jmsrx
07-11-2021, 11:54 AM
I've been haunting the FFR forums for quite some time and have had my eye on a '65 Coupe. I am finally to the planning stages starting with constructing a shop for building or maybe a large storage "barn" to free up room in my garage for building. Since I have made it to this point in the planning I decided it would be a great idea to sit in a '65 coupe to make sure I could comfortably fit. Being in Oklahoma it was difficult to find an owner but one of the forum members was nice enough to answer my post and offer for my wife and I to meet him and see his car. He may be the only coupe owner in Oklahoma or, if not, one of very few. His was a second generation. Being 6' I did have to contort a little to get in and my wife wouldn't even try it in a public place, LOL. I understand that the third generation has more room for height/length and we do plan on visiting the factory this Fall to try out a model on the showroom floor but I was still discouraged by her unwillingness to even try to get in. This led me to some searching for other options. I came across the Superlite GT-R and was intrigued by the amount of room inside the vehicle. I started looking through some build threads and that brought me to creating this post. I don't want to get into the general merits of Superlite versus FFR. This is not that kind of thread or at least I hope it doesn't become that kind of thread. I do want to get into some of the individual factors when comparing kits, and since I have not spent nearly as much time reviewing GT-R build threads I was hoping to find someone with experience with both companies' kits. I know there are other options out there but I am definitely looking for something with a nostalgic look but with modern technology.
From what I have read on the forums and the Superlite configuration page I have come up with some possible pros and cons which may be real or only imagined:
FFR Pros:
Less expensive starting point. I have configured the kit I want and come up between 37K and 42K depending upon how I feel about certain options on certain days.
Seemingly straight forward build with comparatively little "necessary" fabrication needed to build a fully functioning car. ( I understand that fabrication can lead to some very nice looking builds but I'm just looking at what is necessary)
Great forum dedicated to FFR kits only
Built in lightness. Guessing 2400-2600 lbs with Coyote or 5.2 Aluminator.
Exclusivity. Only one other I've seen in Oklahoma.
FFR Cons:
Aluminum panels and body require fitting and securing
Paint job and body work worthy of a car I'm going to spend this much time on would be fairly expensive (broad range of 10K to 25K maybe?)
Tight fit, possibly even in the third generation. Size 12 wide shoes were kind of packed in. This could impact the amount of enjoyment I would get out of the vehicle.
GT-R Pros:
Comes as rolling chassis with everything that makes sense to be attached already attached when delivered. Aluminum panels and body (hinges and mounting points) already aligned/secured (body parts will come back off during the build but the attachment points are already set for good alignment.
Colored gel coat an inexpensive option (<$500) with a good choice of colors and most forum members stating that the gel coat can be wet sanded and polished to look close to a nice paint job. Possible coat of clear needed to fill small pits.
Very nicely machined suspension pieces.
Lots of interior room including space for your feet due to the rear mid-engine design.
GT-R Cons:
Very pricey kit. Configured a few times with results between 65K and 72K (keeping in mind this includes wheels, Graziano transaxle and attachment kit, and other items not included or optional in the FFR kit)
Where's the built in lightness? 3000lbs for a more race prepped version 3400lbs for a nicely finished version. I guess the price for all that extra room.
Ford GTs seen at many coffee and cars events around here. Not common but still out there.
This may be the deal breaker for me and why I need input from those who may have experience with both: Seemingly a lot of fabrication "necessary" to build a running vehicle. I won't have tons of room and have no "cheap" access to CNC or other fabrication options.
I'm sure there are many other pros/cons but these are the ones I am currently dwelling on. Any information is appreciated and will be helpful.
Thank you,
James
From what I have read on the forums and the Superlite configuration page I have come up with some possible pros and cons which may be real or only imagined:
FFR Pros:
Less expensive starting point. I have configured the kit I want and come up between 37K and 42K depending upon how I feel about certain options on certain days.
Seemingly straight forward build with comparatively little "necessary" fabrication needed to build a fully functioning car. ( I understand that fabrication can lead to some very nice looking builds but I'm just looking at what is necessary)
Great forum dedicated to FFR kits only
Built in lightness. Guessing 2400-2600 lbs with Coyote or 5.2 Aluminator.
Exclusivity. Only one other I've seen in Oklahoma.
FFR Cons:
Aluminum panels and body require fitting and securing
Paint job and body work worthy of a car I'm going to spend this much time on would be fairly expensive (broad range of 10K to 25K maybe?)
Tight fit, possibly even in the third generation. Size 12 wide shoes were kind of packed in. This could impact the amount of enjoyment I would get out of the vehicle.
GT-R Pros:
Comes as rolling chassis with everything that makes sense to be attached already attached when delivered. Aluminum panels and body (hinges and mounting points) already aligned/secured (body parts will come back off during the build but the attachment points are already set for good alignment.
Colored gel coat an inexpensive option (<$500) with a good choice of colors and most forum members stating that the gel coat can be wet sanded and polished to look close to a nice paint job. Possible coat of clear needed to fill small pits.
Very nicely machined suspension pieces.
Lots of interior room including space for your feet due to the rear mid-engine design.
GT-R Cons:
Very pricey kit. Configured a few times with results between 65K and 72K (keeping in mind this includes wheels, Graziano transaxle and attachment kit, and other items not included or optional in the FFR kit)
Where's the built in lightness? 3000lbs for a more race prepped version 3400lbs for a nicely finished version. I guess the price for all that extra room.
Ford GTs seen at many coffee and cars events around here. Not common but still out there.
This may be the deal breaker for me and why I need input from those who may have experience with both: Seemingly a lot of fabrication "necessary" to build a running vehicle. I won't have tons of room and have no "cheap" access to CNC or other fabrication options.
I'm sure there are many other pros/cons but these are the ones I am currently dwelling on. Any information is appreciated and will be helpful.
Thank you,
James