MK4 Complete Kit Build

[Christopher]

FINALLY...........After 2 months of research and questions I ordered my complete MK4 Kit and got confirmation. My completion date is expected to be 4/30/22. I will try and wait patiently as I better get use to it because of how long I'm sure it will take me to build. My car will be a Sunday driver to car shows and places my wife and I want to cruise to yet staying somewhat close to home. I have 3 young girls so I know I will not be able to devote a lot of my time on the build as they seem to keep my wife and I very busy. But that's ok, I have more time then money. LOL. I want to thank thus far Fman and edwardb for allowing me to pick there brain and get advice so far. But I'm sure there will be many more questions for them and others along the way. I'm from a little town South of Sacramento, CA. As of right now I'm planning on a TKO 600 with Dart 427. Still somewhat in the back of my mind pondering a windsor 427. Having to wait a long time for parts/motor/etc. does not bother or worry me one bit. But not sure how the cruising rpm will be on the freeway. I have a 57 Chevy Bel Aire with a crate 350 and Tremec 5 speed and the cruise speed rpm and everything is very nice and I love the car and driving it and the cruise rpm is perfect. But I also know that's not comparing apples to apples with these 2 cars. This car will be louder, which is what I would like and wanting to build this car for different experience and reasons then my 57.

My Kit:

Complete Kit
Uncoated (plan on PC a certain color when I find one)
427 FI most likely from Elliot Franklin
Hydraulic External Clutch
Body Cut Outs
FFR Lowback Vintage Seats (Im 6'3")
Power Steering
FFR Vintage Gauges
FFR 18" Halibrand Wheels
Wind Wings from Finish Line
FFR Sun Visors
FFR Wiper Kit
FFR Front/Rear Swaybars
Brake Duct Mesh from Breeze
FFR Carbonfiber Dash
FFR Passenger Roll Bar
FFR Side Louvers
FFR Center Dash Support
FFR Trunk Gas Strut
FFR IRS Suspension
FFR Koni Double Adjustable Shocks
FFR Front/Rear Black Wilwood Brakes


Additional Stuff Planned:

Russ Thompson turn signal
Breeze Storage Cubby
Mike Forte throttle linkage
Mike Forte Hydraulic External Clutch


Any advice and/or comments on my motor/transmission will be greatly appreciated. Just trying to avoid having high rpm while cruising down the freeway. If different transmission or gear ratio would help. I rather spend the money and do it right the first time. Thank you in advance.

[CaptB]

With the exception of the wheels and a few other odds and ends, pretty much what I'm building (including the motor although mine is a BPE Stage II HO 427). Just got my kit a few weeks ago and send the frame to powdercoat. Should be back soon and I'll start the build. Congrats.

[JeffP]

I’m looking for the same highway experience in my build and found this helpful. Let’s you try different transmission/rear end combos and see the resulting rpm.
https://www.tremec.com/calculadora.php

[bil1024]

Congrats and welcome to the family!

[nucjd19]

Congrats Christopher! You got some solid advice from those two for sure. My build and plans are very similar to yours ( except 3 link rear and BPE 347 stroker).In hindsight I wish I would have gone with the IRS as an aside. I am 6'3" as well and installed the Kirkey vintage lowbacks with fabricated adjustable rails. Really like the seats and helps a ton with my height. The dash turned out to be a very nice addition to the build and I am so glad I went with the Carbon fiber dash. I also have young daughters ( 8 and 10 yo) and was able to get myself in gelcoat and waiting for paint in about 6 to 7 months. So it is doable with young ones. Just sort to have to plan around dad duties and allocate time along the periphery of the family. Can't wait to see it :)

[Christopher]

Congrats Christopher! You got some solid advice from those two for sure. My build and plans are very similar to yours ( except 3 link rear and BPE 347 stroker).In hindsight I wish I would have gone with the IRS as an aside. I ma 6'3" as well and installed the Kirkey vintage lowbacks with fabricated adjustable rails. Really like the seats and helps a ton with my height. The dash turned out to be a very nice addition to the build and I am so glad I went with the Carbon fiber dash. I also have young daughters ( 8 and 10 yo) and was able to get myself in gelcoat and waiting for paint in about 6 to 7 months. So it is doable with young ones. Just sort to have to plan around dad duties and allocate time along the periphery of the family. Can't wait to see it :)

Thank you and glad to hear it can be doable among the Dad duties. Cant wait to see your finished up

[Christopher]

With the exception of the wheels and a few other odds and ends, pretty much what I'm building (including the motor although mine is a BPE Stage II HO 427). Just got my kit a few weeks ago and send the frame to powdercoat. Should be back soon and I'll start the build. Congrats.

