Good idea, about the project car...
Keep an eye on your local classifieds, etc.
I picked up an 85 Camaro Z28, for $900. New paint, great condition original ********, perfect car, 5 speed manual and a 305 engine...even has the original owners manual, showing that some little old lady bought it, Dec of 84.
I threw a rod, in that 305 and replaced it with a 350 (with 30,000 miles on it), for $200...found that, in the local classifieds too.