Mk4 Roadster Build Thread (Morrisett)

[Morrisett]

Hey guys,
Decided to start a build thread even though I am a few months down the road in the build. Here’s the quick summary of items done so far and a few pictures.
Kit delivered 2/4
Tear down donor (97 cobra)
Sent wiring off to Art to wire diet
Clean / narrowed / and rebuilt rear end… actually had existing 3.73’s that I left in place
Front and rear suspension installed
Passenger side foot box install
Fuel tank mock up, fuel lines, brake lines run.
Rack and pinion install, hydro boost and pedal assembly installed
Engine clean up, install new oil pan, gaskets, etc
Currently mocking up and drilling passenger compartment aluminum panels
Let me know what you guys see that might need adjustments or comments on work thus far. Thanks
-Philip

[Morrisett]

Additional photos

[Joecobr]

I have a similar build, ‘98 Cobra, but with old style IRS. You may want to install remote brake reservoirs. The OEM one you have will be difficult to fill once the body is on. I don’t recall where I sourced the hardware.

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[rich grsc]

I would recommend getting rid of the brake proportioning block

[Morrisett]

Thanks for the tip, that makes sense.
Did you need to replace the master cylinder or were you able to retrofit the remote reservoir connection ports onto the oem one? If you figure out where you sourced that from let me know.

Rich- why do I need to ditch the proportion block? If so do you recommend just running without one or using a adjustable one?

[Joecobr]

Sorry for the upside down photo. The MC is stock. You can get the fittings at Lodestone Billetworks. A lot of discussion on the proportioning block. Years ago I contacted Dan Golub at FFR and he advised me to install it. I have the OEM front brakes and Lincoln MKVIII rear brakes with the block installed. My brakes work very well.

[rich grsc]

These cars all end up rear weight biased, so they tend to need more rear brakes than a Mustang. You definitely don't want an adjustable valve, nothing that will reduce pressure to the rears.

[Morrisett]

Do you remember where you got the after market intake pipe?

[Fman]

Nice progress on your build...

Just one question, for fuel lines have you considered PTFE steel braided lines with -AN fittings? You are the first I have seen to run rubber fuel line with hose clamps off a hard line.

[Morrisett]

I hadn’t really considered it but might up front in the engine compartment since the lines are close to the exhaust. Other than looking nicer is there a big advantage I am missing? I was just following the manual instructions and it was similarly plumbed that way on donor.

[Joecobr]

I made the air intake myself with bits and pieces from Spectre Performance. It required a bit of inexpensive aluminum welding on the main polished aluminum tubing. I also had an old cold air intake from the donor that I scavenged some parts from to attach the filter to the chassis. I also attached a pic of how I ran the fuel lines. I used the FFR supplied pieces and the OEM donor pieces. Nothing wrong with using the supplied fuel lines.

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[Morrisett]

I just received my spindles from FFR and it appears my front brake lines are a bit short where I originally mocked them up. Is there any issue lowering them about a inch and running the through the f-panel?148429148430

[phileas_fogg]

No issue at all going through the F-panel, but are you sure they lines will reach when you're steering is at full lock? You may end up needing longer lines after all.


John

EDIT: Will lines reach at full lock AND suspension travel?

[rich grsc]

I wouldn't use those lines, too short.

[Mark K]

Donor build here, as well. I'm using the same rubber fuel injection hose from the kit, with the supplied fuel injection clamps. Hasn't been an issue.

[egchewy79]

I hadn’t really considered it but might up front in the engine compartment since the lines are close to the exhaust. Other than looking nicer is there a big advantage I am missing? I was just following the manual instructions and it was similarly plumbed that way on donor.

major issue would deterioration of the rubber over time, esp w/ the alcohol in the gas these days. PTFE will never degrade. It might just be something you put on an annual check list, looking for cracks and leaks in the fuel line. Cheap enough to replace when necessary.

[rich grsc]

The hose supplied is fuel hose, safe to us with todays fuel.

[Joecobr]

In your second photo above you show a ‘tee’ immediately off your brake distribution block. This area will very quickly become very busy with the power steering reservoir, steering rack and pump lines, etc. Advise moving this block further out...been there, done that!

[Morrisett]

So I got a few items knocked out over the long weekend. I was able to relocate the front brake lines and lower them down in the f panels which allowed for plenty of line lock to lock. I also got the battery box/ hold down (Artec Industries) powder coated and mocked up in position. I am not sure if anyone else is using these but they fit really well in the current frame configuration allowing for taped screw mounts on 3 sides. Art is getting close to shipping my wire diet along with the chassis harness so I am getting excited about diving into that. 148871148872148873148874