dart sport build

I think either way you go its going to cost money and your gonna have to roll your sleeves up. You can go alot faster, alot cheaper with a v8 swap. hell even a stock bottom end 318 with a cam and bolts on can run pretty good for very little money.
Agreed. I dunno about cheaper, I tend to think it averages out. But yes either way it will take money, work and research.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, if sound is a priority then go V8. A slant will only sound awesome to those who have slant fetishes like myself.