Starting to research a potential future purchase

[CABulldog]

Hello all,

I am starting to look at potentially building a roadster, I wanted to start this thread to get some ideas and opinions so that a decision can be made in the near future. Some background

I love cars all my life, I moved to the US from the UK about 15 years ago, even before I moved I wanted to build a kit car, since then I have started doing my own work on my cars for several years. The most involved work I have done was bulletproofing a ford 6.0 diesel with replacement heads etc. My little boy (currently 5) also loves cars a lot. I asked him recently if he would like to either work on an older car with me or to build a car. He choose the build option. I would like him to be a little older before we start physically building a car which I am thinking as the summer of 2023 to actually start. Depending on other things that are going on in life that may actually stop this plan but I will deal with that when the time comes.

So anyway right now I am not specing out the car itself, I know I would like IRS, good brakes etc, I am interested some of the upgrades I read about. If and when I am ready for that part I will let you all help me spend my money :). I have been thinking about 2 things, the engine/trans package and will I actually fit in one. I will start with the fitment first.

I am a very large person, way to fat but even without that I am quite frankly huge, I have been asked a few times if I was an offensive lineman at college, having actual seen Joe Staley up close he was a similar size with a smaller belly than I have. I have read here that it is possible to modify the drivers area to fit me but I am not sure how to be sure. I don't want to do all the work to build a car and find out I can not actually drive it. What options are available here? I have not tried to weld in many years since I was 13 or 14 (30ish years ago) and I was only ever successful with an oxyacetylene torch and could not get a mig or tig weld right to save my life. Not that I did much and my school welding helmets were impossible to see out of with out the actual light from the welder running even then not very good. Not sure if that is a result of cheap helmets or just the way it is. I know you can get ones that change when you use the to provide visibility and protection.

The second I have been thinking about engines. Although I would like a 6 speed manual because more must be better, I am happy to go with a 5 speed so will target a TKO600 or something. However for the actual engine, I have thought a lot about this, I would prefer to go with something ford as my family have been mostly ford when I was younger and they rearly let me down with the exception of a certain former pickup truck of mine (read 6.0 powerstroke). So the options I have considered are the Coyote, the blueprint 347 and 427, I think I would go fuel injected. The other option I have considered and is part of the dream I have had is to actually build my own where I research and choose the parts such as cams, pistons etc. I would love to assemble an engine and this feel like an option for me.

So here is where I currently am for the enigne options. Coyote, I like the new engine in the mustang it sounds great, my biggest concern is the size and any modifications to the foot well maybe difficult or impossible. It would make a good driving car however. The blueprint engines seem like a great option, the seem well built and I like the dyno results coming with them. The 427 feels a little big for me, I am not sure I need much more than 400hp. The 347 is a very real prospect. I feel like a 350ish size engine would work for the foot well mods I think I may need. If I build I would start with something like a 351 windsor, if I go this route I would start building the engine next year to have it ready for when the car build would start.

Looking forward to opinions and knowledge so I can learn.

Thanks to all

James

[Tbev]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of great advice here from many talented people. As far as fitting into a roadster goes I would look into whether there are any local cobra clubs in your area. I’m sure they would be happy to meet up with you to let you check out their cars and let you sit in a few. Or maybe someone on the forum lives close by and would let you check theirs out. That way you will know right away if you are going to be comfortable in one. Good luck!

[toadster]

welcome!

a few tips for you!

IRS to me was a no brainer, nearly everyone shopping around for one asks "does it have IRS?"
as far as welding, none required to be honest - I mean, there are some guys who go nutz with everything, but in general the big stuff is already welded together

I agree with Tbev - test fit a local car if you can, you didn't mention where you are located... assuming CA?

the 6-speed isn't an easy fit into the roadster, customization needed - and many of my buddies say they rarely even use 5th - it's not a car you're going to drive 80mph for 1,500 miles on a regular basis :)
as far as engines, if you want to build - go with a 351W, plenty of parts - the Coyote will most likely be a pick-n-pull or crate motor - the Coyote fits without issue in the new MKIV cars - that's what I'm building

also note, the Coyote has 420HP stock, so yeah - you're definitely in 400HP range there :)

welcome and READ and LEARN a-lot - I'm still learning!!

[CABulldog]

I can’t update my location in my profile as I have restricted access. I am in San Jose California. I have been slowly reading fmans build thread and I have read a few others. I see mostly 427 builds but I assume the builds are mostly the same regardless of engine choice and the differences will start have relevant tips and information anyway. Plus it is fun to follow.

[GoDadGo]

CA,

Welcome Aboard!
Deciding on your driveline is a very tough decision so in the meantime, check out these two build threads from the forum's favorite Master Hobbyist Builder:

Edwardb's Solid Axle 5-Link 347 SBF MK-4:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update

Edwardb's 20th Anniversary IRS Coyote MK-4:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardB%92s-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build

Video Article Done On His Coyote MK-4:
https://youtu.be/gCBLH-mr7ME

This fellow (Mr. Paul B.) always does it right with no expense nor details spared with absolutely no shortcuts taken.
Again, Welcome Aboard!

Steve

[CraigS]

I think you need to get the 'fitting you into the car' resolved first. Until then the tech stuff is moot. Search here and the other forum for tall driver mods. One mod that may not come up, because I have seen it just once, is to trim the body back behind the seats. One fellow started cutting just behind the driver but then realized it would be much less obvious if he trimmed it full width. This is a 'get an inch here and an inch there' deal so that in the end, they all add up. Another part of this is the seats themselves. The Kirkey aluminum is by far the thinnest so you can move your body back further from the pedals. It is surprisingly quite comfortable and can be improved slightly w/ a bit of additional foam here an there. A lot of people like a little more small of the back support.

