the fuji sundance sparkler i've actually found out is most likely a fuji pulsar, as it matches spec for spec almost identically.
as for the hi-c and the sundance sparkler, they are virtually identical except for the fork crown and head tube lubs, however all parts on the sundance are "name brand" compared to "cheap knockoffs" on the hi-c. no matter though, b/c the "name brand" parts are the lowest of the low in terms of quality on that scale. though the wheelset did fetch $40, so that's not so bad considering the bike was only $75.
once i slap on a blue wheelset, the fuji will probably be done . . . and then on to more bike projects!