Examples
If you choose a 1:1 or something around that its fine, if you choose 1.5:1 its fine if you chose 0.8:1 its fine, if you choose 2:1 its fine or whatever it doesnt matter that much.
Its more like: how much do you want to pump for the blast.
Smaller chambers just get pumped up faster. (DUH!)
But larger chambers will yield a bit more power. (with diminishing returns as you are getting larger!)
About your 40$ budget:
It depends on your design and what you want.
Rough estimations:
-A few small pieces of pvc will cost not much more then 15$ .
-Ball valve: 10$ or so?
-Glue/primer: 10$
Total: 35$
Maybe something is more expensive, so add 5$.
Makes 40$