[Hacksaw84]

Its a small car, no way around that. I would suggest you sit in a couple first. The front to back space will be tough and your height with respect to the top of the windshield. The seat will be the biggest factors on that. You will need it to sit as far back and low in the car as you can. I would rule out pretty much all the high back options except maybe Krikey. I would actually think the wider Kirkey low back might be a good option. Width wise there isn't much you can do other than carve out a couple inches in the footbox. I did see where one guy contoured the top of the door a little more to give some extra room. I wouldn't go any further with modifying the car for fitment so probably not plan on needing to weld.

For engines that is a highly debated/opinioned part of the build. I went with the Coyote. Its simple, starts and runs great. It fits tight but no worries there. I did slightly modify the footbox on mine for just a little more room for my right leg, but its in the knee/shin area. If you want to build the engine then that's a whole other piece.

Tremec has ended the TKO but the TKX is its replacement for a 5 speed. Guys have put in 6 speeds, its just a little more work.

[CaptB]

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. The way I approached it was that I collected a BluePrint 347 with the TKX (should arrive in the next week) and a Forte's 8.8 Moser rear end first. So now this week I think I'll actually be putting my order in. I rolled around either the basic or the complete kit (I am not going to go the donor way), just acquire all the parts new (I work for AutoZone so my discounts are 20-30% off. I still haven't decided which option (basic/complete) that I'll buy.
The one thing I can tell you is that you don't have a question that's not been asked here before and this board has been extremely helpful for information. Sometimes I wonder if my question is stupid but then it get's answered with respect and information. Good luck, I may be just in front of you if you order soon.

[GoDadGo]

The one thing I can tell you is that you don't have a question that's not been asked here before and this board has been extremely helpful for information. Sometimes I wonder if my question is stupid but then it get's answered with respect and information.

Capt,

The only "Stupid Question" is the one that was never asked.

I personally spoke to Dave Smith about installing a Small Block Chevy in a MK-4 Roadster before ordering my car when he happened to be manning the phones.
Though Dave discouraged me beyond belief, he put me in contact with Randy Jones who committed the "Ultimate Cobra Blasphemy" long before I did.

If the man, the myth, the legend "Super Dave Smith" could answer my question, then truly there are "No Stupid Questions!"

Steve

The Redbone Roadster's Graduation Link:
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

[CABulldog]

Thanks for all the responses, I am going to start looking for local meet ups I can go to I am ok with travelling the couple of hours to the Sacramento area as well. I am only about 6ft 1 or 6ft 2 Depending on when I took the measurement :) and I have quite a lot of torso my legs are somewhat short for my height. That said I am very wide and my legs are like tree trunks. I am leaning slightly in favor of building my own engine, I assume this is the only chance I will get to ever actually do that so I think that would be were I go. That said does anyone know of a good resource to learn more about building a 351w to about 400hp, I assume that should be quite easy with a good cam. I will most likely have other questions on that when I am starting to think about the actual engine build.

[CABulldog]

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. The way I approached it was that I collected a BluePrint 347 with the TKX (should arrive in the next week) and a Forte's 8.8 Moser rear end first. So now this week I think I'll actually be putting my order in. I rolled around either the basic or the complete kit (I am not going to go the donor way), just acquire all the parts new (I work for AutoZone so my discounts are 20-30% off. I still haven't decided which option (basic/complete) that I'll buy.
The one thing I can tell you is that you don't have a question that's not been asked here before and this board has been extremely helpful for information. Sometimes I wonder if my question is stupid but then it get's answered with respect and information. Good luck, I may be just in front of you if you order soon.

I won't be ordering soon, I want to do this as a father son activity so will need to wait until he is old enough as defined by she who must be obeyed (SWMBO), the other benefit is that because this is a father son activity SWMBO is more likely to allow it.

[CaptB]

Did the dirty deed yesterday, ship date is set for 14 August. Will be hot in the old town that night!

[David Hodgkins]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66239&d=1491862880

6'6", 320lbs, size 16 shoe. Are you bigger than me?

There are basic mods to fit the roadster to your size. Engine choice is impacted too. Coyote is probably out, IMO. A SBF gives you the ability to make the most of footbox room b/c aftermarket footbox sheetmetal can be used.. Wilwood pedals can be adjusted, Steering wheel can be raised, Seat choice and placement can add 2" of legroom and 2" of "headroom".

My 2 build threads at the bottom of this post have pics of the mods I did.

Lastly, "trying on" a roadster that has not been set up for a big guy may give the impression you will not fit. THAT IS NOT THE CASE FOR EVERY CAR. I tried sitting in over 20 FFR's before I found one that I could even shut the door. But I took a leap of faith and lots of big guys have built these after I built mine.

So what are your measurements?

I'm in SoCal and have 2 cobras you can try on.

I really didn't supply a lot of details, but this should give you a general idea whether or not you can fit in one of these.


:)

[CABulldog]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66239&d=1491862880

6'6", 320lbs, size 16 shoe. Are you bigger than me?


I am about 6'1, 340 and size 13 shoe, I would say I look a lot like you except maybe a touch more fluffy. I will see if I can get the wife to take a picture of me next to my pickup tonight to give a good reference.

[CABulldog]

So the wife took a photo of my standing next to my 2019 F350 SRW Powerstroke for a size comparison.

145351

[CraigS]

It would really be good if you could sit in one w/ no seat. That way you have an idea of what the max space available is other than foot box and pedal work.

[Quincy]

You could look a little haiperier in pic.

[CABulldog]

You could look a little haiperier in pic.

I am working on being a grumpy old rich man :) I thought the same thing when I saw it, I was actually quite happy when taking it, I guess I need another big v8 to put a smile on my face.