brother,i have been on both sides of this fence. i had done everything i could to get my car up to speed with some of the best cars in the country,spent more than a alter-k would cost,and STILL did not get the performance. it is BETTER by design! that's why people that know that,run it! i will agree that depending on you level of driving,cash flow,and class restrictions anyone will be limited and have just as much fun. BUT! you are no going to come close to the DSE cars,brian finch,etc. i have been doing this for quite sometime now,along with serious rockcrawling. a four link rear with coilovers rule,bottom line,thats why people use them and they are faster. from my experience,it is the people that do not want to pay for it or can't that talk it down. i tried to do just what you are talking about and run with these guys,and i done ok and gained alot of repect. but you HAVE to go to the next level to compete. i have been fortunate to team up with bill reilly,hodge restoration,rooster's rod shop,and just got Mickey Thompson as a tire sponsor. but to get there,it takes the next level.