Pancake, Exactly how old are you? If you are still pre-college age, do you have enough saved for college? College is uper-expensive, and if you plan to go, that would be a wiser investment than your car. I really hate saying that, but it is right. After college, your money gets freed up, and you have a good paying job, so than you can really do things :twisted:
Some people have different ideas about their cars. My parents are of the kind who think of them as straight capital and transportation. They don't understand the desire of my brother and me for modding our vehicles. Financially, as mensajero pointed out in the Consumers Reports article, it doesn't make sense. Not to mention Toyota carefully engineers these engines for longevity, safety, and compatibility. Some people don't like messing with that engineering. But, for some, such as I, it isn't about the money. I know my vehicle is going to be a money pit, that isn't the point. I feel the need to create a totally unique vehicle that I have pride in. The reason is totally intrensic. I do it for me, no one else, and for no reason greater than it pleases me 8)
So consider this if you still need to pay for college: Tune the Rav, or wait, pay for college, have more of your money afterwards going back to yourself, and build the Rav, or any other car (BMW M5?)? Just something to ponder.
Oh, and mensajero, whatever happened to Chewy? I think I remember the two of you arguing back in 2003 (2002?) when I joined up. And I miss andrew bein on here, now I have to go all the way over to the OZ forum to find the wise man's wisdom. That, and he is extremely encouraging and understands how alot of us tuners (or in my case wannabe tuner) feel about their cars.
Oh, and Pancake, another peice of advice, kinda contrary to Mensajero, I say create a special bank account (preferbly savings) somewhere with the money for the parts. Rather than buying them peice by peice, save for a while, and than just buy it in one big shot. Your money would gain interest (although prolly not much), you would save valuable garage space (always a huge plus), and it would give you a little more time to do research and find out if there have been any previous problems with the parts combos you are thinking.