Coach, you make a great point (as many others have in this thread) about "piecing together cars." I don't/won't piece together parts.... I will do it right the first time and that's it. Like I said in the beginning of John's thread "this will give people a good perspective of what it takes to run in the 9's." When I spoke of $30k plus I should have clarified myself. I apologize! I'm talking about drive train only; motor, "engine supporting parts" (i.e., fuel, fuel injectors, ignition, engine management, turbo, waste gate), trans and rear, (i.e., axles, gears, differential, girdle and drive shaft) However, I am not including parts such as; intercooler, turbo saver, data logger, blow off valve, pulleys, adjustable boost controller, exhaust (i.e., headers, down pipe, maf pipe, plumbing for external waste gate, ceramic coating) suspension, brakes. For example, the parts that I did not include as "drive train parts" are parts that unfortunately we all must have, but are not part of the of the "long block build" or it's "supporting parts" for the long block build. Hope that makes sense to everybody. Everyone who has a GN/TR needs an intercooler, maf pipe, headers..... I think you all get the point. If you are working with an engine builder you are not going to discuss things like; headers and pulleys..... It would be pretty silly. Those parts are a "no brainer" you have to have them! Now, that being said I have over $40k in my drive train, but that's largely because of; a 4L80E transmission, Cal Hartline's new ignition, FAST XFI ECU, running E85 and also because I want the best parts. For example, I have a stage 4 4L80E transmission with trans brake, Moran fuel injectors, a Precision BB turbo, Weldon fuel along with many of other parts. Running E85 you'll need much larger fuel injectors, a much stronger fuel pump and larger fuel and return lines. Again, I have to pay for someone to do the work for me so the labor is a big part of that as well. If you do it right the first time it will definitely cost more money initially, but will save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the future.
Best wishes for you and whatever you do with your car. Happy New Year and thank you for your service!
