[roger1]

I think it wouldn't hurt to not use the expensive stuff for base, but I would suggest you use SPI Universal Clear. It's not relatively expensive either.
I would still check with Chad. You may find his Wanda which is a top paint very near the price of lower grade paints from the major brands.

Have you read Barry's perfect paint job web page? I suggest you do if you haven't yet.

Pay close attention to this part:

"it is always best to use the epoxy as a sealer. Mix up enough epoxy to go around the car with one wet coat and adding a double shot glass of SPI 885 Urethane Reducer per quart. Let the epoxy sit for 30 minutes. Stir one more time and strain. Spray one full wet coat of epoxy over the entire car. The epoxy should sit for 6 hours before spraying basecoat, the best option is let it sit overnight."

I highly suggest you do this sealer coat even if your last sanded coat of primer is also epoxy. Also, activating the base like he suggests is a good thing to do.