it is ALWAYS cheaper to go fast by buying someone elses car as long as you know what you are looking at and it is done correct and with good parts. Example I bought a running long block with intake and a complete trans setup bell to tail shaft and have spent 1000-1500 on things like alt, power steering, mounts and pullies, and about 100 other little things just to be ready to turn key and at the time I will spend more to fix what other "bugs" arise