Nice and congrats. Cant wait to follow your progress

[Christopher]

I saw a Cobra with 18" wheels at a car show a while back and loved the look. Thats why I am planning on going with the 18". Curious though, I am assuming they don't stick out of the fenders more then 17" correct? Never paid attention and hoping they don't stick out more, and that the extra width goes unnoticed towards the inside of fenders instead.

[rich grsc]

18" is the diameter, not the width

[Christopher]

FINALLY...........After 2 months of research and questions I ordered my complete MK4 Kit and got confirmation. My completion date is expected to be 4/30/22. I will try and wait patiently as I better get use to it because of how long I'm sure it will take me to build. My car will be a Sunday driver to car shows and places my wife and I want to cruise to yet staying somewhat close to home. I have 3 young girls so I know I will not be able to devote a lot of my time on the build as they seem to keep my wife and I very busy. But that's ok, I have more time then money. LOL. I want to thank thus far Fman and edwardb for allowing me to pick there brain and get advice so far. But I'm sure there will be many more questions for them and others along the way. I'm from a little town South of Sacramento, CA. As of right now I'm planning on a TKO 600 with Dart 427. Still somewhat in the back of my mind pondering a windsor 427. Having to wait a long time for parts/motor/etc. does not bother or worry me one bit. But not sure how the cruising rpm will be on the freeway. I have a 57 Chevy Bel Aire with a crate 350 and Tremec 5 speed and the cruise speed rpm and everything is very nice and I love the car and driving it and the cruise rpm is perfect. But I also know that's not comparing apples to apples with these 2 cars. This car will be louder, which is what I would like and wanting to build this car for different experience and reasons then my 57.

My Kit:

Complete Kit
Uncoated (plan on PC a certain color when I find one)
427 FI most likely from Elliot Franklin
Hydraulic External Clutch
Body Cut Outs
FFR Lowback Vintage Seats (Im 6'3")
Power Steering
FFR Vintage Gauges
FFR 18" Halibrand Wheels
Wind Wings from Finish Line
FFR Sun Visors
FFR Wiper Kit
FFR Front/Rear Swaybars
Brake Duct Mesh from Breeze
FFR Carbonfiber Dash
FFR Passenger Roll Bar
FFR Side Louvers
FFR Center Dash Support
FFR Trunk Gas Strut
FFR IRS Suspension
FFR Koni Double Adjustable Shocks
FFR Front/Rear Black Wilwood Brakes


Additional Stuff Planned:

Russ Thompson turn signal
Breeze Storage Cubby
Mike Forte throttle linkage
Mike Forte Hydraulic External Clutch


Any advice and/or comments on my motor/transmission will be greatly appreciated. Just trying to avoid having high rpm while cruising down the freeway. If different transmission or gear ratio would help. I rather spend the money and do it right the first time. Thank you in advance.


I just read something……with a CF dash does the Center Dash Support not work and/or be needed?

[nucjd19]

I just read something……with a CF dash does the Center Dash Support not work and/or be needed?

I did not use the center dash support with my build and carbon fiber dash but I don't think it would be an issue if you were to install it. Maybe at the most a little fab work.

[Christopher]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154922&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154924&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154923&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154925&d=1635437004

My Body Buck Complete

[Railroad]

Nice job on the body buck. I would consider a stiff leg from wheel to wheel on each side.
If you are not planning on a lot of moving around, probably not needed.

[Christopher]

Nice job on the body buck. I would consider a stiff leg from wheel to wheel on each side.
If you are not planning on a lot of moving around, probably not needed.

I like your suggestion. Easier to do it now and I rather have it stronger just in case. Thank you

[MIG]

You chose a pretty similar Build path to mine.

