A mistake I have made with my project, and continue to repeat, is getting bogged down in some item of secondary importance. That causes me to lose focus on the big picture, lose motivation, and then sometimes my truck sits for weeks or months without me touching it.
I’d make a list of the bigger milestones: engine installed, front suspension complete, engine running, etc. Think of big stuff that, once completed, will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you fired up for the journey ahead.
Your self awareness of scope creep is a good starting point. I don’t think your budgetary assumptions are crazy. Buying a complete LS and tranny for $500 in my area would be a challenge. Beware of the little $20 stuff that adds up to a few thousand over the course of a project.
You’re going to learn a lot and have a lot of fun.
