Here we are again. I told myself I would become a “wheels and coilovers only” type of car guy, having all these project cars with achievable yet insurmountable goals. My inner circle has a term for this: Scope Creep. That’s when you have a project car with clearly defined goals (Scope), a piece of candy like a rule change in your favor, or a new interesting part (Creep) gets dangled in front of your face, and that target starts changing. It’s how the project car never gets back on the road. You feel like you just need that one more thing. Today, let’s talk about attempting to stop Scope Creep. And remember, the biggest cause of SC is ourselves.
Define the Car’s Purpose & Stick to It…
When I buy a car, it needs a clear role. I can’t have two cars that serve the same function. My daily can’t be my drift car. My weekend car can’t be my daily. I know that sounds like a privilege, but trust me – it saves a ton of headaches.
A car’s purpose dictates its modifications. If it’s a street car, gutting the interior and caging it makes no sense. But the moment you start telling yourself, “Well, technically, Pro-Mod cars drive 1,000 miles on Drag & Drive events…” STOP. You’re already creeping on a fictional build. Clearly define the goal.
Want to build a time attack car? Pick a class & a budget. Want a street ripper? Choose a chassis you love, keep your HVAC, and learn to be happy with sub-500hp. Set rules for yourself and stay within those parameters.
Keep It Running. Nothing Creeps Like a Dead Car…
The easiest way to avoid Scope Creep? Never let your car turn into a garage ornament. Committing to an engine swap is a thousand times harder when your car is still running. Say you have an E46 M3 with a solid S54, but you want to JZ or LS swap it. The moment you pull that S54 and sell it, you’re on a slippery slope. Suddenly, it’s “Well, while it’s out, I might as well…” And next thing you know, your project is abandoned, and some other guy buys your E46 shell for cheap three years later.
If you’re going to swap something, have the replacement engine ready to go. The longer your car sits without a heart, the easier it is for your scope to wander, expand, or get abandoned altogether.
Budget Realistically – Because It’s Always Double…
Project cars are not a necessity. I know, I sound like a real narc saying that. But hear me out: Every dollar you put into your car is an investment in your fun. So spend wisely. Keep track of what goes in… and what you’re actually getting out.
There will always be must-haves. For me it’s aero – because let’s be honest, no race car looks cool without it. Sorry, Sundae Cup & Spec Miata. But just because you want a Voltex Type 8 wing doesn’t mean a Zebulon wing at half the price won’t work just as well. Decide what you’re willing to splurge on, and build your scope around that.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t forget the “small stuff.” OEM refreshes, clips, fittings, fluids – it all adds up. I just spent $200 on freaking fittings, and I don’t even have the fluid to push through the system yet. It’s always more expensive than you think.
Have a North Star – And Stay the Course…
There’s a psychological concept (or maybe I’m making this up)… but you need a North Star. A clear vision of what your car should be when it’s “done” (or at least close to done). Big goals feel overwhelming until you break them up into steps. Set monthly and quarterly deadlines. Tackle things in small chunks. The more progress you make, the less likely you are to wander off course. And if you need to take a break? That’s fine. The hobby isn’t going anywhere. Just don’t lose sight of your North Star.
Most Importantly: Have Fun…
At the end of the day, this is supposed to be fun. Whether you’re wrenching yourself or paying someone, seeing your vision come to life is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. Rolling off the trailer with something you’re proud of… that’s the real reward. We’ve lost sight of that. Social media tends to make us chase validation, waiting for someone else to tell us our car is cool or that we did something “noteworthy.”
Who gives a fuck? All cars are pieces of shit anyway. But this is YOUR piece of shit, built your way, under your budget, with your vision. What more could your soul ask for? I can’t think of anything else.
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