Should you use a build log or spreadsheet to track car mods?

TL;DR

Use a build log for history and context (what changed, why, and what happened). Use a spreadsheet for planning and budgeting (future parts, totals, scenarios). If you only choose one, choose a build log—you can always export numbers later.

The real difference: planning vs history

Think of it like this:

• A spreadsheet answers: “What do I plan to buy?”
• A build log answers: “What did I actually do, and what happened after?”

Most people try to force one tool to do both jobs. That’s where the mess starts.

What a spreadsheet is great at

Spreadsheets shine when you need:

• Budgets and totals
• Scenario planning (“what if I do tires + brakes + coilovers?”)
• Sorting/filtering by cost
• Sharing a single table with someone

A spreadsheet is enough if…

Spreadsheets can work if your build is:

• Very small (a few mods)
• Mostly budgeting (“saving up for wheels and tires”)
• Not changing often (you’re not swapping parts monthly)

If you’re changing setups regularly or troubleshooting issues, a build log becomes worth it quickly.

What a spreadsheet is bad at

Spreadsheets struggle with:

• Photo records
• Narrative context (“why did I switch this?”)
• Quick updates on mobile during installs
• Keeping history when parts change over time

What a build log is great at

A build log is built for:

• The story of the build over time
• Troubleshooting history (“this started after that install”)
• Notes for future-you (and future owners)
• Photos and receipts tied to the vehicle

A build log is enough if…

Build logs work best when you care about:

• Remembering the sequence of changes (what happened first, what came next)
• Troubleshooting (“this noise started after that install”)
• Sharing a build story without rewriting it for social

If budgeting is your main need, you’ll still want a spreadsheet.

Quick comparison table

A simple decision flow (pick one)

1. If you mostly need budgeting and planning → start with a spreadsheet.
2. If you mostly need history and troubleshooting → start with a build log.
3. If you’re serious about both → run a hybrid system (recommended).

The best system: hybrid

If you want the best of both:

• Use a spreadsheet for future plans (wishlist + budget)
• Use a build log for everything installed and changed

The build log becomes the “source of truth” for the car.

Hybrid setup in 10 minutes (no overthinking)

Use a spreadsheet for wishlist/budget:

• Columns: item, category, target price, priority, status (planned/ordered/installed), notes

Use a build log for installed changes:

• Fields: what you installed, why, cost, result, notes, photos

Rule: when it’s installed, it leaves the wishlist and enters the build log.

Example wishlist row (spreadsheet)

Example build log entry (installed)

• Mod: 200TW tires (set)
• Why: improve cornering consistency for track day
• Cost: $920 (mounted/balanced)
• Result: better grip, slightly louder road noise
• Notes: start pressures +2 psi cold next time

Where Drivurs fits

Drivurs is designed as a digital garage to keep your current setup organized:

• Mods by category
• Cost per mod
• Optional gains
• Difficulty and satisfaction
• Vehicle photos tied to the car

If you want to plan a wishlist budget, keep a spreadsheet—but don’t make it your only record.

Practical workflow: Drivurs + a small spreadsheet

• Spreadsheet: future plans (“next: tires, brakes, alignment”)
• Drivurs: what’s installed today (so your current setup stays accurate)

This keeps your build history durable and your budgeting flexible.

Common mistakes (why tracking systems fail)

• Mixing wishlist planning and installed history in the same table/list
• Over-optimizing the tracker (so it’s too annoying to maintain)
• Not updating your “current setup” after swaps (the list becomes fiction)
• Tracking cost but not tracking the decision/tradeoff (so you repeat mistakes)
• Comparing performance results without controlling conditions

Next steps (Drivurs)

• Feature page: Digital Garage
• Use case: For Builders

Related guides

• Pillar: Managing a car build (mods, logs, ROI)
• Same cluster: How do you track car mods properly?
• Same cluster: How do you track ROI on car mods? (Cost vs results)
• Different cluster: How accurate is GPS for racing apps?