[jwinkler]

First, I never dared even consider completion price, and all I did was build a new motor - there was the initial 5K or so for the PAW block and go-fast parts. I think if I'd totaled up all the "oh, I guess I need that too" and the nickel-and-dime autozone parts and new tools needed to button it up, I'd be seriously depressed, and have a hard time even asking my (very understanding) wife for permission to take on another project (like coilovers, bigger brakes, FI upgrade, etc.).

Which is my second point - if you've done any of the work on your car yourself, are you ever really done? That list of mine above is only off the top of my head - there's also the accusump, maybe a swap to a toploader, maybe even a swap to a (gasp!) big block.

We need to to a MasterCard commercial:

New Halibrand replica wheels: $LOTS
New Cobra logo tire valve covers: $less
New push-button starter: $a reasonable amount
Package of band-aids and a tube of neosporin for raw knuckles: $not much
Spare change for the swear jar after banging/pinching/whacking a finger/hand/foot: $more than you'd think
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Looking in your garage every night to see that car one more time before you go to bed: priceless