Mine is getting more and more out of control (expensive) as I keep leaning on it.

But I traded my labor on 3 transmission rebuilds for the whole car. Core motor was free out of a county truck. Traded an old 300,000 mile beater truck I had for the machine work and port job.

$1000 into the trans converter (built myself)
Traded a trans rebuild to Mr. P and some cash for the roll bar/turbo fab work.
$1000 in parts on the motor
$3000 in turbo parts.
The rest is just junk I stole out of DVW's attic (including the used 3.23 gear, and borrowed posi).

I re did the seats, put carpet in it, new wheels/tires, fuel system etc... I probably could have done it even cheaper if I had left it a little more ratty, but that wasn't what I wanted.

I had ~$8k in it when it ran at the track on the first day. Went 10.99. Later went all the way to 10.08 with more boost, but hurt some parts along the way, so you have to count them in the expense. Probably would go mid/high 10's all day without breaking parts as first built though.

Not $5k, but in the 10's for $8k isn't bad. It would be in the 9's if it were a lighter A-body for the same cost.