GO for the front end.. your right, when else would you be in a position to have the car in a shop for the work and only have to pay $400-$500 like you said.

Besides.. you should not be racing it on the street anyway so dont worry about having to back it up.. just let em all drool as they pass you..

Another thought.. do the front end and throw some NAAAWWSS (NOS) on it. Just as good.