[Jack21]

This is the subject of many discussions! CR did produce a parts shopping guide way back when, was obsolete when it was published, and had as its only socially redeming factor, part numbers that could be used for cross referencing.

The smartest, and most cost effective thing you can do is not spend a dime on components until you lay out what you want to do here first. And, apparently you're doing just that.

Perhaps the best current sources are Don (Now, owner of CRII who has been building them for years), and DV (who also has been building them for years, has custom engineered, and now sells some of the more popular upgrades).

I, and a few others may chime in to suggest other options.

I think all will agree, however, that one does not build a $40k+ sports car, that looks and drives like a $40k+ sports car with salvage yard parts.