Well as I just sold a car and got right back into another car let share my deal with you.
First I'm a paint and body guy by trade, so replacing sheet metal is not a big deal for me. That being said when I went looking for my new project I wanted the most complete running driving car with little to no rust I could get within my budget ($8500) for the car. Once my old car was picked up I started looking hard, I ended up getting a 73 Camaro that will require no panel replacement, a couple of small patches but that's it, full interior and runs and drives great.
My point is you seem like your kind of in the same place as I was, not looking to jump into a full on build just mess with as you go?? Get the most complete car you can within your budget for the car. Then budget different areas of the car, brakes, wheels, engine. As for which one I would leave it open as to what kind and or brand you want, unless you really do not like a certain brand? Set your price for the car and start looking at everything, just because its an olds doesn't mean you can't put an lsx in it. I've seen lots of customers come in in the past with a shell and a few parts and think they are going to get it painted and finished for 20k. It's all the little parts that add up real fast.
Hope this helps some!
