[tddnepa]

Thanks, hal, and of course you're right. Please understand, i wasn't looking for anyone to disparage any brand. it's just like, for example, i like audio equipment, and am often asked to help a friend pick out a new set of speakers, etc.

i always tell them that there are quality speakers for $1000 a pair, and there are quality speakers for $100,000 per pair. if a pair of speakers sound good to you, and they cost 500 dollars, and another pair sound pretty much the same for 5000 dollars, you shoudl generally BUY THE 500 dollar ones. if you're going to get the same enjoyment out of it, then why not?

my question is this...i want to put a pretty beefy motor into this car. i'm not purist such that the slightest "non-authentic" detail is going to bother me. I want a quality machine that more or less looks like a cobra should (subtle details aside), and doesn't feel rickety and loose at speed.

basically what i'm asking is, if one manufacturer can put out what looks like a very similar project for 1/3 less...there MUST be trade-offs, otherwhise no one would buy the more expensive product. thats capitalism. so can someone tell me what it is i'm really buying with the extra $$? I don't mind spending it if i'm going to be glad about it later, but i also don't mind saving it if i'm not going to care.

again, i'm not looking to start some manufacturer flame-off here...not at all. i'm just hoping ot augment my homework with some voices mreo experienced than my own.

thanks
Tom