View Full Version : "After market" options
Hello all! I'm nearly finished ordering all of the major components for my build (engine, tranny, rear end) and now it's time for me to focus on the "add-ons."
I'd like your opinion as to the quality of the parts I have listed, and recommendations on better alternatives/styles. Also, please let me know if don't see something that you think I should consider adding. Here's what I've got planned so far:
Engine compartment battery mounting kit - Breeze (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518)
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/oil-cooler-british-style)
Bumper grommets - **********
Headlight stone guards ('cause I like the look) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/headlight-stone-guards-chrome-mesh)
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields (WI requires them for registration) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/heatshield-ceramic-sidepipe)
Fresh air vent kit - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/fresh-air-vent-kit)
Seat belt bezels - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/seat-belt-bezel-escutcheon)
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling)
427 side emblem
I've decided against the steering wheel column turn signals. Obviously, all of this is personal preference, but what do you guys think?
Engine compartment battery mounting kit - This mod looks really messy to me in the engine bay. I personally think the FFmetal under trunk mount is a better solution.
Oil cooler - FF sells these for a really good price at their open house. I like them just for their looks, but yea you need the valve. I use an earls one.
Bumper grommets - can't comment
Headlight stone guards - can't comment.
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields (WI requires them for registration) - can't comment.
Fresh air vent kit - Keep in mind that you can usually see these hoses on a completed car. I don't like that look, so i went with trans tunnel vents. Cheaper and work OK. Plus look great and give access to trans.
Seat belt bezels - Excellent part.
Stainless overflow tank - can't comment.
427 side emblem - Only get if you can prove it under the hood with at least some valve covers or be prepared for some stupid comments. :)
Rethink Russ's turn signal. Its one of the best add ons I did and every time I drive, I am so grateful its there as it feels very natural. If its a pain to reach or not easy, you may stop using it and that could be dangerous.
427 side emblem - Only get if you can prove it under the hood with at least some valve covers or be prepared for some stupid comments. :)
I've got a small block 427 coming my way with the 427 Cobra valve covers!
68GT500MAN
03-25-2014, 01:43 PM
I too would recommend the FFMetal under trunk battery box.
Oil cooler is great for looks, but, most say that if you actually hook it up the oil will stay too cool.
Bumper Grommets give a finished look to the body
Headlight stone guards do look great, a pain to attach
Ceramic Heat shields are a must - they have saved numerous riders from serious burns.
Fresh air vents - I used Cobra Earls as it gets HOT in Central CA
Seat belt bezels - did not use
427 side emblem - I put them on my pent-roof valve covers (I AM running a 427w).
Think about roll bar bezels, glove box, turn signal, over-riders.
Doug
Mark Reynolds
03-25-2014, 01:43 PM
Starting with Base Kit or Complete Kit?
I've got a small block 427 coming my way with the 427 Cobra valve covers!
Thats what I am running and it pleases anyone that asks if it has a 427 :)
Starting with Base Kit or Complete Kit?
Complete kit. From FF I have the wind wings, sun visor, windshield wipers, and SS bumpers.
Fresh air vent kit - Keep in mind that you can usually see these hoses on a completed car. I don't like that look, so i went with trans tunnel vents. Cheaper and work OK. Plus look great and give access to trans.
I have only seen the fresh air vents on cars without the body. Does anyone have pictures of the hoses on a completed car?
Is Cobra Earl's system any more or less visible than **********'s?
The breeze front mount battery box is top notch if you want front mount battery. Also second the use of Russ's turn signal.
Mark Reynolds
03-25-2014, 02:43 PM
I've thought of this but never suggested it before - A third windshield wiper blade.
OVCobra
03-25-2014, 04:16 PM
I agree with QSL on the front mount battery makes things look cluttered and puts additional weight on the front (where you don't want it) versus at the rear with more weight on the rears (where you do want it). Again agree with QSL on Russ Ts turn signal...very natural and looks good.
Dave
MPTech
03-25-2014, 04:56 PM
Engine compartment battery mounting kit - Breeze (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518)
> this is the setup I have and really like it
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/oil-cooler-british-style)
> what motor are you running and do you like the look or the function? I bought a new/inexpensive cooler off of ebay and it will be a faux cooler, the braided hoses are not connected, just go into the side panels and terminate. Unless you are racing, I think it can be problematic and expensive to hookup properly.
