Tough question to answer as you probably know, it costs a lot less to just be able to run the index in the heat and tow with an open trailer and a pickup.

To be able to have a chance at winning class at Indy and tow with a deluxe enclosed trailer and a toter home is a much bigger number.

I think most people will tell you its cheaper to buy than to build. My suggestion would be to talk the the guys that are selling the cars you are interested in and see if they can give you a perceptive of the costs.

Another is what you are already doing, seek out others on sites like this one who have run stock eliminator.

Myron Piatek ("Locomotion" here) was a very successful IHRA racer and its now working on a NHRA Stock Eliminator car. You might get in touch with him for his views.