Jon (aka SSS),
I have done many build and understand the time and money Formula,,,, Heck we Built the Vicky from scratch in 7 months and came in only 4 weeks past the target completion date and a few Thousand bucks over budget.
I am very structured and detailed,, But MAN did I screw up on the Difficulty, Time and Money needed for the Stude,,,
From the inception the goal for the Stude was to tech to run at least 225mph,,, it takes a lot more work to Tech to 225 than it did for the Vicky teching to 175...... everything has to be built bigger, better and stronger and lot's of stuff is custom or "one off".. heck have you every tried to order a full containment racing seat for a 6ft tall 375lb driver ?? It sure don't come off the shelf...or cheap...
I am not complaining,, it is a labor of love,,,some tell me that I am to picky, some say I should not pay so much attention to the fit, finish or overall appearance,, and some even say it's a waste of time and money to have a nice paint job..
But, If my name is on the car,,, it is going to look like a car show trophy winner, it's going to be safe and it's going to go FAST.... I am very cautious NOT to say it's going to get a record.. As I know the records are well earned and hard to get,,, all I can say is I am going to try.... But I want my cars to look fast sitting still...just in case they can't get out of there own way at the track..
Charles