Yea, $1000 dollars is probably a real good estimate. I never did add it up, nor do I want to . Honestly, I would rather spend the money on this instead of a $1000 paint/body job. I can't see the paint from the inside .
No I don't race. I'd like to autocross someday. With a wife, house, and 9 month old baby girl, I barely have time to deal with the normal wear and tear maintenance.
I agree, for serious competition, this dash is too distracting and very heavy. For street / daily-driver use, I like being able to see what's going on.