Long time dreamer finally getting started

[J.D.]

I've been lurking around this and other boards for years, and figured I would introduce myself. I have wanted to build a roadster for years and now find myself in a position to get started.

I plan to build a Mk IV base kit with IRS. A few months ago I purchased the e-manual, and a month after that A wrecked 94 mustang cobra for my donor. My wife helped me get the wreck off the trailer, but other than that I have completely stripped the donor myself. After I cut the damage away the main real damage was to the radiator, smog pump, BBK CAI, MAF, a chunk out of the front lip of the throttle body and a sheared engine mount bolt in the block. I am at the point of going through the parts to see what needs cleaning, repair or replacement.

I'm thinking about replacing the heads and cam for a little bump in power. if the rotating assembly needs to be replaced I may put a 347 stroker assembly in

I have not placed my kit order yet. I still need to figure out when I can drive from Mississippi to Massachusetts to pick it up.

I guess it is time to get back to work.

J.D.

347834793480

[riptide motorsport]

Welcome!!!

[Gumball]

Welcome. I also used a '94 SVT for my donor. I ended up only using a few key large components, including the engine, trans, rearend, brake calipers/rotors, front spindles, gas tank, and pedal box. What I did keep, though, was heavily modified in most cases, including the engine which is in the final stages of being upgraded to an internal/neutral balance 347 stroker with a carb. Let me know if you have any questions on use of some of those '94 components as the kits are really designed to work with the earlier Fox bodied cars. The '94 and up stuff will work, but sometimes it requires a bit more massaging.

Best of luck!!!

[Jacob McCrea]

Welcome to the forum. I also picked up my car at the factory and it was really cool to take a tour and meet some of the Factory Five folks (who were very welcoming and helpful, by the way). Nearby Cape Cod is a neat place to visit if you've never been there. But be forewarned of the traffic on I-95 around New York City and southwestern Connecticut. I drove for 40 miles without ever getting my truck past 3rd gear; a bicycle would have been faster. Good luck on the build.

[J.D.]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Chris,
What heads are you putting on your 347?

Jacob,
I was a little worried that stretch might be bad. Maybe I'll look into a longer route around the city.

[Gumball]

J.D. - I'm using the stock heads, but totally re-worked with quite a bit of CNC and manual work. Sort of a purist way of doing the engine - plus I'm doing it myself with the help of a friend who owns a vintage race prep shop, so the only cost to me is parts. They won't make as much power as some of the aftermarket heads, but I only have a couple hundred dollars in them. The motor should still be good for around 400 hp & ft.lbs., though.