I want to build a cavalier or sunfire into a dirt track racecar. To better explain the situation we are not allowed to do anything with the ECU, engine or suspension. Basically they want you to get a junk yard car and put some numbers on it and go racing. Of course its never that simple. I have a good idea how to make the car handle from experience with racing other kinds of circle track cars. The engines in these cars are one thing Im not too familiar with. So lets say I find a 95+ with the 2.4L 16v motor. I've read a little on these motors and I know there are different interchangable parts like cams, heads, intakes, TB's etc. My thing is I have to look and remain as close to stock as possible because I dont want to be labelled as a cheater. If I had a 2.4 would the 2.3 HO head swap be a good starting point and what all is required aside from bolting the new head on? I know cams and lifters have to be somewhat different so I dont know what that would require. The other thing is, since I cant play with tuning with an FPR or ECU the higher compression (after head swap) might be horrific on the stock tune. I cant do a CAI or header even, I have to keep it stock. I can actually get 102 ocane locally so that part is nice, it could reduce knocks with the 11.4 c/r after the head swap. So cams and tuning become important.

Bottom line is Im very much a GM person and a lot of family members are gm mechanics so Im baised into wanting to race GM cars. But if this car isnt a good choice I can live with that. Are these motors as big of a pain as people tell me or could I expect to race a season on one engine w/out having to tear it apart weekly? Ive seen a few JY mechanics and relatives call these motors quadWhores and quadrajunk. So Im intimidated but I think the light chassis of the cavi and sunfire could be competitive w/ some suspension tweaking. Any advice here would be very helpful as Im just looking to start planning this out since April will be here before ya know it. So if anyone has a good idea what engine to start with Im all ears! Thanks in advance gents.

~Dan