Motor mounts would be a good start for learning how to weld. I would advise a good gas mig, and after mocking up the design, tack it, bring it to the bench and run all your beads in the flat position. Lap joints are also great to learn. Stock up on the same material you'll use for the mounts and get some practice in.

I love the idea of being able to do to burnouts. Really miss it in fact.

Would be fun with line lock.