I don't know about racing Utes?, there's not many of them racing, but plenty on the street.

As I'm also doing a 300 HP project, I should be able to tell you. I guess you need to drive one to understand.

I've been driving my underpowered SSS Pulsar for too long, and I've forgotten what accelleration is.

I guess I'll be in for a good surprise when my project is finished.

But back to the question, I think the answer lies somewhere between

1. Wanting the biggest and the most powerful engine possible.
2. Wanting to maintain the outward image of a Datsun.

And if you do it yourself, it becomes an example of your personal ingenuity and perseverance. To pay someone else to do it doesn't rate very highly in my book.

My Dad always taught me, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Well even if you don't do it right, you have the pleasure of knowing you did it yourself.

Owning a car can be about the building of the car, and it can be about the driving of the car. (Or both). I don't respect many race drivers because of their "win at all cost" attitude, which normally leaves the car coming off second best. My car is part of the family, it's not an employee.