New member, been reading for a few weeks now.

[Justin P]

Hey folks. Quick introduction..well it started quick but then I started dropping in my notes. I’ve been reading and searching the board(s) like mad and just got registered so I can see more pics and post questions. I used this link http://www.mycobra.build/index.php/build-description/module-variations-2 to start with and have spent a good deal of time thinking through what options I want immediately and what I’m thinking I can kick the can on both for decisions and doing. This spring I’ll be moving to the South Eastern PA area. Bucks County or Montgomery. After that, I’m targeting to place my order as early in the fall as possible so I can get started this winter. That means I’ve got lots of time to take notes and research…I read someone on the board say something like “this is the most fun part because you can run through lots of options, change your mind easily, and not waste any money.” (I can’t remember who posted that but it stuck with me so I’m having fun.)

My Experience:
I have changed tires, oil, and done some bolt on modifications over the years but far from knowledgable. I research like mad, have pretty good Google-fu (Website.com + Topic = GreatResults) and can follow instructions pretty well so I think I’ll be fine. However, I just don’t have a desire to do the body work. I hate sanding spackle on a wall and usually end up with too many ridges because I say ‘good enough’. Based on videos I’ve watched body work is mostly sanding. I’m not looking for a show car quality finish but….I’m very comfortable outsourcing my weaknesses. So I’ll be looking for someone reliable in the SE PA area and I’m reserving $10,000 in budget based on forum numbers…hopefully I’ll get back some change when the time comes.

I don’t have any fabrication experience and don’t know how to weld, so my build will need to be somewhat within the rails of what FFR has created. However, I’m entertaining the thought of getting my hands on an old oven for some powder coating. I’m also entertaining the idea of putting my hands on a Bending Brake https://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-bending-brake-39103.html?_br_psugg_q=bending+brake since working with aluminum seems pretty straight forward. I’m thinking through some interior things around the dash and center console which are not out of the box. Since one of my options is going to be the heater, and as I understand it, there is impact to the glove box. (I don’t mind rivets if I can hide them). So between the glove box and drop trunk mod, the Bending Brake might be an ok idea. (Gotta determine if 18 inch will do it or if I’ll need something longer). If I get really stuck on the mechanical side, I found http://www.thetravelingbuilder.com/wordpress/ who seems to operate relatively close to where I’ll be but I’m also guessing once I get into it, I’ll find some folks closer that will help out for beer and pizza.

The absolute hardest decision I’ve made and see myself making is the tire size. (Body color / overall vision has been pretty easy for me) I just love the look of 15s with white lettering. Cooper Cobra or billboards. I just read today I can use 15s with the newer IRS option, which is nice, but I’m concerned about breaking power and putting down power to the street on 15s instead of 17s. (I’ve also never driven a car with 15s so I have no reference w/ regards to performance. The GOOD news in this is….if I really want to swap later, I can get the 4 piston brakes and swap the wheels. I’d have to re-bleed the lines though I believe.

Here is a list of my decided options to date. I’m coming in around ~$65,000 total before taxes…the IRS is a killer..the Internal and the Independent.
~$32k for FFR Complete Kit.
~$20k for engine.
~$10k for paint
~$1k for tools (I might sneak in some stuff unrelated to the build)

The Fun Bit
BluePrint Engine: Complete engine with installed TKO 600 5-Speed Transmission and Polished 1-wire 100 amp Alternator…$20,070 list price…actually that part isn’t fun.

MK4 Complete Kit
Chasis Coating
16613 - Powder coated chassis – Black, includes powder coated driver’s side roll bar

Exhaust
16434 - Headers: 390/427/428 Big Block stainless steel 4-port full length

Engine / Transmission Mount
(Unsure if the 427 from BluePrint qualifies as ‘big block’ or not)
12477 - 390/427/428 Big Block Mounts

Clutch Package
34158 - Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit (requires customer supplied slave cylinder and hydraulic throw-out bearing)
Mike Fortes clutch slave kit coupled with the Wilwood pedal kit is $468 for hydraulic clutch is reportedly good. Does this include the throwout Bearing? Impacts option 16921

Drive Shaft
No reason to think this isn’t it….same question for BPE about their 427 EFI. Does their 427 count as
60175 - 31 spline driveshaft for 4.6L/5.0L Coyote with Tremec TKO 500 or 600, T-45 or 3650 transmission and 2015 IRS. Also for 390/427/428 Big Block with Tremec TKO 500 or 600 transmission and 2015 IRS.

