Real Close to ordering

[stevem]

Real close to ordering a complete kit. Couple of questions. Thought I saw a post about factory five sometimes offering specials near the end of the year. Wasn't planning on receiving the kit until the first of the year. Going to need some accessories also,headers, heater, wipers, etc.Factory five the best outlet for these items or are there other alternatives.
Thoughts on dressed crate vs building your own. The little bit of research I've done on Summit etc. seems like the parts would cost as much or more than buying a crate with a warranty. Also the staggering amount of part combinations makes it difficult to project horsepower. Not a lot of race shops around my area either for machine services etc. Everything at least an hour away. Wouldn't mind building the motor myself ( built a few years ago) but if there is no cost savings I'd just as soon get driving quicker. Leaning towards the 347c.i. small block and looking for around 400hp.

Thanks
P.S. Already have learned alot just sorting through old posts.

[68GT500MAN]

Sales can happen throughout the year, FFR just finished their summer sale on Tuesday. There is usually something at year end. There is some cost savings by building yourself (plus the added satisfaction saying that you built it) but it really isn't much in dollars. Look through a Mustang magazine to get some ideas.
Doug

[CraigS]

I agree about the staggering number of part combinations. that is one reason I was glad to find a MkII w/ an Engine Factory engine. I have had some problems mostly caused by a bone stock oil pan w/o any baffles. But I have learned about the parts. Do a search just at Summit for rod bearings for a 351, there must be at least 30 available. Do a lot of searching but also keep in mind Mike Forte who has been a well respected parts vender for FFR cars for a long time. He can build you anything you want.
http://www.fortesparts.com/
His website isn't much but you will be glad you called.
BTW, go w/ a 351 instead. A lot of the larger fasteners that the 302 guys upgrade to are already in a 351. 400 hp is a set of decent heads and a mild cam.

[WIS89]

Steve-

I am glad that you are close to pulling the trigger; exciting times, huh?

As far as the sales, they are run periodically, and sometimes include a nice variety of parts that you might need/want. As GT500Man mentioned, they just concluded a nice sale, which I took advantage of, and made my order! However, you can probably expect a sale somewhere around the holidays/first of the year.

As far as a crate engine vs. building, you are going to get a great deal of opinions on that question. My personal opinion is that you don't really save a great deal of money building it yourself, simply because of the retail cost of the various parts add up quite quickly. There are a couple of vendors here that offer great engine or engine/tranny combinations at very fair prices. I looked at it this way: instead of spending time planning, ordering, and building an engine, I wanted to spend that time on actually working on my Roadster. Therefore, I am going to order a crate engine when my time comes. I also value the warranty that will accompany my crate engine vs. nothing if I build it myself. Again, you are going to get a lot of opinions on this question. My unsolicited advice is to do whatever you think will bring you the most pleasure, rather than focusing entirely on the money issue. That should help you decide more quickly in my opinion...

Best of luck on your order and subsequent build! Please keep us updated on your build, and congratulations on your upcoming order!!

Regards,

Steve

[stevem]

Just put in my order online. Talked to Jason at FFR and he said any deals that come up between now and my delivery in Jan I would be eligible for. No turning back now!!!

[thestigwins]

Congrats!

[mikiec]

Cool.

[WIS89]

Steve-

Good on FFR for honoring that kind of deal!! That takes all of the pressure off your decision.

Congratulations on pulling the trigger!! 2014 is gonna be a great year!!

Best of luck!

Regards,

Steve