Need Advice - Lots of Questions

[KevinWP]

Hey all! I'm new and wanting to pull the trigger on order an MK4, but want to make sure I have all of the options mapped out to stay within budget. I'm also a novice when it comes to mechanically inclined things, but can follow instructions and have family members that have restored cars. I apologize for the questions, but I need them answered before I start this journey!

My goal is to build a kit with Indigo Blue paint w/ Silver Stripes (exactly like this (http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/data/500/MVC_038Ss_1_.JPG)), chrome headers/sidepipes with a single chrome rollbar, chrome bumper overriders and 18" Halibrand wheels.

Any resources out there that specify paint codes?
Do chrome headers stay looking perfect for very long or am I better off just going polished?
I don't see that FF offers the heat shield for the muffler system. Who sells that shield, I like the look of it.
I would love to get a hardtop like what Backdraft offers (http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/attachments/backdraft-racing/25017d1421909414-new-backdraft-family-img_0257.jpg). Do you think their hardtop would fit a FF roadster?
I love the billboard tire look (http://backdraftracing.com/cache/com_zoo/images/IMG_0038_94acf520108beecffbf8abe2ffbc25a7.JPG) but have heard they are illegal. I intend on driving this car plenty, are they a bad idea?
What's the max width tire you can run without rubbing? I don't intend on doing any custom fabrication but I'd love particularly wide rear tires.


The engine I think would be ideal is the 5.0 Coyote, but I'm not opposed to the FF engines. I like the idea of a proven motor with warranty since I don't intend on actually dealing with the engine part of the build. I'd like to be able to add a supercharger down the road if I get bored of 400ish HP as well, but that's not a requirement. Questions:

How much power do you want in a daily driver? I don't want it to be annoying to drive, but I want to always be impressed. I owned a 550 HP CTSV and loved it, but would have loved even more power.
What engine is most common? I want reliability and support over insane power.
What tranny would you recommend? I don't see many with a 6-speed, but I'd think it would be preferable. I also want a short throw and smooth operation. Nothing clunky or difficult.
I think I want to spend the money for IRS, but since FF doesn't offer IRS (to my knowledge), where are you all buying them complete? Any HP limitations?
Is there any form of traction control system that members are running with success?
I intend on running Wilwood brakes. Given the answers about the IRS, what's the best braking setup I can get through Wilwood?


The interior of the car is where I think Backdraft kills FF with. Their options are pretty incredible. I intend on doing FF leather seats, but there are some modern niceties that I'd like to add that FF seems to lack with.

Who has cup holders and what is needed to be done to get them in the center console? Any vendor make a kit?
FF gauges are okay, but boring. Anyone know of a gauge kit that is a little more modern without ruining the classical nature of the car?
Will only FF steering wheels work? Any non-FF steering wheels members are running?
Is hidden audio worth it? I have a Polaris RZR and I can see this being a similar situation where you can't hear the music ever anyway.
Any other technology that owners are running? I'm a tech junkie but don't want to ruin the nature of the Cobra. Push button start? Digital gauges?
What seatbelts are owners running? Does everyone have a 4 point harness or are their more leisurely lap belts out there that are comfortable to have on?
Are windshield wipers essential and required by law? I kind of don't think I'll use them but maybe I don't realize that they are ideal to have.
Are most owners leaving their trunks with just the simple aluminum lining? Anyone making them particularly unique?
Anyone building in radar detectors/jammers?
I'd like to have the dashboard be something other than the standard black vinyl. Maybe a carbon wrap. Is this possible?
I want a glovebox AND heater. Anyway to have both? If not, which would you prefer? I live in Utah and can see chilly mornings happening.
I see Infinity Box (http://infinitybox.com/restoration-and-performance/) is a sponsor. Anyone doing anything particularly cool with their wiring harnesses? Does the FF kit already come with a harness? Why do I want theirs instead?
Is anyone using the "clever turn signal (http://www.gasautosolutions.com/)"? Seems interesting.


Thank you for your help! The more answer you can provide (with links hopefully) the better.

[mcwho]

I would say start by looking at some of the vendor sites, Like **********, Breeze, replicaparts, verycoolparts, Fortes, whitby etc. Maybe a prioritized list of stuff that you are interested in. Perhaps a phone call to a builder or two that have fought all the battles of getting these cars on the road would be helpful.

Bob

[Papa]

Kevin,

I was in the same exact place as you about five months ago. The first thing I did was order an assembly manual from FF to get a feel for what was involved in building one of their kits. I then started reading through several of the build treads on the Roadster forum. After getting most of my questions answered using those, I started asking questions to help me finalize my plan and then ordered. My MK4 will be delivered in just a few more weeks. I also found a local Cobra club and joined. This is where I found all the information I could want on what is required in my area to get one of these cars legally on the road and registered. Questions about required equipment like windshield wipers, for example, have been answered and helped me get what I needed with my order from FF.