Body cut Option
12070 - Body with cut-outs of side pipes, body mounts, lighting accessories, gas cap, roll-windshield posts, and side louver openings

Seat Package
16962 - Upgrade: Diamond Stitched Seats (might do regular leather instead)

Steering System
Manual steering rack with manual rack adapter, poly bushings, and outer tie rod ends
https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/factory-five-mk3-4-roadster-kit
$745, but I save $1,000 from no pump on crate engine and $299 from FF

Front Suspension Config
12066 - Standard Width Tubular Front Lower Control Arms

Rear Suspension
Based on reports of comfort, this is what I want. Confirm it will hold up to 427 power without mods
16598 - 2015 Mustang-based Independent Rear Suspension Kit with KONI coil-overs, tubular control arms, and CV axles

Gauges
16004 - Vintage Factory Five/Smiths Style GPS Gauges (mph)

Popular Options
14865 - Vintage Halibrand Replica Wheels, 17” X 9” Front and 17” X 10.5” Rear
15659 - Assembled Side Louver set
14816 – Heater-Defroster
15549 – Vintage Wiper Kit
16668 - 2018 Mustang IRS 3.55 Center Section, Spindles, and Hubs (necessary evil for IRS apparently)
16921 - Hydraulic Clutch Throw-Out Bearing Kit (Does this include slave cylinder?)


Wilwood Brakes
15370 - 12.88” Front Wilwood Brakes, Red Calipers, Drilled & Slotted
15988 - 12.88” 2015 IRS Wilwood Brakes, Red Calipers, Drilled & Slotted

Color Design
Leaning heavily towards Wimbleton White, black hood and roll-bar matched black with very little metallic if any. Chrome exhaust. Possibly black louvers. 427 badge over louvers
Hood rivets ala original Cobra specs and rivets on hood scoop.
Possibly lift the dot fasteners for a Tonneau
Black or brown leather coverings for dash and trans tunnel ala EdwardB & Papa whole hide matching. Gotta figure out door inserts. If brown….gotta figure out a good match to black carpet and seats. Might be terrible if wrong brown.

Other options.
Decided
Separate Brake Reservoirs - one for front one for rear. Redundancy. (CNC Brake reservoir) Must adjust balance bar appropriately.
Battery relocation - $140 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/engine-compartment-battery-mounting-kit-mk3-3-1-4-roadster/
Drop Trunk Option $110, $28 for the shipping https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?28575-MK4-Drop-Trunk-Mod
Dead Pedal $33 (Wilwood Pedal Box) https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/dead-pedal-kit-for-use-with-wilwood-pedal-box/
Removable Steering wheel https://www.swapshopracing.com/contents/en-us/p4420.html
Need to figure out some what removable dash or panels? Does Casey Dash still exist. Unable to find.
Grille Set, Radiator, Oil, Brake $148 (saves $43 from FFR brake only option) https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/grille-set-radiator-oil-cooler-and-brake-duct-openings-mk-4-expanded-aluminum/
Radiator Shroud $90 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/radiator-fan-shroud/ Sale at time of research $79
Radiator upper shroud $44 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/radiator-cowl-cover-kit-for-use-with-ffr-hinges/
Radiator Mounting $48 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/heavy-duty-hinged-radiator-shroud-mounting-kit/

