Ilfolab 2150RC / I have a severe case of DrGAS

I confess I have a severe case of DrGAS (Darkroom variety). Yesterday I spent 6 hours on the road to pick up a very clean 2150RC, maybe used once. It even included a set of chemicals. I'd love to able to use this machine but I really don't have the volume to justify it. It will require a new stand, a new 20 amp circuit etc.

Has anyone used any developer/ fixer combination that may be more economical the the Ilford 2150 (it would run at about $100 a shot)? Even if it would only last one session @ 95F it might be better for me if the cost was lower.

Second question: The specs in the back of the manual call for the wash water to be at 77F max, with the rest of the process running at 95F. Seems like a big temp difference to me, just wondering how other people are running it.

Any other tips on running this machine would be appreciated.

George
PS later this week I have another long drive to pick up Beseler 45 setup and a film drying cabinet. I have a serious problem.

Nice find!
Some suggestions on chemistry are here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Thanks I did find that post while searching, but I jumped to the link and just skimmed the rest. I guess I'll try a few things and see what works. First I need a 20 amp circuit to try it out -- I just have to move the washing machine!

Today I picked a spare dryer unit for it, along with a 45MX, lots of extras and the film dying cabinet. Way too much stuff in my basement