Advice for newbie - FFR visit Friday (6/18/21)

[jroberts]

Hey everyone - I am going to pull the trigger on a MK4. I've been dreaming about this forever. I have an appointment to visit Factory Five in Wareham on Friday to talk to about my order. This will be my 4th visit in the last 10 years (we vacation in Cape Cod). Dave Smith gave me ride in the 20th anniversary car he keeps in the showroom. Here is my plan is to build it with a Coyote (Gen 3), TKX Transmission, and Mustang IRS (similar to the 20th in the showroom).

I'm a little overwhelmed (and excited). I've followed many different build threads. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
-What should I look for?
-What questions should I ask?

Thanks in advance! - Jeff

[Alan_C]

Depending on your building background and experience, Build School should be something to consider. Not only is the experience a wonderful weekend vacation, but the instructors will provide you with many tips and tricks that will be valuable in your build.
Questions to consider, base vs. complete kit. This is mostly based upon whether or not you are going to use a donor. Coyote powered donors do not provide a lot of useful parts beyond the engine and IRS. So determine if you are going all new, or parts from a donor car, or palate from a dismantler.
Budget is always a factor unless you have unlimited funds.
Are you at a point in life where you can dedicate the time and garage space to the project. Many have gotten hung up with the car and put it on the back burner as life gets in the way.
As someone else has said, know what you want to do with the car and follow your plan because major changes during the build will be costly.
I have build only one MK4 and I went the donor route with a 2004 Mach 1 donor. I stuck to plan and still went at least $5K over budget.
Knowing that you are going with a Coyote helps, but how are you going to source the engine, new or used?
One thing I remember clearly from my build, the more you deviate from the build manual, the more time and money the build will cost you. The Factory Five folks have put out a good manual and coyote based builds are pretty much mainstream now. You should not have many issues with the build, and those you have can be answered here on the forum with a quick post.
An exciting time, enjoy.

[GoDadGo]

1. Take any advice you get from Edwardb (Sir Paul), Jeff Kleiner (Sir Jefski), or 65 Cobra Dude (Col Henry) because their advice will be spot-on accurate.
2. Read the manual if you haven't done so already and go through Edwardb's 20th-Anniversary build thread.
3. Shown below is Edwardb's 20th build thread which best suits what you've described as your build plan:
....https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardB%92s-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build
4. Hoist Your Favorite Adult Beverages In Moderation!
5. Watch Your Pinkies!
6. Don't Throw Tools!
7. Stop Smoking!
8. Stop Cursing!
9. Pray Often!
10. Tell Your Family Members That You Love Them!

Good Luck & God's Speed!

[jroberts]

I think I'm going with a complete kit. I have a new 2 car garage with a lift and been collecting tools for years. Our kids are out of college and I'm looking for something to work on. I've been restoring/driving a 68 GTO for 20 years.

I'm not sure about sources of parts (engine, trans, etc). That will be part of the fun - the thrill of the hunt.

Yes - Edwardb's build threads are what I hope to achieve. Everyone one of his cars is beautiful.
Thanks!

[egchewy79]

if you're planning on getting a crate drivetrain, mike forte is a trusted source who's helped many builders over the years.

[nucjd19]

1. Take any advice you get from Edwardb (Sir Paul), Jeff Kleiner (Sir Jefski), or 65 Cobra Dude (Col Henry) because their advice will be spot-on accurate.
2. Read the manual if you haven't done so already and go through Edwardb's 20th-Anniversary build thread.
3. Shown below is Edwardb's 20th build thread which best suits what you've described as your build plan:
....https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardB%92s-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build
4. Hoist Your Favorite Adult Beverages In Moderation!
5. Watch Your Pinkies!
6. Don't Throw Tools!
7. Stop Smoking!
8. Stop Cursing!
9. Pray Often!
10. Tell Your Family Members That You Love Them!

Good Luck & God's Speed!

Sage words to live by Steve :)

[GoDadGo]

Sage words to live by Steve :)

Thanks Doc!

I failed to watch my pinkies once and will do my best to not do it again.