Haha yup, when I add up what I really spent on my PTE car I'm convinced that some programmer at microsoft screwed up the SUM() function such that it operates more like the PRODUCT() function.
Regardless, I'm quite certain that I can build a good chassis for <$15k. Whether or not the car will be competitve will depend on if I I can build a motor that actually makes the power. We'll see. Not expecting to update this thread much until my build starts in a month or two, but check back then!
You can get a safe, reliable car on the track for that if you are equipped to do the work yourself. It will be more hours and money to shake it down and sort it out to get the most of it. You aren't going get a whiff of the podium at a Majors with a build with that budget and no pro motor or tuning. Most of the folks here are pretty nice, they're being polite. A few years back I built an entry level NA for right around 10 grand out of pocket with a beater donor. Like you, all of it. A lot of used, most new from either Mazdaspeed or a few of the aftermarket race dealers. I'd built or crewed half a dozen or so stock cars prior and have everything but a lift. I quit counting hours when it got over 100. Probably more like 250 to 300 total. A good chance it was more. Getting a car safe and ready for the track, no problem. Finishing with the big boys takes more than just building a car. It's a lofty goal to podium at the Majors, just not too realistic with those resources.
You're into a 25k car to run consistently with the big boys. No amount of fab chops or tools can change that. The front runners you will be running with at big Majors are basically pros. They have substantial investments in both time and money and it's fierce competition. The engine guys have countless hours and can do things with the drive train that a builder that doesn't build for SM regularly won't be able to do. The knowledge and experience is priceless. Unless you are a shoe now it's going to take a few years and some good track support to run with those guys. One big take away racing about 15 years before I had to hang up my helmet is the investment in the car is the least of your costs over the years. Most of these guys spend thousands a year to run. To run competitively at a national level consistently you're into five figures not counting equipment and tools. The extra 5-10k you don't spend now is going to be a drop in the bucket. And by not spending it you aren't going to be any closer to the lead pack at a big race.
Buy Wheeler's book. It will be the best $25 you'll spend at this point. It helps shorten the learning curve specific to SM.