I have been very fortunate building my TA. I have a grand total of $14k in it including the purchase price. I won the engine from Hot Rod's "Win Your Dream Engine Sweepstakes". I received the fuel pump, regulator and braided lines from Holley on the 04 Power Tour for getting Holley on the news . I was in a minor accident and the insurance company paid $5800 for damages to my car. My best friend's son didn't charge me for anything but paint, primer and materials. I did spend 3 of the hottest days two summers ago installing his pool.That was $6500. He put over 300 hours on my body work and I already had a pretty straight and rust free car. I discovered auto crossing on last years Power Tour and talked Heidt's into installing their Pro G front and rear suspension. With all the old parts I sold, that paid for a set of used Rushforth wheels and front 6 piston Willwood brakes. Here is a pic before the new suspension and rims. This is the new paint. The interior I did my self. As one can see I have been extremely lucky.
If you pick a non main stream car it helps. 2nd gen Ta's are still quite cheap if you stay away from 70-73 and 78 bandit TA's. I see them for under 10k all the time. Do a Hotchkis TVS and some Willwood brakes and you can be under $15k and have a nice ride.
