1200's are great Autocross cars , even though mine is now a Vintage road race car. I've used it in over 100 SCCA Autocross events since 1989. I won the local H-stock championship with it. Also in it's current trim it is a top ten car. Oh those poor vette owners cringe when the little red coupe spanks their arses
Of course my opinion is stick with the A12 for a while. You can easily get 90hp out of one and as they weigh 1600lbs it makes them go well. For a cheap starter project go with a mild cam weber 32/36 ,header and bigger valves. Use addco sway bars , good shocks/dampers and a set of 185/60 13's. All that can be done for $1000 and you will have a really fun to drive car. (note the valves/cam will knock you out of street prepared).
Any way welcome aboard.

Tom , Las Vegas