My year long budget transformation is complete.

No downside here that I can see, car looks really great. Anybody asks, just say you drive an economical slant six for now but you're working on a stroker for next year.
Just a thought, but if you are a "non-paying" customer working for barter, seems to me he got the better of you, if he didn't pay you either. Seems to me like he's YOUR "non-paying" customer and needs to be made aware of that fact. It appears to me that your "skill" is building the website for him, and your "parts" are the knowledge that you bring to put it together. His "skill" is assembling the engine, and the "parts" are what he should be supplying to put it together. Unless I don't have all the story here, he's one up on you presently if you shelled out $1200.00.My 2 cents.
Daryl