In many ways for me hotrodding is like a metaphor for life. You take what ever you have and make the most of it and ultimately its a reflection of who you are your capabilities. As you improve your stuff you evolve with it in the hobby and you learn as you go and sometimes you learn the right things and sometimes not. Magazines are full of engines that read like a laundry list of the latest parts to buy to make it easier for the lazy types to go faster.
Some people like a challenge and the personal growth that comes with it.