the point wasn't so much the exact amount of money per gallon, but that cali tends to cost about 1/3 more at any given point. for the record, i don't eat out often also because of money, and save money any way i can. but that's beyond the point.
as far as what originally started the gas comment, i think chopping without insane amounts of travel and lift can be a good choice, depending on the application. lower COG is one advantage. also, as in the case of the one i'm going to start on soon, the body may be trashed somewhat, thus requiring massive amounts of body/cage work. not to mention the cost savings possible by keeping it a little less complicated. not everyone needs a buggy with coilover 4-links front and rear. in fact, for most that's rather wasteful.
