Not looking to spend a ton, but I know it will add up. Just bought a new barrel that looks like it's parkerized... but stainless where it shows through the slide. That was $40. I guess if you add up all the parts I've added:
The Shok Buff Recoil System $38.95
Competition Match Trigger $18.84
1911 Value Line Hammer $30.43
Hexagonal Head Screws $9.97
Pachmayr Colt 1911 Grips Wooden Panels American Legend Series $26.97
Ed Brown Hammer Strut $7.39
Ed Brown Frame Rebuilt Kit $18.79 (Ironically I only needed the hammer strut pin, but now I have extras.
That's over $150 there (whew!) and I figure when it's all said and done I'll have put in about $200 in extra work, which isn't bad for a pistol I bought for $400. It's been a lot of fun and I learned a lot about the 1911.