EvilRufusKay Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 Well when I decided to go all the way with my project I never looked at the entire picture concerning overall cost. I was between just tossing some parts on my OK Z and calling it done. Instead I decided to do all the things I want to do. Not necessarily the best of the best but nice enough stuff that if / when I show my car I can be proud of each part. I see all kinds of stories on here about time spent etc... But what about the cash!?!?! Wow!! I just did a spread sheet of all the items I need to buy in order to get to the level I want to be at. Does 20k sound about right?!? I have only invested 2K so far and by the end of next month will have 5k into it. I was hoping someone could tell me something to get my mind off the fact that I feel like I am being greddy by spending money on my car instead of on my house, wife, kids, etc... I take good care of all of those things and have justified time / money spent on the Z as "me" time but dam....I don't know.... If this was planned to be a long term project then I could see no problems, but I want to drive this pig next summer...guess we will see how it turns out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 $15k to $20k sounds about right, depending on what you want out of it. If you want reliability, everyday transportation, it is likely cheaper to buy a brand new car.....but what fun is that!! Also, depending on how long your project takes, it doesn't hurt that much as you end up spending the $$ over a few years. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaparral2f Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 I know what you mean. I cringe every time that I buy a nut or bolt. I was just going to dump a used small block in my ZX, but that was early last year and the car is still up on jackstands. I manage to do most of the fabrication myself, but I am still afraid to sit down and add up the cost. All I can say is just keep plugging away and if you have to drive it in primer, just do it 'til you can do better. Your past sure made me feel better, I hope it hel-p0s you to know that there are others in the same boat. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 Yeah I stopped counting at $15K, I figure its best for me not to know the exact amount that I spent! LOL I am getting close to $20K though. That includes a few pricey tools that I have bought to to the swap though. Dont worry there are plenty of us that are in the same exact boat you are in! Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPMS Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 ERK, Two suggestions: 1: Change your priorities. Is there anything on your list that's for flash instead of dash? Do you really need the 5 point racing harness and custom built injectors, or can Mustang injectors and stock belts do the job just as well for your application? I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself falling into the trap of wanting what looks impressive versus what works well. 2: Change your timing. Some things have to be done in a certain order if you're going to avoid re-doing a lot of work, other things can be done whenever. For example, you should pull the engine out before you paint the engine bay, and you should paint before you put the new engine in. Other things, like suspension and brake upgrades, can be done at any time. Maybe you can do bodywork this year, paint and hybridization next year, suspension in year three, work on the interior in year four, then finish up in year five. That way, you've spent $4k a year on the car (about as much as new car payments), and you've had a satisfying hobby all the while. This has the added benefit that it allows you to take advantage of "once in a lifetime" deals on a lot of parts that you'd otherwise have to pay full price for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilRufusKay Posted April 11, 2004 Author Share Posted April 11, 2004 Thanks Guys!! There were some valid comments, appreciated. Yea I know I probably wont make my deadline...but I am going to try. I am currently just doing body and fab stuff right now. The car is only a shell and on a rottiserie. The engine will be the last thing I purchase...saving the biggest items like wheels and tires for last as well. Driving in primer may be an option but I would rather not if I can avoid it. Thanks again!! Rufus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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