Re: Cost $$ to get in the 9\'s
I don't completely agree with everything here so I'll speak up. High 10's on radials can be done for next to nothing. I ran 10.96 with nitrous (BTR propane), K&N's, smooth tubes, Borla cat-back and half shafts and I can't even drive. I watched a 10.4 on radials (not drag radials). OK, only once but hey.......it can be done. I would also put the $ value at 15 - 20K. I don't know anyone who's done it for 10K. Maybe if you do the work yourself. That's where having the right parts comes in. Listen to Albert. If you try yourself, your taking a big chance and the guys who know how to do it will charge you $$.
All of the 9 second cars I've seen have had to buy:
cone filters or air box
larger T-bodies
machined intake (throttle body end and head matching)
head porting
cam
timing chain & gears
lifters
push rods
shaft rockers
valves
headers
exhaust
dyno tuned nitrous kit (NX only one in 9's)
drag shocks (front)
half shafts
gear (not me)
slicks and skinnies
gaskets, plugs, wires, oil
And maybe add these for reliability and safety:
10 qt. oil pan with trap doors
5 pt. harness
nitrous rpm and fuel pressure safety switches
roll bar
light weight flywheel (may as well get clutch, PP, release bearing)
rods (better than stock)
Clevite bearings
forged pistons (better than stock for all that gas)
shifter
half shaft safety loops
drive shaft safety loop
I think that should take care of every bit of 20K and then a some. I'll soon have most of the list and a little more. My tip would be to go all out the first time. You can save thousands by not having to buy components over again (like I did).
Good luck!