Roadster: Base VS Complete Kit

[The Halligan]

I've read several posts from several years back where there's discussion about the base versus the complete kit. I'm going to refresh this one again.

What is the general consensus?

[Logan]

Donors aren’t getting any younger or more plentiful, really. At least the Fox to SN95 generation the FFR is built around. You can use a bunch of the IRS from a 2015+ S550 Mustang, and the Coyote engine obviously, but the transmission (MT82) is a pain to use. Much easier to go with Tremec TKO or T56. All the other small parts you’d be reusing or refurbishing like the fuel tank (is the donor tank rusted?), and brakes (you’ll need fresh pads and maybe rotors anyway right?), makes it less appealing now than it used to be.

Short answer: Complete Kit.

[Al_C]

I agree with Logan. Unless you REALLY want to find an old Mustang and take it apart, get the complete kit.

[frd2]

Base kit does not necessarily mean a donor mustang. I went that route and the only used parts are the horn and a mustang pedal box. Still bought the wiring harness for the kit, F5 radiator, etc.

Gives you the flexibility to choose things easier in some cases.

I went with a mustang pedal box to install whitby power brakes. Custom gauges (speedhut - speedometer includes fuel level, added others like fuel pressure, A/F ratio, etc). I did power steering so that meant I simply went to autozone for a $100 mustang rack.

Same thing with brakes in front - the mustang PBR stuff is dirt cheap compared to what the F5 price is.

Not saying it ended up any cheaper, but made it easy to pick and choose.

Greg

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've read several posts from several years back where there's discussion about the base versus the complete kit.

Read 'em again because nothing has changed. In a nutshell unless you plan to stray far from the complete kit recipe I still say it's the way to go.

Jeff

[Ponymedic]

Im with Jeff. Started planning about year and a half ago being very budget conscious. Even got my hands on both build manuals. the tipping point for me was when my wife said "do you really wanna build a new car with thirty year old parts" Yep I got a winner

[wallace18]

I have done both. IMO the complete kit is the way to go. You end up with a much better result.

[KDubU]

Go complete kit. Makes it a lot easier but if you are planning a multi-year build and/or pulling parts from a Fox body, then the base kit may make sense.

[Jdav]

Base + donor only if you are on a super tight budget that wouldn't allow for any other option.
Complete if you are building by the book (+ maybe a custom touch or 2)
Base + individually sourced new parts if you have something specific/custom in mind.

[Avalanche325]

Base if you are going to be customizing enough where you won't use a lot of the complete kit components. Or in the rare case of a donor these days.
Even if you save a few dollars on sourcing parts, shipping costs eat that up quickly.

You don't just have to completely pick one or the other. If there is a thing or two that you aren't going to use, they seem to be willing to delete and give credit. Give them a call.

[rich grsc]

Complete kit, plus every available option. :o
See, I'll be the first to help spend your money. :rolleyes:

[j.miller]

Complete kit, plus every available option. :o
See, I'll be the first to help spend your money. :rolleyes:

RICH PULLS NO PUNCHES....HE'S JUST THAT KINDA GUY..... if you're just not sure he will manage a fresh credit card to insure you get nothing but the best because he knows you deserve it....he's a champ of a guy !

[Aircontroller]

Have you gone to build school yet?

That might help your decision making.

[ronsdream]

I went to the build school and ordered the complete kit with all the options and a coyote gen 2 engine from Mike Forte. It is definitely the way to go. I started in March 2019 and will be getting it back from Whitby's the end of March. Can't wait.

Everything new and maybe will have the "New Car Smell". haha

Ron

[ronsdream]

Sorry wrong start date. I started March 2018.

[Sdonnel]

It's really about what level of planning and sourcing you want to do with the build. I contemplated the choice and went basic due to changing so many things. Like others, I didn't want to be trying to sell all the unused parts that no one else wants due to market saturation. I also found alternate parts that had better warranties and things like that. For example, the FFR radiator has a 90 day warranty from the time of receipt. By contrast, the Michimoto radiator offers a lifetime warranty and moves more air with a double fan setup. In my opinion, the basic kit was the right choice with the amount of customization I did to my build. For others, that doesn't work for them. Research it and make the choice that's best for you.

Scott

[rich grsc]

RICH PULLS NO PUNCHES....HE'S JUST THAT KINDA GUY..... if you're just not sure he will manage a fresh credit card to insure you get nothing but the best because he knows you deserve it....he's a champ of a guy !
Oh damn a compliment from Miller.....I think I'm in trouble-----------Captain O, Captain O help.

[grluisi150]

The question of base vs complete kit is heavily dependent on your build plan and FFR sale discount at the time. Due the spreadsheet to track all the costs (not a easy task). For my build it was a cost savings to go base kit and by all new parts.
Gary

[Gizmosrcool]

Agrees with the comments on how long is your build time, budget, ability to hustle for parts, etc. Suggest u map it out in a spreadsheet. I’m planning mine. I figure I can save 8% over time. I also can order the base kit earlier and work on it. I then phase in parts and plan to use all new. A bunch will be non FFR and therefore I’ll have fewer left over parts. I like to hustle for parts. I’m not good at selling used parts.