a 60 amp alternater. That allowed me to dump the cables to the back and mount it up front. The cables weighed 15 lbs.
I am looking forward to seeing your build progress. It will be great! By the way, i think it will probably run hi nines if it is going to use glass body parts and lightening.