CT Newb Here-Let the build begin!

[thwrightstuff]

Hey guys!

After inundating myself with research on both forums for the last few months, I finally pulled the trigger on an Mk4 complete kit with a 306 carb'd motor with a T5 transmission. I've literally spent all day every day all summer long researching this kit and going back and forth between piecing this kit together with rebuilt or new replacement parts and just doing the complete kit. I wanted to reach out to the community officially to announce my presence and excitement to join this community, but also ask questions and seek the advice of the experienced guys.

I currently live in West Hartford, CT, but there are a couple of things (more than a couple) that I need help with. For starters, i reeaaallyy like the 15" wheels the best on this car, but per the advice of FFR, I went with the 17" wheels because of "unpredictable performance". I was wondering is anybody in the area may be willing to let me either drive their car or could impart some wisdom on the handling between the two.

I was also hoping that there may be a group of guys/gals I could just meet up with and get to know in the area. I don't have any friends who are car minded like myself that I can pull on for help, so I wanted to branch out.

Can't wait to get started!

[nucjd19]

Fellow noob here too....Hi. I placed my order a couple of weeks ago ( complete kit with 347 and TKO 600) and super psyched. I live in Bama so gonna be hard to meet up but if you are in my neck of the woods let me know. I went with the 17" wheels as well and totally love the 15" look. I figured down the road I could pick up a set of 15 tire and wheel combos to try if I get the itch too much. Anyway look forward to following your build thread as we will be starting around the same time.

[thwrightstuff]

Ooo exciting! Too bad you aren't nearby. I was on the fence so much over the TKO600 and the 347, but ultimately went for the cost savings and supposedly smoother shifting. I was also on the fence about documenting my build, it's not typically my style, but I feel like I really should do it. I apologize in advance if I'm not great about updating my build thread. Good idea on the second set of wheels, I may do that at some point, as well, but I do like how the 17s look, so maybe it's not all bad. Shoot me a PM or something when you start and a link to your build thread. What's your current delivery date?

[initiator]

Congrats! If you're thinking about switching to 15" wheels in the future, make sure your brake choice can support that.

[Al_C]

It doesn't really matter what you put in it (drivetrain-wise), it's going to be a great project and a fun car to drive! Good luck on your upcoming build! I used to live in central CT, but haven't for a long time. Nevertheless, I know there are a number of FFR owners not that far from you. Heck, nothing is far in Conn... You can get from one end of the state to the other in a heartbeat!

[bil1024]

I loved the 15's on my MK4

[KDubU]

I had 15’s on my roadster and there were zero issues with them. I am also a fan of more rubber then less on these cars. Nothing wrong with 17’s, just prefer the look of 15’s. Not sure what FF was referring to with “unpredictable performance”. There are not a lot of tire choices with 15’s so maybe that is what they are referring to.

[nucjd19]

Congrats! If you're thinking about switching to 15" wheels in the future, make sure your brake choice can support that.

Agree. I thought about that when I spec'd out my build. Sticking with the base brakes with the kit at this point so should hopefully not be an issue.

[nucjd19]

Ooo exciting! Too bad you aren't nearby. I was on the fence so much over the TKO600 and the 347, but ultimately went for the cost savings and supposedly smoother shifting. I was also on the fence about documenting my build, it's not typically my style, but I feel like I really should do it. I apologize in advance if I'm not great about updating my build thread. Good idea on the second set of wheels, I may do that at some point, as well, but I do like how the 17s look, so maybe it's not all bad. Shoot me a PM or something when you start and a link to your build thread. What's your current delivery date?

Engine trans combo 10/22
Kit 11/14 finish date. Scheduling transport at this point.

[gkp200]

As others have stated, for 15" wheels you need to plan ahead with brakes to make sure they will fit. I used Wilwoods from Gordon Levy, non power brakes and an IRS. It was a lot of extra work to make it all fit (needed a pinion parking brake from Gordon), but I love the 15 inch wheels on the car. I bought Cooper Cobras during my build but will probably buy Avons when they wear out. There are not many options for 15 inch tires now.