I'm being as innovative with my budget as possible, and
These are average prices...mostly including doing the work yourself.
Lets say:
Engine+turbo: $6000
Paint: $4000
Exhaust $1000
Rubbers door/suspension: $1200
hoses/pipes: $500
shocks springs: $1000
Brakes $1500
Diff: $300
Electricals (relays etc): $500
ECU+ tuning: $2500
interior retrim (inc seats): $2000
Fuel system: $300
Intercooler + hoses: $1000
new glass: $500
new panels: $500
wheels/tires: $2000
1st yr rego/insurance/eng cert: $2000
-------------------
$26,800
cost to maintain GF/wife: $2000
cost on brain for worrying about some d?ck stealing it: $10,000
See...it's REAL easy. I'll say it again..you'll still have only an "ok" car for this kind of money. You need to get "lucky" and find parts on the cheap to get out of it any better. And you need to become better at haggling on prices. Every dollar counts.
Chris
So next time you hear the term " Ground up rebuild"..please be impressed, because it's cost the guy twice as much for a 5% better result.