I have seen plenty of the lil AMXs that will go low 9 seconds, and a few that go in the 8s and a couple that will go 7s.

Gutting the body & chassis is not needed. Tie the front frame to the rear frame, a 12-point cage welded to the frame, and either ladder or (preferably) 4-link suspension pretty much takes care of the chassis.

Fiberglass fenders, bumpers, etc., are still in production, so weight can be reduced to the low 2,000s easily.

No need to destroy a survivor car when there are lots that need rust repair for fairly cheap prices.