Average build cost

[Badger_racer]

Hi everyone! I am new to factory five and this forum and was just wondering, how much have you actually put into your car? I have heard estimates about how much it costs but I was just wondering how much should I actually expect to pay to build a ffr car? Also, since the engine is the biggest cost, what engine did you use? (Thank you and sorry if something has already been posted)

[edwardb]

Not to be smart, but how much to you want to spend? Add a bunch to it and you may be close. ;)

Seriously, there are so many variations it's hard to answer your question. First what are you going to do with the car? Makes a big difference. Then you need to have a basic plan (new, donor, etc.) and a general idea about engine, transmission, rear axle/suspension, etc. That's going to get you into a ball park.

Here's a recent thread that talked about engines and costs. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?11011-Powertrain-question

[Badger_racer]

I really don't know yet. I was more of wondering how much others have wound up spending to make their cars?

[Steven K]

I really don't know yet. I was more of wondering how much others have wound up spending to make their cars?

Anywhere from about 20k to 50k+. There really is no answer to your question, each build is different, and many are very different.

[SCFFR]

Here's a breakdown on my MkIV I purchased in November of 2011 during one of FFR's winter sales. I was able to get the rear 3-link package and front tubular LCA's for free and a set of FFR replica Halibrands were only $500. Definitely a geat sale!!

I had planned from the very start to build a street version which required a little more work in one area (under car exhaust and glove box) and less work in others (no roll bar or hood scoop). Also, I wanted something a little different from the S/C model.

In the end I spent around $50K on my car or about $15K over my original budget!

Here's a quick breakdown on the costs:

Total: $50,000 - Percent of Total

Base kit - $13,000 - 26%
Engine - $9,500 - 19%
Paint - $6,100 - 12.2%
Driveline (trans/housing/clutch)- $4,000 - 8.0%
Electrical (switches/gauges/wiring)- $2,000 - 4.0%
Rear end - $1,800 - 3.6%
Wheels/tires- $1,600 - 3.2%
Powder coating- $1,500 - 3.0%
Under car exhaust - $1,500 - 3.0%
Interior (carpet/insulation) - $1,000 - 2.0%
Front end (spindles/rotors/calipers/hoses)- $1,000 - 2.0%
Cooling (radiator/shroud/hoses/pump) - $800 - 1.5%
Bumpers - $700- 1.4%
Misc (shipping/fuel/taxes/supplies/tools)- $6,500 - 13%

(Had the info in a nice chart but won't copy into this format)

The morale of the story is that if you are working on a component that only makes up less than a few percent of the total cost, splurge on the best parts you can buy.

Ron

[MK4]

Has other have said. There is no easy answer. The important thing is build your car on paper plan yourself a budget add 15K for mods and extra and "ho my god, got to have this!!!!" And you should be good. Shop around for your car parts and you can save thousands! For exemple in my case ford wanted 1000$ for a cluch kit (base model of a GT) i ended up getting a stage 2 ford racing for 65$ delibered up here in Canada! So shop and compare price and enjoy the journey.

Mk4

[68GT500MAN]

I have just less than $30K in my MKII, you will get many opinions on this question.
Doug

[JoeT]

the big cost factors (not including the initial "kit") are drivetrain and body/paint.

you can pull the motor from a $500 donor or you can spend $20,000+ you can do the body and paint yourself for $1000ish or you can easily spend $10,000 on body/paint

It honestly depends on what you want..... and what you're going to do with the car

[skullandbones]

Well, I consider the kit the most expensive. I think I spent a little under 14K and got another 2.2K of incentives (not bad). So my most innovative trick was to get a "crate engine" for around 3K. Actually, it was $2495 plus shipping (ATK). I had planned on building but I was a little rusty so I decided to remove one variable by using the crate short block for peace of mind. I then purchased about 2.4K worth of speed stuff on an engine that had been built up for $300. Needless to say, I was pleased when I ended up with a reasonably quick engine for much less than I thought I would have to spend. So there are some ways of getting around some of the big ticket items. Mine is registered with about 200 miles on it in primer for under 25K. Not a show car but all components look good: no cheap stuff. The most I've spent is on Wilwood pedals, 4x4 ceramic headers, alum flywheel/clutch, and wheels. Most people say it's as much fun as you can have with your cloths on. It's true! Good luck deciding, WEK.

Note: did start out with a donor but ended up not using much of it (sunk cost). Probably not a good idea these days unless you are a good shopper.