[Gav]

I'm a sparks too Hoity, and started out like yourself without a solid budget.
I bought the basic body and chassis and then bought parts as they where required, affordable or if I had the cash.
Just like any complex task you will learn new skills and hone ones you had building a cobra.
As far as supplier support goes CR is sometimes a little disappointing, but the wealth of knowledge the other builders have is more important.
If you are really serious about building a cobra, get your butt to the nationals the weekend of the 2/3/4 and see what the differences are between kits and start building your new circle of mates!