Bumper grommets - **********
> for the front bumpers, yes and get the Polished stainless steel sleeves (the FFR diagonal cut sleeves won't work with these grommets)
Headlight stone guards ('cause I like the look) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/headlight-stone-guards-chrome-mesh)
> can't help sorry
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields (WI requires them for registration) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/heatshield-ceramic-sidepipe)
> Get the Polished Stainless Steel ones from DrummerMike (I did and really like them)
Fresh air vent kit - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/fresh-air-vent-kit)
> Cobra Earl vent system, deluxe kit
Seat belt bezels - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/seat-belt-bezel-escutcheon)
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling)
> Canton square tank with the side site level
427 side emblem
> **********
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/oil-cooler-british-style)
> what motor are you running and do you like the look or the function? I bought a new/inexpensive cooler off of ebay and it will be a faux cooler, the braided hoses are not connected, just go into the side panels and terminate. Unless you are racing, I think it can be problematic and expensive to hookup properly.
I'll be running a 427W. I like the look and the function. It will be a street car (very limited, if any, track time). I can't imagine that the engine will have a problem getting the oil temp up to 180 degrees. On the other hand, running the car on very hot days on the interstate, I can imagine ramping the temperature up to temps that I'm not 100% comfortable with. If it becomes a problem, I plan on just adding a manual valve to block off the cooler and I can close it on cold days, and open it on hot days.
As for expense, the cost of the oil cooler is practically nothing compared to everything else!
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling)
> Canton square tank with the side site level
Like this one? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-80-211/overview/
Excuse my ignorance, but does the kit come with reservoir tanks? If not, or if they are plastic, how many do I need to get?
http://www.cncbrakes.com/acc.asp?grp=acc&subgrp=all&series=rrk&subseries=
Avalanche325
03-25-2014, 06:35 PM
[Engine compartment battery mounting kit - Breeze (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518)
Nothing wrong with it, but I like under the trunk floor much better.
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/oil-cooler-british-style)
An oil cooler on the street definately should have a thermostat.
Bumper grommets - **********
I have them, not installed. On the fence myself.
Headlight stone guards ('cause I like the look) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/headlight-stone-guards-chrome-mesh)
I like them on a more european looking car like a street version of slabside.
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields (WI requires them for registration) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/heatshield-ceramic-sidepipe)
I don't like the heat shield look. But, I haven't burnt myself yet. If you have to have them, you have to have them.
Fresh air vent kit - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/fresh-air-vent-kit)
I have Cobra Earls. You can only see my hoses if you are laying under the car.
Seat belt bezels - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/seat-belt-bezel-escutcheon)
I like the less is more thing where they just disappear, more than LOOK A CHROME HOLE!!!! WAIT...FOUR OF THEM!
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling)
Is that one bigger than the FFR one?
427 side emblem
I think it looks better than the "Powered by Ford". Lots of why / why not to use them. They are valid by body style. Most Cobras had a 428 anyway. A 427w looks just like a 302 or 351. I personally don't like "big block dress ups on an engine. It is or it isn't. Just my personal opinion.
I've decided against the steering wheel column turn signals. Obviously, all of this is personal preference, but what do you guys think?[/QUOTE]
I think you have lost your mind. You'll be the guy cruising down that beautiful country road.......blink blink blink all the way. I agree with QSL, one of the best mods.
Other "best mods" in my book:
Russ' gas pedal.
Breezes hose kits.
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling)
Is that one bigger than the FFR one?
I was unaware that FFR supplied an overflow tank with the kit. Is the FFR tank metal or plastic?
I think you have lost your mind. You'll be the guy cruising down that beautiful country road.......blink blink blink all the way. I agree with QSL, one of the best mods.
Alright, alright, I think you guys have convinced me. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're all on his payroll.
Other "best mods" in my book:
Russ' gas pedal.
What's wrong with the gas pedal supplied with the kit? Or, what's the advantage of Russ's gas pedal?
MPTech
03-25-2014, 09:15 PM
I'll be running a 427W.
Like this one? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctr-80-211/overview/
427, cool! My 302 stays cool as-is, the fan rarely kicks on, except in traffic / at lights. That will heat them all up!
Yep, that's the tank I used. But if you're running a 427, I'd go for the 427 period-correct burp tank.
I also went with the CNC brake reservoirs (don't care for the plastic ones).
x2 on the Russ Thompson gas pedal, definitely!
