Craig, as Joel (Jaje) mentioned most of us run in the Midwest region, with shares about 1/2 its events with the Great Lakes region you are in. We are expanding eastward toward you. I have raced early & late cars, none stand out competition wise. The early cars are a bit easier to get lighter, the late cars have a bit better suspension geometry. Early offset cars (83 through 86), are a bit cheaper to build & run, but not much. '88 motors have a bit more compression, but you can shave the head on an early car to make up the difference! Find a good deal on a running car with a ratty interior to build, or as Joel mentioned, buy one & come join the fun!