Racer-X the reason I suggested the 'R' is if you look at tower, the cheapest I see is $170 and as you said, thats giving you tires and a body you dont need.
I don't know. One of the my car came with the Yeah racing shocks. Personally didn't think they were as nice, consider it's only 10-15 cheaper.
By the way you can get parts from some Ebay shops in Japan a lot cheaper.
I purchased a one-way and the TI screw kit and few other things, only paided $14 in shipping and had in them 7 days.
Saved a ton even with the shipping.