You learn the difference in : Where you cut your budget, on pricey speed parts ...( aluminum cylinder heads,solid roller cams,high stall converters)...
and learn to use the basics: well set up chassis,basic small block,/basic torque converter (Road Runner converter/TM6 G.M.? World Class T 5 speed.....
no prelude,just share yours....
Age plays a part in it as well as disposable income. If you can afford it do it. If you cant pay cash for it don't do it. Took me a while to get there though-------------------the age thing and all-------------