Dave

[GoDadGo]

Welcome To The Insanity & Here's Where I Started:

1. After I decided to build a Factory Five, which was after I looked at several other companies, I ordered the manual.
2. I read it 5 or 6 times, possibly more which was easy because I'd take it to my son's swim meets.
3. I also watched the assembly videos again and again as well.
4. Before I ordered my complete kit I made a list of my desired modifications which was quite extensive by most FFR build standards.
5. Then I ordered the complete kit and waited for it to be delivered.

Two years later I'm pretty close to being able make my 1st Go-Kart run which has been delayed by work, other projects, college and wedding expenses, etc.

Shown below is where I was a few months ago on my MK-4 so my point is if I can do it, then so can you:

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

NOTE: If you still don't feel comfortable after reading the manual and looking at the assembly videos, then consider going to the build school.

https://youtu.be/PtcRqUxvOMA

[edwardb]

Here you go, FWIW:

• Any resources out there that specify paint codes? Tons of stuff on the web.
• Do chrome headers stay looking perfect for very long or am I better off just going polished? Neither chrome headers or side pipes are usual. If you want that look, polished stainless side pipes is the option. Headers (which are not easily seen BTW) are often plain or polished stainless, or ceramic.
• I don't see that FF offers the heat shield for the muffler system. Who sells that shield, I like the look of it. Available from ********** and forum member Drummer Mike. Perhaps others. Search the forums.
• I would love to get a hardtop like what Backdraft offers. Do you think their hardtop would fit a FF roadster? Highly unlikely
• I love the billboard tire look but have heard they are illegal. I intend on driving this car plenty, are they a bad idea? You mention 18 inch wheels. Those use very low profile tires and don’t have the look of billboards, which are typically only with 15 inch rims. Not sure the two are compatible.
• What's the max width tire you can run without rubbing? I don't intend on doing any custom fabrication but I'd love particularly wide rear tires. 245, 255 or even 275 (maybe) in the front. 315 is max for the rear.

The engine I think would be ideal is the 5.0 Coyote, but I'm not opposed to the FF engines. ?? Coyote is one of the FF supported engines. I like the idea of a proven motor with warranty since I don't intend on actually dealing with the engine part of the build. I'd like to be able to add a supercharger down the road if I get bored of 400ish HP as well, but that's not a requirement. Questions:

• How much power do you want in a daily driver? I don't want it to be annoying to drive, but I want to always be impressed. I owned a 550 HP CTSV and loved it, but would have loved even more power. The answer is purely subjective and everyone has an opinion. In my experience, north of 400 is very strong for street cruising and you will rarely be able to use even that much. It becomes more about traction and setup than power. At almost half the weight of your CTSV, HP comparisons aren't too meaningful.
• What engine is most common? I want reliability and support over insane power. Probably some version of the Ford small blocks is the most common. But I don’t have any data and doubt anyone else does either. Coyote you mention likely is the most reliable and widely supported. But again, I don’t have actual data.
• What tranny would you recommend? I don't see many with a 6-speed, but I'd think it would be preferable. I also want a short throw and smooth operation. Nothing clunky or difficult. For the horsepower you’ve described, TKO500 or 600 would be the transmission of choice and widely used. These are 5 speed, and most agree completely adequate for these light cars. A 6 speed T56 is possible, but will only fit with IRS.
• I think I want to spend the money for IRS, but since FF doesn't offer IRS (to my knowledge), where are you all buying them complete? Any HP limitations? Not sure how you came to that conclusion. IRS is mentioned all over on FF’s website and is listed on the order form as an option. The 2015+ Mustang based center section used will have no issues with the HP you’re describing.
• Is there any form of traction control system that members are running with success? I don’t know. Rarely if ever see this mentioned.
• I intend on running Wilwood brakes. Given the answers about the IRS, what's the best braking setup I can get through Wilwood? FF sells a high end Wilwood setup for the IRS. Works with 17 and 18 inch wheels.

The interior of the car is where I think Backdraft kills FF with. Their options are pretty incredible. I intend on doing FF leather seats, but there are some modern niceties that I'd like to add that FF seems to lack with.