Undecided or later
Seat Heaters - Decide before dash layout final
Exhaust Heat Shields
Tonneau covers (lift and post, snap, or snapless)
Door panels: The stock setup is the bare door. Looks more finished with a panel. Plus the extra storage of the pockets typically on the panels is welcome.
Electronic parking brake. https://www.estopp.com/shopon
Driver / Passenger foot well expansion - Might have issue with carpet. Need to find how-to.
Hood hinges….but I like the pins…and I’d like to explore clamshell open.
Russ Thompson gas pedal coupled to mechanical linkage
Russ Thompson turn signal assembly really finished the steering column nicely and functions perfectly. Likely blinker on the dash.
Dash support brackets? $24 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/dash-support-bracket-kit/ $22 on sale
Cockpit Storage $69 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/cockpit-storage-cubby-kit-for-mk4-roadster/
Shift Knob $40 Breeze has some options
Exterior LED lights $359 https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/led-exterior-lighting-kit/
Transmission Tunnel Top $84 https://www.ffmetal.com/#ttt
12049 - Wind Wings
12042 - Sun Visors
12469 - Brake Duct Wire Mesh, preformed $43 (using Breeze option for Brake, Oil Cooler and Radiator Grill)
16963 - Diamond Stitch Door Panel (Depending on final interior design)
15158 - Roll Bar Grommets (grommets with trim rings and stainless steel hardware) What does Base look like?
15635 - Center Dash Support

I also have a running list of what tools I’ve discovered I’m going to need…but I won’t bore you any longer. :) Thanks for listening…my wife is sick of me talking about this. Cheers.

[wareaglescott]

Welcome to the forum. Great group of helpful people here.
Looks like you have a great plan.

[Straversi]

That’s what we’re here for. Your wife and friend’s eyes will glaze over when you talk about options. When you come in from the garage excited because you made a bracket that solved a problem, your family will yawn. We will congratulate you and want to see photos. Welcome
-Steve

[edwardb]

Welcome! Wow, you've dug into this pretty deep already. You've bought into all the posts (:rolleyes:) and seem to have picked nearly every option and mod possible. With your experience, may way to be a little careful there. Especially when I see things like "Hood hinges….but I like the pins…and I’d like to explore clamshell open..." That's pretty serious right there. But also my conservative side talking. Biggest thing I can say is wait until you get the kit before making any more decisions than possible. Then decide what you really want and have the appetite for.

Several real high level comments:

- You'll want to confirm with Blueprint, but I'm 99% certain that 427 you're talking about is considered a small block, not a big block. It's a bored/stroked 351 block, which is basically a taller version of the 302 small block. Great choice. But you'll be picking 351 small block based options. Not "big block." Again though, confirm to be sure.

- You're mixing things up there a bit with the hydraulic clutch. What Forte sells is an external slave setup that replaces the clutch cable. But the internals are vintage Ford, e.g. a clutch arm, throw-out bearing, etc. Which BTW, don't come with his kit. What Factory Five is selling are parts for an internal hydraulic throw-out bearing. Meaning there's no clutch arm or old style throw-out bearing. I don't know exactly what comes with the Factory Five kit. But you don't need both. Dig into this one a little more. I've used both the Forte setup and a hydraulic throw-out bearing. Each has positives and negatives. See my Gen 3 Coupe write-up for details about the internal variety.

- Trivial, but go for the 30" HF brake. It's only slightly more expensive. Especially with one of their famous 20% off coupons. You'll find it much more useful. Low tech and has its limitations. But I've fabricated a bunch of parts with mine.

Good luck!

[Justin P]

Welcome! Wow, you've dug into this pretty deep already. You've bought into all the posts (:rolleyes:) and seem to have picked nearly every option and mod possible. With your experience, may way to be a little careful there. Especially when I see things like "Hood hinges….but I like the pins…and I’d like to explore clamshell open..." That's pretty serious right there. But also my conservative side talking. Biggest thing I can say is wait until you get the kit before making any more decisions than possible. Then decide what you really want and have the appetite for.

Several real high level comments:

- You'll want to confirm with Blueprint, but I'm 99% certain that 427 you're talking about is considered a small block, not a big block. It's a bored/stroked 351 block, which is basically a taller version of the 302 small block. Great choice. But you'll be picking 351 small block based options. Not "big block." Again though, confirm to be sure.

- You're mixing things up there a bit with the hydraulic clutch. What Forte sells is an external slave setup that replaces the clutch cable. But the internals are vintage Ford, e.g. a clutch arm, throw-out bearing, etc. Which BTW, don't come with his kit. What Factory Five is selling are parts for an internal hydraulic throw-out bearing. Meaning there's no clutch arm or old style throw-out bearing. I don't know exactly what comes with the Factory Five kit. But you don't need both. Dig into this one a little more. I've used both the Forte setup and a hydraulic throw-out bearing. Each has positives and negatives. See my Gen 3 Coupe write-up for details about the internal variety.

