Ya I agree with you on that. My 2003 2.8KB Cobra had over $5,000 in performance mods and probably had the traps to get into the 9's. Then you get into the issue of swapping a SRA and suspension mods along with wheels and tires. I find it hard to see an 03/04 Cobra going into the 9's with just $5,000. It'll probably have the power for it but not the correct suspension setup.
I got my ProStars and tires for $600. You have to shop for deals.
For suspension, you can find people selling Baseline Suspensions setups pretty cheap also. Good stuff, and priced well when new, and really cheap used.
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen