We all know the motor will cost x amount depending on power,Trans mission same and rearend,both of which cost more because of the bigger motor.

The hidden stuff adds up to a ton. I know I spent 300 bucks this week on nuts,bolts,o-rings and cpl fittings. This is what makes buying used car smarter than building one from ground up. LMAO well my broke a$$.

I spent $750 last week on some hoses for transmission cooler, radiator and water pump. Still have to do the vacuum pump and all of the fuel lines which will probably be another $750. What I hate about the hoses is I consider them an item that needs to be replaced every few years.
Then I have spent no telling how much on nuts, bolts, washers etc.
New MSD box, RPM module, shift module and two step module and a 3 step.
New gauges and new RPM digital dash for my data logger.
New wheels and tires, new steering box, this car is getting expensive. Trying to order a new shifter but the one I want was back ordered.
Thing is I am taking little off my Altered so it will be a complete roller or I have the option to put another motor in it and run it.

Wideopen and Curly, I hear you when it comes to the small cost eating you alive! lol I originally thought my vega was going to be a quick project but it turned into a complete build. The most important part is now it is a very well built safe car. Of course I would of liked it to be done quicker than it has taken me but that doesn't classify me as a broke dyck either! Family and Life will always be more important

Since everyone has been nice enough not to quote site moron,I am guessing he is again worried about everyone's dyck. Makes you wonder about some of his other choices in life and are they man boobs are start of a change?

Worried about hidden costs? You might need to find a more affordable hobby.

Nobody said I was worried about it. It is just simple observation as to how much the little BS pieces add up to.

Any hobby is expensive. Went trout fishing cpl weeks back,between gas,Mc Donald's lunch and bait it was about 100 bucks and that comes out to 16.67 per trout.Heck of bargain.LOL

I am not complaining or cutting corners on this new car. It is all new and nice but it has cost more than I was expecting. Just do it and move on. No big deal.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Moderate Joe,

quote:

Originally posted by RacerVX54:
Worried about hidden costs? You might need to find a more affordable hobby.

Or minimize those costs. That is supposed to be the great thing about bracket racing. Spend as little or as much as you want to. Take care. Tom Worthington

Or minimize those costs. That is supposed to be the great thing about bracket racing. Spend as little or as much as you want to. Take care. Tom Worthington[/QUOTE]

Agree building cheaper deal would have been easier on bank account,Never been one to take easy route. Plus a TFX Hemi in back half car would be more of waste then it is in this deal. Not saying anything wrong with back half cars,a lot of them making lots of rounds every weekend.

I have done several things different than most people on this new build but not to save money, I do it to be better. For instance I am using a BMW electric water pump. As far as I know I am he first to use one. I do know that all of the previous water pumps or pump drives we have been using are not very durable. From the old sewing machine type electric motors to the MEziere pumps none worked very well or last long.
The BMW water pump is designed to last for hundred thousand miles or more at temps of well over 200*. I would think it will work better than any of the junk we are using. May be wrong but if it does not work I can always get a standard pump.
I am building this car like I want from front to back and if others like great and if not I do not care. It should be fun to drive, eye catcher and unique.

Now back to the topic at hand...

Even buying a used car not everything will line up as it did from your old car. There is always cost associated be it new or old. What it comes down to is what you are willing to spend for the length of time you plan to keep the car that you feel you get your value back out from use. I would say return on investment but this is bracket racing where the small few are lucky to have a return.

quote:

Originally posted by RacerVX54:
Worried about hidden costs? You might need to find a more affordable hobby.

RacerVX54...KNOWS!

I've had the Arrow for 13yrs...got lucky and paid for the initial purchase of the car within the first two years. Then....had 4 motors in the car before I got smart and had Mike Janis at Jan Cen build one. A couple of transmission later and now I have a Abruzzi glide in the car. I've upgraded brakes and numerous other items. Here is my take...spend the money where and when you need to but when you do buy as quality as you can. I had the car up for sale last year and had a buyer at my asking price. I kept it for now...the thought of trying to make another car as good as what I have made that decision for me. Who knows I may send it down the road at some point but for now I want to try to pay back for some of the motors with big checks.

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:

quote:

Originally posted by RacerVX54:
Worried about hidden costs? You might need to find a more affordable hobby.

RacerVX54...KNOWS!

Not necessarily. I see people say that all the time. There is nothing wrong with maximizing your dollar. The observation isn't wrong. I see many start out and just don't realize how much it costs when you start putting hoses and such together. Doesn't mean they should get another hobby just because it surprises them.

I race cheaper than most around. My performance per dollar spent I would compare with anyone. That makes my wins and fun per dollar spent that much better. I think I will stay in my chosen hobby as should he.

quote:

Originally posted by CURTIS REED:


Not necessarily. I see people say that all the time. There is nothing wrong with maximizing your dollar. The observation isn't wrong. I see many start out and just don't realize how much it costs when you start putting hoses and such together. Doesn't mean they should get another hobby just because it surprises them.

I race cheaper than most around. My performance per dollar spent I would compare with anyone. That makes my wins and fun per dollar spent that much better. I think I will stay in my chosen hobby as should he.

I agree with you there and trying to get the most performance and fun for your money is just smart. My altered I kept on a pretty tight budget but have spent quite a bit on the new dragster. I was pretty surprised at how much most of the stuff added up to but this is going to be a nice car and it will be worth it.

What sucks is every little up grade causes another piece to be issue.

Example.New 16 battery. Fits chassis fine till you put nose piece on,then shyt about 1/2" too tall. Now cut bar out after welding new bar little further back,add 4 new tabs and new battery hold down. Cost cash wise nothing time wise is different story. Guess that's one thing that has not changed in 30 years of messing with these things. LMAO FUN FUN FUN!

As Curly said at least it will be nice. Plus doing right beats the hell out of will work good enough.

Forgot about plumbing in the primer system.More fittings and here I thought I was done buying fittings, LMAO!!!!!