Welcome! I'd agree, the price for an 89 seems a bit high unless it is super clean, very low miles or if it is nicely modded already somewhat (or a nice clean Supercharged car maybe... not a whole lot of 89 S/C's around). I dropped 4K on a nice, modded S/C swap car (sunroof N/A chassis) and a large parts stash and that car is in AMAZING order... suspension done, was running 12.5 lbs boost when I got it, interior was sorted and looked almost new... just was great. I've done very little to the car and it has been nothing but a pleasure to drive!! I came from the front engine rwd deal too... 3 Mustangs (92, 95, 65) and 3 Corvettes (78, 92, 96 GS LPE car) and so I learned the same lesson you did. Found out the curves were where the fun was anyway
. Best of luck with your search for the right Deuce for you!
On a side note, I picked up a rolling shell (with a good many parts on it still aside from motor, tranny and about 2/3 of an interior) that was a former racer (has bolt holes from a bolt-in roll bar and no carpet) for free, so you can find some deals. I doubt you want to start with THAT much of a project though, but heck, there was one locally already ready to race for $2,500! It was an 86 with only 86K miles on it too, was sweet, but I didn't have the cash at the time so I missed out on it.