tuning is very simple whether its vtec or not.

Axles can last very long as long as you arent drag racing every weekend. I dont beleive in upgraded axles unless you are making 600+

that guys build was around $5200 with tuning

that included:
CP pistons $475
ACL bearings $100
Eagle ROds $300
TDF CUstom Turbo Manifold an downpipe $1000
T3/T4 Turbo built to our specs $800
Machine work $500
Stage 4 Competition Clutch $300
560CC injectors $150
It included all OEM parts (new timing belt, water pump, oil pump, headgasket, lower gasket kit, valve cover gasket, cam seals)
Assembly of longblock $550
Pulling his old motor out, an reinstalling the new motor. $600
Tuning $420
Total $5195