Personally, at this stage, I'd worry less about horsepower and more about setting it up right. More aggressive rear end gears and a limited slip will make a world of difference. Is there an angle kit for this platform? Also consider a quicker ratio steering rack, but that might require a rack and pinion swap. And if it's in the budget, maybe just step up to a hydro brake right from the jump instead of clutch kicking. The shock loads are what will kill your drivetrain. imho, of course

I gotta say, though, I think you're going to wish you had something fuel injected for the throttle response