Does Arizona need one more Cobra? I am thinking so!

[Jazzman]

Hello to all. I am considering purchasing an MK4 Roadster. I have considered it theoretically for several years, but this is the first time I have taken steps to actually make it happen. One son is graduating from college, the other is halfway through. The business is doing well. The wife is supportive. It is not a "mid-life crisis". (Already had that: A 2010 highly customized Harley Road Glide!) Seems like a good time to take on an entirely different sort of challenge.

A bit of info about me: I am 50 years old, own my own business, play bass in a classic rock cover band, ride my Harley as often as I can and for as long as I can, and . . . have never built a car! I did a lot of restoration and body work on two classic 67 Mercury Cougars back in college. I replaced the carb on one of them, and was amazed that it actually started! (I had to go have it tuned up, but it did run!!) I would not call myself a gearhead, but I can learn. I was encouraged to see all the Factory Five support, the video step by step instructions now available, and the incredible outpouring of mutual support from this forum. It gives me a lot of confidence that I can actually do this!

My dream car would have the following specifications:

A dependable drivetrain setup. I don't plan to set land speed records.
A solid, bulldog sort of stance, wide front tires, wider rear ones. Probably not the traditional Hallibrand wheels.
Chrome, Chrome, Chrome! Chrome side pipes, Chrome front and rear hoop bumpers, Chrome roll bar, etc.
An elegant, sophisticated paint scheme. Not black, not white, perhaps Root Beer, or maybe the traditional Kona Blue with White racing stripe.


I have so many questions. Thank you all in advance for all your assistance. My first questions revolve around all the decisions that must be made prior to actually placing the order for the kit. Can someone point me in the right direction on this forum:


How do I choose the right engine/drivetrain/rear end combination for my car? I want fast, but I don't need stupid-fast.
Is the extra expense of the Willwood brakes justifiable?
How do I choose appropriate Wheels and Tires? How might this decision affect the rear end selected?
Which seats are most comfortable for a wider backside? (Mine!) I am not tall, but certainly "bigger". Not sure about the "big & tall seats"
Is the extra expense of the independent rear suspension necessary? I don't plan to race the car, I don't plan to participate in road rallys.
How important is taking the "build class" that is offered?
Should I consider any special modifications to handle Arizona's high heat?


Enough for now! Thank you for welcoming me into the Factory Five Forum Family.

[Gordon Levy]

Welcome, Feel free to give me a call or come by the shop. I would be happy to talk over options and possibilities for your car.

[Jazzman]

Thank you for your offer. I will indeed be coming to see you. Your experience with these cars is impressive. One more reason for confidence in choosing to do such a project.

[Desert Cobra]

Welcome to the madness. Depending on where you are in Arizona there are many other local guys who can help. About 50 in Tucson. Not sure how many in the Phoenix area. Everyone has their favorite set ups, I used a Ford 302, 5speed, Holley carb. and tried to keep it period correct. Don't make any other decisions as to seats and options until you sit in one and talk to several other owners. As to heat... YOUR IN ARIZONA!! You don't need any stinking A/C, radio, power steering, power windows, power seats, etc. See my separate post on the Arizona registration process for the Roadster.

[WIS89]

Hey Jazz-

Welcome to the club! You already got some very good advice, and that is to go see Gordon! I am confident that he can get you going in the right direction for each of your decisions outlined above.

I also like the idea I was given a few years back. That suggestion was to create a build plan. Basically a spreadsheet with the various design ideas I wished to incorporate into my build. I also added every idea I read here in the forum, as well as a link to various parts so I could identify them later. It has really helped me stay focused, and also allowed me to have a single place to look for every aspect of my build.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. This board is an incredible resource for anything you could possibly dream. Best of luck!

Regards,

Steve

[MPTech]

Welcome to the club! If you like cars, enjoy a challenge, and take pride in building something, then you're REALLY going to enjoy this. :cool:

Here are my build plans, and this is pretty close to my actual build. You can build 100% by-the-book or you can build with mods and upgrades you find here, either way will be outstanding.

Build Plan:
MPTech build plan (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/264052-mptech-build-plan-revision-9-counting.html)


PM me if you'd like this as a Word.doc.

I created my draft build plan and printed it off and kept updating it until it was exactly what I wanted.
READ on this site and FFCars, LOTS of great ideas. And don't be afraid to ask questions.

[jetsbaby]

Jazz where are you located in AZ. I live in Chandler and own two Factory Five's a roadster and now building my coupe. I also work at Local Motors and build a car named the Rally Fighter for a living.. Send me a PM and or stop by Local Motors and we can talk about building an F5..I can take you off the jump in the Rally Fighter. Ever been a car that jumps its a ton of fun! Dave

[skullandbones]

Are you in the valley Jazzman? If you are summer driving may be a little uncomfortable but still doable. I have the alum radiator from FFR and it seems to work in the heat but not so sure about heavy stop and go traffic in the city. I have a small block and that is what I would recommend as it is easier to build, gives more room, looks great, and generally simpler to maintain (forgot economical). A T5 or super T would probably handle your power choice. I would go with a 3 link live axle. If you have to have extra ride comfort then the IRS would be better ride. I'm comparing a Corvette IRS and live axle in my roadster. I had both types in roadsters. The IRS is more comfortable. The 87 to 93 fox rear with modifications for rotors and 5 lug would give the best width for wide rears (10.5) or custom diff. I have 9x17 Cobra R with oversize in rear and smaller tread in front to get the staggered look you are talking about. One thing you should consider seriously is the build school. It would bring you to a much more confident level to do the job as well as giving you a basic reference for things done the simple and "manual" way. As you progress you can deviate with much more background knowledge. I'm 210 so I think your butt may be OK in the stock seats. I have had many people say they were pretty comfortable. As you may know, people call these the 4 wheel Harley so you should be pretty happy in one. I was driving last week and could not help but think about when I was riding my motorcycle. It's then next best thing to being on a two wheeler!

Note: love the Wilwood pedal set! It's worth the expense.

Good luck,

WEK .:cool::cool:

[Jazzman]

Yep, I'm here in Scottsdale. I don't ride the Harley in the summer as much anymore. I'm either other and wiser, older and wimpier, or just older! after 105, I park it an take the truck. I am considering putting in an aftermarket 3 or 4 core radiator to handle our extra heat. I think the Wilwood pedal set now comes standard with the complete MKIV kit. I am considering the Ford Coyote 5.0 crate motor and the Tremec TKO 600 Tranny. Time will tell. I am a long, long way, from pulling the trigger on this big a project. Pro's / Con's? The more I research, the more I realize the magnitude of such a project. I am in the "answer one question, add three new ones to the list" period. But it is really getting exciting thinking about it.
Is there a FFR group here in the valley that I might connect with? Thanks for all your comments and advice.

Jazzman

[Jazzman]

Hello Dave - Yes, I am in Scottsdale. I have to admit I had never heard of the Rally Fighter until your post. But after reviewing your website, it is a pretty impressive piece of equipment. That is quite a company. Very interesting!! No, I can't say I have ever been in a car that jumps, but I am certainly intrigued. I may just take you up on your offer. Thank you!

Jazz

[AZPete]

Geez, none of you guys answered Jazzman's question!!
I sold my Mk3 at Barrett-Jackson 3 years ago and the buyer took it to Texas, so YES there's a NEED for you to replace that FFR roadster in Scottsdale.

[Jazzman]

Thank for the chuckle!! I will do my best to replace your Roadster so that the balance of the FFR force will be restored in Arizona. This forum is like a vortex that sucks me in. The deeper I search, the more I know I have more to learn. My build sheet is growing every evening.