- Trivial, but go for the 30" HF brake. It's only slightly more expensive. Especially with one of their famous 20% off coupons. You'll find it much more useful. Low tech and has its limitations. But I've fabricated a bunch of parts with mine.

Good luck!

Thanks EdwardB! I'll admit the clamshell bit makes me break into a cold sweat thinking about it. :) Especially since I don't like body work. Probably just dreaming on that one. :)
I'll confirm with BE once I get closer to pulling the trigger on the engine.
Thank you very much for setting me straight on the clutch bit. I'll do more research for sure.

I've enjoyed your posts and advice that I've read on the forum. Not sure how often you hear it, but keep it up for new guys like me. Invaluable stuff. Happy New Year.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Welcome!

Blueprint's 427 is Windsor based. You mention the possibility of 15" rims and also the big Wilwood brakes; be aware that they don't play together.

Jeff

[Fman]

Welcome and congrats on deciding to go ahead with the build...

I think your costs are realistic of what it will be to build your car. I am in the go-kart phase now entering upholstery and paint. You have a lot of nice upgrades on your build sheet. I researched the heck out of engine builders/combos. The BP 427 is a Dart 351w based block which would be considered a small block package. I ended up going with a local engine builder and ordered my TKO600 seperate and installing myself, however BP, Mike Forte and Gordon Levy were my other top options. Many have used them on here with really good results and it will be a lot less headache for you to order a complete package from them. I also had to install my pulley system, plug wires, coil, EFI, etc... was a fun experience but definitely not as easy as going with a BP setup. I also wanted the Edelbrock PF4 EFI system which BP did not offer.

There are a lot of excellent builders on this forum who will help you during the process, would highly recommend starting a build thread once you get going. If you ever want to talk shop feel free to PM me, would be more than happy to talk about my experience and answer any questions.

Travis

[Justin P]

Welcome!

Blueprint's 427 is Windsor based. You mention the possibility of 15" rims and also the big Wilwood brakes; be aware that they don't play together.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff!
The whole wheel size decision hasn't been made yet. Thanks for confirming the brake choice w/ the 15s. I've seen one of the sponsors (Gordon Levy maybe) has a Wilwood brake package that works with the 15s should I go that route. 15s vs 17s is something I'll have to figure out in the coming months because of the brake size implications. I *think* I saw the more recent IRS kit does allow for 15s whereas a few years ago the two were incompatible so I have to confirm that too. Decisions decisions decisions....

Thanks for all your guidance on the site. I have a number of your posts in my notes already.

[Justin P]

Welcome and congrats on deciding to go ahead with the build...

I think your costs are realistic of what it will be to build your car. I am in the go-kart phase now entering upholstery and paint. You have a lot of nice upgrades on your build sheet. I researched the heck out of engine builders/combos. The BP 427 is a Dart 351w based block which would be considered a small block package. I ended up going with a local engine builder and ordered my TKO600 seperate and installing myself, however BP, Mike Forte and Gordon Levy were my other top options. Many have used them on here with really good results and it will be a lot less headache for you to order a complete package from them. I also had to install my pulley system, plug wires, coil, EFI, etc... was a fun experience but definitely not as easy as going with a BP setup. I also wanted the Edelbrock PF4 EFI system which BP did not offer.

There are a lot of excellent builders on this forum who will help you during the process, would highly recommend starting a build thread once you get going. If you ever want to talk shop feel free to PM me, would be more than happy to talk about my experience and answer any questions.

Travis

Thanks for the offer, much appreciated!

[chmhasy]

For tire size do a research on what tires are available in the 15 rim size.

[Al_C]

That’s what we’re here for. Your wife and friend’s eyes will glaze over when you talk about options. When you come in from the garage excited because you made a bracket that solved a problem, your family will yawn. We will congratulate you and want to see photos.

Welcome, Justin! Steve nailed it with his response. The only thing I can add is that we, as a group, are really good at spending your money. Best of luck with your build!