• Who has cup holders and what is needed to be done to get them in the center console? Any vendor make a kit? No kits. Search and do your own thing. Keep in mind though the space under the tunnel with either the TKO or T56 is somewhat limited. I've had cup holders in builds, but find I don't use them much for their intended purpose.
• FF gauges are okay, but boring. Anyone know of a gauge kit that is a little more modern without ruining the classical nature of the car? The Speedhut gauges are actually quite modern with their backlighting and lighted needles. But if that’s not enough for you, there are lots of options on the market.
• Will only FF steering wheels work? Any non-FF steering wheels members are running? The provided FF hub is unique to their steering wheels. But lots of guys have used other steering wheels including removeable. But does require mods.
• Is hidden audio worth it? I have a Polaris RZR and I can see this being a similar situation where you can't hear the music ever anyway. Widely discussed. My opinion is you can’t hear it while driving. Leave it off.
• Any other technology that owners are running? I'm a tech junkie but don't want to ruin the nature of the Cobra. Push button start? Digital gauges? Push button start is widely used. Other tech options are used and up to you.
• What seatbelts are owners running? Does everyone have a 4 point harness or are their more leisurely lap belts out there that are comfortable to have on? The standard kit harness is actually a 5-point from Simpson. Given the lack of air bags and other now industry standard safety features, I wouldn’t think of driving or riding in one of these with only lap belts. Safety outweighs comfort every time for me.
• Are windshield wipers essential and required by law? I kind of don't think I'll use them but maybe I don't realize that they are ideal to have. Legal requirement is dependent upon your local regulations. Along with washers, backup lights, front license plate, etc. All vary. But you mention a hard top. So if something like that is in the cards, not sure why you’re asking. Install wipers.
• Are most owners leaving their trunks with just the simple aluminum lining? Anyone making them particularly unique? Every level of finish is out there, from plain aluminum to fully carpeted. Make it the way you want.
• Anyone building in radar detectors/jammers? No comment.
• I'd like to have the dashboard be something other than the standard black vinyl. Maybe a carbon wrap. Is this possible? Sure. Finish it with whatever you want.
• I want a glovebox AND heater. Anyway to have both? If not, which would you prefer? I live in Utah and can see chilly mornings happening. In stock form, pretty much need to choose between one or the other. With some custom work guys have been able to install both. But often the glovebox is smaller in size.
• I see Infinity Box is a sponsor. Anyone doing anything particularly cool with their wiring harnesses? Does the FF kit already come with a harness? Why do I want theirs instead? The complete kit comes with a Ron Francis harness. Not everyone loves it. But I've used it several times without issue. It works. Some install the Infinity box. I’m personally not familiar with it.
• Is anyone using the "clever turn signal"? Seems interesting. Don’t know what this means.

Thank you for your help! The more answer you can provide (with links hopefully) the better. You need to learn how to search this and the other forum (FFCars.com) because many of your questions are widely discussed. Both forums have built-in search engines. But I find them a little hard to use and not too reliable. Instead, I use Google to search. Right from the Google page, enter exactly (without the quotes) “site:http://thefactoryfiveforum.com /search term” or “site:http://ffcars.com /search term” and replace search term with whatever you’re looking for. I find this works really well.

Finally, an editorial comment. You describe yourself as a novice, but then list extensive modifications many of which won’t have instructions and will make budget control challenging. While I appreciate your desire for a unique and special build, the complexity will expand the scope of the build significantly. You may want to dial it back a bit. Just saying. At least to start. Also highly recommend finding other owners in your area and look at various options and configurations.

[2bking]

I have the Infinity Box Wiring and didn't use much of the Ron Francis harness except the front and rear harnesses. The Infinity Box system gets expensive and require wiring inverse of normal methods where a switch grounds a low voltage, low current signal from a Master Cell to switch a circuit on and off in the Power Cells. I found it to be a little neater and maybe less complex but a plan needs to be worked out on routing and placement of all the components before beginning to install the parts. It has some excellent features such as simple four way flashers, one button start, soft start on certain circuits, integrated fusing on all circuits, options on tail light for blinking and stop, and plenty of wire lengths to reach all the items being hooked up. There is an optional key fob for locking the system and operating circuits outside the vehicle such as flashing lights and horn honking. If you want one button start, the key fob is a simple way to eliminate a keyed ignition switch and have only a button on the dash.

But there is a down side to the system being the battery life of the vehicle while parked. While the vehicle is parked the Infinity Box Master cell pulls about 165ma and the keep alive circuit for the PCM and GPS odometer pulls another 40 ma making a drain on the vehicle battery about 200+ma per hour. This will drain 25 amp hours of a 50 amp hour battery (Yellow top Optima) in five days. My Coyote would spin but not start with the battery this low. My solution is a trickle charger that is always connected while the car is parked. Infinity sell a battery cut off module that is triggered when the battery discharges to a certain level but that would most likely happen about day three or four and all the volatile memories in the PCM and GPS based odometer would be lost.

[Mark Reynolds]

I'm thinking Edward B deserves a nice fat tip for all that free advise! :)

[cgundermann]

I'm thinking Edward B deserves a nice fat tip for all that free advise! :)

Second that vote!

[Vette1972]

The Wizard, known as EdwardB, knows much and shares happily! :D