You know you are going to get a lot of opinions on these questions.
(1) do you feel the components on the more well known kit brands they sell match up in quality with the factory cars ie Superformance Backdraft etc?
Answer:
I know of five brands of cars pretty well and the first thing you need to determine is what brand can you fit in without doing unusual things that would look odd. That may narrow your options down. The key words in your question were "well know brands." Some of the worst brands were also well know after awhile. There are some well-known and quality kit brands like ERA, Hurricane, and FFR. There are also kits that you need a lot of skill to build that can be a stretch to call a kit. The parts on these cars vary greatly as well as the quality of the frame, suspension, brakes and so on. It seems that most companies struggle with putting out a quality manual. It takes a lot of work to put out a detailed quality manual that is up to date and not giving you instructions for a car that was built ten years ago and does not even resemble yours. Know this, few are willing to bad mouth their brand of car for fear they will go out of business and their car may be less valuable.
(2) traditional Carb set up vs. fuel injection pros and cons or just preference
Answer:
There is no question that fuel injection runs a lot better and may be a factor in where the car is registered. You have to decide what weight you put on technology and smooth operation vs. simplicity and maybe originality. I love fuel injection and know the systems pretty well, but I like carburetion and the simplicity of my youth. You have to determine if originality is important to you and to what degree. Carburetion is a lot cheaper but I sure like that Coyote 5.0 and the LS3 engines. Trade offs are tuff!
(3) live straight axle vs 4 wheel independent
Answer:
No question four wheel independent rides better and holds the road better. They are weaker and more expensive in construction and maintenance. It always seemed odd to me that you would put a very high HP FE engine in a light car with big tires and a weak rear differential. For a lower HP engine it would seem ideal.
Just one of many opinions, subject to change when I get smarter.
Wayne