I installed the Probe turn signals, if I hadn't it would have been the RT turn signals too.
Have you been to the other site (FFcars), lot more history and ideas over there.
Have fun! :cool:
bill3422
03-26-2014, 06:38 AM
Engine compartment battery mounting kit - I went with the FFmetal kit for the trunk as well. Very well made.
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - Forte makes a nice complete kit. Comes with the thermostat diverter so you don't worry about over cooling. And yes it looks cool.
Bumper grommets - Is your kit a Mark 4? Be careful with the bumper grommets. Remember on the Mark 4 the bumper bolts are structural to holding and aligning the body. On earlier versions the attachent was on the sides under the door. They body really does not "float" at these locations any more.
Headlight stone guards ('cause I like the look) -Have been looking as these as well
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields May be going with these.
Fresh air vent kit - I do not see if these come with the inline fans. I would be skeptical how well they work without them.
Seat belt bezels - Very nice, I went with the same parts from Replicalparts - http://www.replicaparts.com/seatbelt%20page.htm they are a little more expensive. I just noticed Finish line uses through bolts to hold theirs on. Would be pretty tough on a finished car. May want to think about sheet metal screws.
Stainless overflow tank - FF's tank looks almost identical and has been working fine for the last year.
427 side emblem - I went with a custom 347 stroker emblem. Still waiting from http://www.billetbadges.com/
Russ's Turn Signal Kit? no question, very nice, you will love the results. I used the button on the handle for my horn
Another mod that people have been talking about is a button on the dash or on the turn signal switch for the Garage door opener. Hahaha, for the guy that has everything
edwardb
03-26-2014, 07:53 AM
[B]Bumper grommets - Is your kit a Mark 4? Be careful with the bumper grommets. Remember on the Mark 4 the bumper bolts are structural to holding and aligning the body. On earlier versions the attachment was on the sides under the door. They body really does not "float" at these locations any more.
That's not exactly right. The Mk4 still has the side attachments under the doors. Just wrapped around under the body instead of being on the outside finished surface. In my experience with both versions not only looks way better, it's much more secure plus the right angles on the sides of the body really stiffens it up. What is changed on the Mk4 -- and makes the bumper bolts structural as you described -- is the bolts in the brake cooling inlets are eliminated. Seen in this picture of my Mk3. Now the only thing holding the front of the body is the quickjack bolts through the body.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Finished/th_IMG_1527.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Finished/IMG_1527.jpg.html)
Kevin Kearney
03-26-2014, 08:06 AM
The breeze front mount battery box is top notch if you want front mount battery. Also second the use of Russ's turn signal.
X2 for both comments.
Kevin
Avalanche325
03-26-2014, 01:06 PM
Excuse my ignorance, but does the kit come with reservoir tanks? If not, or if they are plastic, how many do I need to get?
http://www.cncbrakes.com/acc.asp?grp=acc&subgrp=all&series=rrk&subseries=
For Wilwood pedals with dual master cylinders you need the double. It you are doing a hydraulic clutch, you need the triple.
The reservoir tanks that come with Wilwood brakes (also assuming with the pedal unit, correct me if I am wrong) are plastic, not very attractive, and have been known to leak.
I just looked at the ********** fresh air link. I really think that is more of a replacement part for an original, and priced accordingly ($360 each!). Cobra Earls kit has fans, the
vent tubes, blast gates, cables, wires, fasteners, and money left over to buy something shiney.
BTW - thanks for getting right onto the "help me spend my money" part of the project.
I just looked at the ********** fresh air link. I really think that is more of a replacement part for an original, and priced accordingly ($360 each!). Cobra Earls kit has fans, the
vent tubes, blast gates, cables, wires, fasteners, and money left over to buy something shiney.
Does anyone have pictures of the Cobra Earl system installed in a completed car? I'd like to know how they look.
BTW - thanks for getting right onto the "help me spend my money" part of the project.
