Basic vs. Complete-not using a donor

[CaptB]

Hey folks, I know over the years there have been several posts along this route but I thought I would ask my particular questions of the group.

First, I have a higher than average experience with cars, I've built stock cars before and a few hot rods. Also, I am not going the way of a donor, I plan on new parts.

I'm not afraid to seek out the aftermarket parts necessary to complete a basic build.

Right now I have an engine (347), transmission (TXK) and Moser 8.8 rear end with Cobra brakes that I've acquired.

Couple of things worry me about the basic vs. complete. Wiring. For basic kit options, what is out there for wiring options? Does FF have an option to add the required wiring harness?

Second, what is needed with the basic kit to install the engine and transmission, mounts? Does the basic kit frame have everything needed but motor/transmission mounts or are there other parts to source.

Is the complete kit brake parts worth it or is are there aftermarket brake options out there?

I'm using power steering, does FF allow you to add the parts required for power steering or are their aftermarket sources?

Otherwise the rest of the basic doesn't look like anything I can handle. Does anyone have a master file for the parts required if you order the basic? Please send it to me!

Based on what I see the price difference (based on my options is right at a $5K difference. Is what you get for the extra $5K worth those parts? Like I said, I'm not afraid to source parts I just need to know what to get.

[shrive81]

Following

[AC Bill]

Re wiring harness. You can purchase one from FFR.
https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Chassis-Harness-rev-L.pdf

Re motor and tranny install. Yes mounts are all you need. Let FFR know what engine your installing and the frame will come with welded brackets for the mounts to attach to.The tranny support comes with the kit, and is designed for use with different tranny mounts, depending on the tranny used.

There are aftermarket brake options you could use, depends on what you want. In some cases, caliper adapter brackets, and/or wheel spacers may be required as well.

Re power steering, you can go with the FFR designed system,, but some builders have used aftermarket items. Some have even installed electric pumps.

I believe Factory Five has a list of what additional items are required with the base kit, on their web site.

I often see parts that came with the complete kits for sale on the forum classifieds, usually after a builder has finished his car. Every build is different, and often changes are made in the course of the build, because of personal taste, likes, or dislikes. Selling the items is a good way to recoup some money, but you won't usually get back what you paid. On the other hand if you order the complete, the additional parts are less expensive then if you ordered them individually at a later date.

[CaptB]

Thank you for the reply. This IS the info I was looking for.

The only other thing I wanted to see if someone could send me is an Excel file with the complete parts list needed for the basic build (not using a donor), if anyone has it please PM me.

Thank you guys.

[Paul2STL]

Thank you for the reply. This IS the info I was looking for.

The only other thing I wanted to see if someone could send me is an Excel file with the complete parts list needed for the basic build (not using a donor), if anyone has it please PM me.

Thank you guys.

Call FFR and ask if you can get a inventory sheet for a complete kit and one for a base kit they might send you them. I'm pretty sure if you read through there web site you can put together a list of items you get with a complete kit and what you get from a base kit. From my perspective if you have experience with cars and like the chase of tracking down parts, saving some money I would go with a base kit. Also if you look for a 50/50 sale you can get some of the options that FFR offers that you can find else where. I did the base kit and added about 20 options with those options being 50% off for all but two.

[timwert65]

I just ordered a kit with pretty much the same idea as you. I do have a donor car, put will probably use most of it for cores. Some of the parts that you need with the kit are dependent on what year Mustang parts you are going to purchase. There are some key parts that FFR has that I felt I needed. Front Lower control arm and front spindles and wiring harness This is how my order looks.
Base Kit $12,990
Pwdr coat $499
Body Cutouts $149
Front LCA $450
3 link $1399
Steering rack $163 (because I am using a 94-2004 donor)
Chassis wire harness $649
Donor package $399 ( This is 1996-2004 Donor Package. Includes A/C eliminator kit, hydro-boost install kit and brake line adapters+$399.00
Spindle Kit $699 ( you can get this without the front hubs and just buy new

I will probably add on engine wiring at some point, but not sure if I am going to use my donor 4.6L yet

I am using the hydroboost brakes off my donor, so my understanding is that brake upgrades are not necessarily needed. Most people upgrade if using manual brakes.

[timwert65]

I sent you a PM with a list of parts needed to complete basic kit. This came out of my Basic kit pdf manual. I tried inserting an Excel file but couldnt figure out how, sorry

[Dagwoods]

I did a basic kit but didn't use a donor. No regrets, I enjoyed sourcing the parts I wanted. Not sure I really saved any money in the end by going this route though. If you go basic route and don't intend on using a donor, you should ask ffr to substitute the complete kit assembly manual instead of the base kit manual. The base kit manual doesn't cover everything if using non donor parts. You will end up with a lot of unused parts in the base kit as well that were meant for donor parts adaptions.