Have you guys considered a 2nd gen RX7? Cheap & light. Ditch that lil NA rotary, hopefully you can find one with a blown motor, and you're good to build, then drag.
Even the 1st gens are kinda cool.
And whatever you guys do decide to go with, I know a guy who can do some sweet body work. And maybe even lay up some flares. He's an awesome studly man, but he can be kind of a dick.