Hey, so far this is the cheapest part of the build so far. This doesn't hold a candle to the cost of building an engine!
edwardb
03-26-2014, 02:10 PM
I know not everyone will agree with this (debated several times over on the other forum with varying results) but a cheap low tech alternative to the footbox venting is to mount scoops and vents in the transmission tunnel. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it really works great in my Mk3. These bring ambient air from under the chassis into the cockpit as long as the car is moving. It's not heated by the engine and doesn't have any engine/exhaust smell. Evidently there is a pressure zone of air flowing along the bottom of the car and through the transmission tunnel. While I haven't driven the car in the rain, this is also apparently not a problem either. I will be installing the same setup in my Mk4 build in the next week or two. For the more mild weather here in Michigan, I've driven the Mk3 on several long cruises (including at about 90 degrees and humid at last year's London show) and ventilation is adequate. If the interior is well insulated, I think this is a valid alternative. We get beat down by the sun way sooner then whatever heat there is inside the cockpit. The complete write-up is at this build site. Requires registration, but a huge and valuable resource for our builds. http://mk4build.com/manual/doku.php?id=vents
I know not everyone will agree with this (debated several times over on the other forum with varying results) but a cheap low tech alternative to the footbox venting is to mount scoops and vents in the transmission tunnel. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it really works great in my Mk3. These bring ambient air from under the chassis into the cockpit as long as the car is moving. It's not heated by the engine and doesn't have any engine/exhaust smell. Evidently there is a pressure zone of air flowing along the bottom of the car and through the transmission tunnel. While I haven't driven the car in the rain, this is also apparently not a problem either. I will be installing the same setup in my Mk4 build in the next week or two. For the more mild weather here in Michigan, I've driven the Mk3 on several long cruises (including at about 90 degrees and humid at last year's London show) and ventilation is adequate. If the interior is well insulated, I think this is a valid alternative. We get beat down by the sun way sooner then whatever heat there is inside the cockpit. The complete write-up is at this build site. Requires registration, but a huge and valuable resource for our builds. http://mk4build.com/manual/doku.php?id=vents
I really like the elegance of this solution as opposed to forcing air into the footwell from the front of the car. Is the airflow sufficient to reach the end of the footbox where your feet go or is that not an issue? I imagine that the air closest to the front of the car in the footwell is stagnant with the transmission tunnel vents.
edwardb
03-26-2014, 03:28 PM
I really like the elegance of this solution as opposed to forcing air into the footwell from the front of the car. Is the airflow sufficient to reach the end of the footbox where your feet go or is that not an issue? I imagine that the air closest to the front of the car in the footwell is stagnant with the transmission tunnel vents.
This is an open top car with lots of air moving around. I don't think there's such thing as stagnant air. I can only say that my Mk3 has Lizard Skin insulation, Factory Five carpet in the interior, and a SBF where clearances including the headers are "reasonable." Heat in the footwells with this setup and these transmission tunnel vents is a non-issue. There just isn't any to speak of. For me the powered vents would have been overly complicated. Hoping the same is true for my Mk4 build.
carlewms
03-26-2014, 10:03 PM
Engine compartment battery mounting kit - Breeze (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=518). I have the Breeze installed in the engine compartment PS crossmember. On reason to move it forward is less iR2 loss on the leads to the starter with some folks noting starting problems under hot conditions.
Oil cooler (I'm on the fence about the shroud) with thermostat diverter valve - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/oil-cooler-british-style) I am installing a 347 and do not plan to auto cross or race so I just do not see the need;
Bumper grommets - **********-Yes
Headlight stone guards ('cause I like the look) - Finishlin-yes (http://www.**********accessories.com/headlight-stone-guards-chrome-mesh) yes
Ceramic sidepipe heat shields (WI requires them for registration) - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/heatshield-ceramic-sidepipe)
Fresh air vent kit - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/fresh-air-vent-kit) I am putting in the transmission tunnel vents. The other forum has information on the mod and I have posted info on my build thread. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9583-Carl-s-Mk-4-Roadster-Build
Seat belt bezels - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/seat-belt-bezel-escutcheon)
Stainless overflow tank - ********** (http://www.**********accessories.com/overflow-tank-stainless-cobra-cooling) to me less bling the better so I found and FE burp tank, made the mods to make it work on the engine.
427 side emblem I am doing what Bill did; a 347 emblem reflective of what is in the compartment.
I've decided against the steering wheel column turn signals. Obviously, all of this is personal preference, but what do you guys think?[/QUOTE]. I would reconsider. With the button on the end of the stalk you put two functions on the column and off the dash; in my case turn signals and flash to pass.
The complete kit now comes with a SS brake reservoir (just 1). 27313
I did not use scoops on my trans vents. They push plenty of air without. Plus I am running a tko600 and there is not much room in there for them. Also without them. I can pop out the vents and access the slave and the filler plug.