im running the copper tokico HP struts for the 323gt and intrax purple lowering springs for the same..
i too, only paid 1800 for mine. in great condition. and im well over 5,000...
but i run 13s in the 1/4 and soon will break 12s with the 14b turbo. and still be under 6,000 with the price of the car ....
buy a civic, and build it to run 13s, and be reliable too. for under 6000...
and no, an e-bay ching chang chong turbo kit thrown on a d series will not last a summer, running the kind of boost it takes to run a 13..
and to do even a vitara/ eagle engine build,
or to port and polish and put high compression pistons in a d series will prolly put you over the budget.. and a b16 or b18 swap forget about it ..
so paying dirt, for a car with so much hidden potential, and underrated as they are.. sounds hella good to me