you'll be happier in the end and won't cut corners to get it on the road early. That's pretty amazing your friend is putting out 425 HP from a 1.8L motor. I wouldn't worry about him too much though - he probably can't effectively get the power to the road and I'm guessing it's got torque steer mania when it finally does. Enjoy your choice of platform and build your motor how you want it. There's always someone faster out there anyway...if it's about ego - have a flex-off.