I'm in my thirties.

Piecing together my all aluminum B1 headed-BB

We're out there still.

G/F still had to take out a loan to pay for the upgrades to make her pump gas gen 3 Camaro run 10.90's

Her AFR headed 383, forged crank wasn't free
Nor was the Ford 9" disc brake rearend.
Tranny upgrade to TH400
ATI 8"

The initial investment can be tough.
Student loans, mortgage slow things down.

I keep the Coronet running and racing while gathering parts for the B1 engine.