I'd start with a 2.3L because they can be found in better shape alot of the time, and will be cheaper.
If you only want mid-low 11's in a drag car, then you can do that easily without the use of nitrous.
AFR 185s or 205s, victor JR intake and a barry grant carb, and a solid roller cam from ed curtis
Then spray it with a 200shot and say hello to low 10s
