Here is the problem as I see it---- If you do not build a car that you "could" put a aero competive body you will just be throwing you money away. A rear eng. dragster type lakester "MIGHT" be build fairly inexpensively ----but it is still going to cost you a TON--- I would look at Al Eshenbaugh's new car. With a lot more body it could be fairly aero clean. His car is just about a SIMPLE as one can get it and has ROOM to grow into other systems if need be.
I saw Al's lakester in tech (SW2013?) and I really like the design and the fact that there is room for whatever power plant you want back there. But, I'm leaning more towards the front wheel drive setup myself though. I just need to figure out the layout for the front axle and steering. I have no experience with quick change rears and wether or not they will have lubrication issues if I were to flip one upside down. Of course that poses a challenge with pinion angle and U-joint angles.
If all else fails, I could slap together a RWD 2.2L turbo Subaru setup that I already have. That would be the easiest and cheapest way to get a lakester on the salt but dang it, I want to drive something with serious power.
My budget is really only about 20k but I do all of my own fab work and engine building / tuning.
I will likely start out with a mostly stock LSx or BBC, just to get on the salt, then worry about building it up later.
Now, as far as transmission selections... Which would be better- 4l80e, TH400, TH350, 700r4, 200-4r???