New Roadster Build-FE with Toploader and IRS

[JohnB]

I'm new to the forum and have recently received my Mk IV complete kit and have obtained almost all my parts. My plan is to build a car that is, as close as possible, to the car I couldn't buy in the sixties.

I'm interested in hearing from those who have built a roadster with an FE motor and Toploader 4 speed. Since I basically have all the parts, I'm tempted to temporarily install, in the bare frame the rear end center section (IRS obtained from FFR), the engine and trans. Then I could measure and shorten the driveshaft right away, check the shifter setup, make sure my clutch slave cylinder will fit (I decided on a hydraulic clutch) and even, if I leave things in place for awhile, be sure that the steering shafts will clear everything.

I also would like to use te hood without the scoop like the street Cobra. I have the two four-barrel carb setup with the Stellings Air Cleaners but I'm not sure they'll clear as they did in the original car, so it would also give me the opportunity to temporarily set he body back on to check for this.

Does anybody have the experience with some or all of these issues? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you could provide. Thanks in advance

[chopthebass]

Welcome John! I built a Cobra in the UK about 20 years ago and that had a a four speed. T10 I think. I didn't like it - revs too high in fourth, probably due to gearing as it needed a fifth! I assume the Toploader is manual? Any reason you are going for a 4-speed?

I am also planning a MK4 now, and plan to use a TKO-600 with a 427.

Whereabouts in the world are you?

[edwardb]

Welcome! Always interesting and exciting to see new builds planned and underway. I don't have specific FE or Toploader experience, but have built two Roadsters so can offer this: Unless you plan to take the engine/trans in/out several times during your build, you will want to have more than just a bare frame before installing. As a minimum, front and rear suspensions and most of the aluminum parts should be finished and installed first. Some of the wiring harness is also easier to install first. Having the engine and trans in place before that basic assembly would be very difficult. Just too much or even impossible to work around. Plus, there's no point of fitting the body without the aluminum because it determines the height from the firewall back. Having said that, if you want to take the engine in/out during your build (most of us have had to do that...) it's pretty easy, especially without the body in place. Pretty much a one-person job with a hoist and balancer.

IMHO, for what it's worth, an authentic 4-speed is cool maybe, but overdrive wasn't on the radar in the 60's. Now that it's commonplace, you might regret not having it available. Something like a TKO600 is a proven solution, and will greatly improve your gas mileage and RPM/noise level during cruise. The TKO with the higher OD ratio (.82 vs. .64) is kind of a compromise and something else to consider.

[snakebit31]

Welcome John,
My roadster was a late MK I, with a 428 FE, single carb. I bought a used toploader, but found the 2nd gear was bad. To replace it was costly, and by adding a few hundred dollars, I bought a new TKO. I think you would be better having the 5th gear, and
1st gear is a bit of a waste.
I ran a single carb on an Edelbroch Performer RPM manifold with the Stellings air cleaner and turnkey pan. I know the air cleaner sat up into the scoop a bit, so I'm not sure it would fit a hood without the scoop. Maybe some creative engine mounts could lower it some.
Once the body went on, no problem removing the engine/tranny combo. I found it helped to raise the rear of the car as high as possible, and I would also take the passenger wheel off and come from the side. It worked for me.
Good luck,
Rob

[JohnB]

Southern California

[68GT500MAN]

Welcome to the forum. Your plans sound great but I too would recommend a TKO for the transmission. Having owned a 68 GT500 with the 428 and top-loader, I would have liked the overdrive when motoring down the FWY (the added gas mileage would have ben nice too).
Doug

[SoCalMike]

Hey John,

Where abouts in So Cal are you?

Mike

[j.miller]

With no scoop you're going to have to lower the motor to get enough aircleaner for the motor to breath...da Bat

[aks801]

John, I like the way you think! I have not yet ordered my kit, but do have some similar plans to your's:

- IRS. Sure it adds come cost, but it matches what I want to do.
- Top Loader. All practical reasons point to using the TKO 600, for example. But I want the same shift pattern as the originals, and want this aspect of authenticity. The rear-end gearing can help with 4th gear RPMs.
- FE. Well, I have waffled so much on this I think it is infamous. Very torn on it. For a long time I figured on a big block, but have also stated I'd do a small block stroker. Currently I am leaning more toward a 331 Dart SHP with dual quads on top, but I may just have to flip a coin when it comes time to place my order.

Have fun with your build!