[DonC]

Russ:
Boy, are you in trouble now. Experience will teach you about asking for advice on the CC Forum. You've left yourself open to innumerable forum responses, email, junk mails and strangers in dark clothing knocking on your door at late hours trying to sell you things. A piece of advice, NEVER ask about big block or small block.
All kidding aside you've come to the right place with what is valid information. Specifically how much you want to spend. Its amazing how many people start off without a number. These types can waste a tremendous amount of time just thrashing around looking at things that will never be.
Gary has very sound advise in that you may be most satisfied with an already assembled car that someone else has already gotten the bugs out of.
When people refer to a roller they are usually referring to a car that’s complete less the engine and part or all of the drive train. Turn-key’s are generally newly manufactured complete ready to start and drive away cars produced by the company that’s selling them.
You decision on whether to do some of the work yourself or have the producer do it for you will play a huge factor in final price.
In my opinion, for what its worth, you would be hard pressed to do any better than an ERA unit in whatever stage of completion you choose. Please keep in mind that my opinion is biased since I own an ERA. Doing some poking around on the ERA site would give you an idea of what kind of costs you would incur with one of their cars. The same holds true for any of the other major manufacturers. Research, research, research. That is the biggest key to getting what you want and being happy with it afterwards.
I see you’re in Hilsboro. If you ever get over to the southwest side of town I’m in West Linn and would be happy to let you take a look at my car and sing it’s praises to you but remember, I’m biased.
Give me a buzz (503-823-7628 during the day) or email me (CWILL1958@COMCAST.NET) and I’ll be happy to talk to you.
DonC