yeah i guess you cant get machining from china Col and it sure adds up. In all honesty mate i think i have spent a hell of a lot less than most to do mine. I did some very diligent shopping and bought precious little across the counter at a store. I did buy a couple of lemons but on the whole i did very well.
As for what makes me think you havnt spent plenty, I never said you didnt but to date you have told me of your chinese manifold, copy gate, I also recall you telling me at the dinner one night that you didnt use forged slugs to boot so really the only high end item you have mentioned to date other than the unavoidable machining expenses is the garret turbo.
See, If you put up your mod list you could show what you have and what you dont.