throwing some ideas around in my head. need pro input

[PercentSevenC]

Not trying to discourage you from going carb, just making sure you know it isn't going to be much, if any, cheaper, between the carb itself and all the jets and things you'll need to buy.

I recommend against one of the common 4-barrels (Holley, Edelbrock, etc.) if you like turning or stopping. I suggest one of the Weber 2-barrels or their clones. I'm currently using a 45 DCOE, and aside from it being a bit small, I love it. Easiest carb in the world to tune. Heck, you can tune the main circuit while the car is running.