LS1 engine management?

We have a 2004 Corvette that we are going to run in IHRA Pure Stock (B/PS) this summer. With a cold air kit, gear and converter it should run 0.5 under the index (12.45) and still be driven to the track. We'd eventually like to add headers, a cam, Bogarts, etc. and run IHRA & NHRA Stock Eliminator. Currently we use a local tuner for computer tunes. We're just getting started and would like to jump in and do the engine management system ourself so that we can learn as we go, not have to rely on another tuner, be able to make changes at the track and be able to make adjustments as we add parts. We (my fiance and I) are pretty savvy on the computer; we both have degrees in mathematics and she has a minor in computer programming. However, we have zero experience with automotive tuning. What would be a good system for us to purchase and learn with that's user friendly and that we could use throughout the entire process as we transition into a full-blown Stocker one day? We hope, even though we're starting small, to run with the Big Dogs one day so we understand this is a long-term project.

Thanks.

Wendy & Scott