Here is my config:

FFR Mk.IV, Number 9308 Bought in March 2018, Complete kit.

Pond 482 Aluminum Block
SCAT Forged 4.250 Crank
10.7:1 Compression Forged Piston
Forged H Rods 6.700 (Chevy Spec)
Robert Pond MR Polished Heads
Blue Thunder Intake Manifold with Oil Filler & Puke Tank Holes.
TD Roller Rockers
Comp Cam Roller Cam
Comp Can Roller Lifters
Custom Racing Pushrods
MSD Ignition and Distributor (External Controller hidden behind Dash)
Holley 780cfm Vaccum Secondaries
Fuel Rail w/Mechanical Gauge
Turkey Pan
Girling OEM Reservoirs
Fluidyne Cobra OEM Radiator
OEM Coolant Pipes and expansion tank
Oil Puke Tank
Canton Oil Pan
Oil Cooler with Braided Lines & AN Fittings
OEM Style Oil Filter Adapter
Quicktime Steel Bellhousing
12" RAM GM Clutch & RAM Pressure Plate
TKO 600 5 Speed with extra low Cruise gear
Pin Drive Suspension
FIA Pin Drive 15" wheels
AVON RR Tires (295 + 265)
Old-Style (Had to for Pin Drive) IRS Suspension
Aluminium 8.8" 2.27 Diff. with Disc Brakes
Leather Seats
FFR Vintage Gauges
OEM Style Shifter
OEM Style Pedals
Herb’s Door Panels
Curtain Ferrells
Tonneau Pins
Breeze Hood and Trunk Hinges (Perfect look!)
Breeze seat mounts PLUS Adjusting rail for driver side
Trans tunnel support rods
Hidden Battery box (Over IRS)
Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder
Mechanical Throttle Linkage
Square LED Tail Lights with Relay Box
500Lbs Front Coils, 700lbs Rear Coils
Koni Dual Adjustable Coil-Overs
Bentley Wool Carpeting


Let me know if you get stuck! Good building!

154931

[Christopher]

You chose a pretty similar Build path to mine.

Here is my config:

FFR Mk.IV, Number 9308 Bought in March 2018, Complete kit.

Pond 482 Aluminum Block
SCAT Forged 4.250 Crank
10.7:1 Compression Forged Piston
Forged H Rods 6.700 (Chevy Spec)
Robert Pond MR Polished Heads
Blue Thunder Intake Manifold with Oil Filler & Puke Tank Holes.
TD Roller Rockers
Comp Cam Roller Cam
Comp Can Roller Lifters
Custom Racing Pushrods
MSD Ignition and Distributor (External Controller hidden behind Dash)
Holley 780cfm Vaccum Secondaries
Fuel Rail w/Mechanical Gauge
Turkey Pan
Girling OEM Reservoirs
Fluidyne Cobra OEM Radiator
OEM Coolant Pipes and expansion tank
Oil Puke Tank
Canton Oil Pan
Oil Cooler with Braided Lines & AN Fittings
OEM Style Oil Filter Adapter
Quicktime Steel Bellhousing
12" RAM GM Clutch & RAM Pressure Plate
TKO 600 5 Speed with extra low Cruise gear
Pin Drive Suspension
FIA Pin Drive 15" wheels
AVON RR Tires (295 + 265)
Old-Style (Had to for Pin Drive) IRS Suspension
Aluminium 8.8" 2.27 Diff. with Disc Brakes
Leather Seats
FFR Vintage Gauges
OEM Style Shifter
OEM Style Pedals
Herb’s Door Panels
Curtain Ferrells
Tonneau Pins
Breeze Hood and Trunk Hinges (Perfect look!)
Breeze seat mounts PLUS Adjusting rail for driver side
Trans tunnel support rods
Hidden Battery box (Over IRS)
Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder
Mechanical Throttle Linkage
Square LED Tail Lights with Relay Box
500Lbs Front Coils, 700lbs Rear Coils
Koni Dual Adjustable Coil-Overs
Bentley Wool Carpeting


Let me know if you get stuck! Good building!

154931

Oh I will be asking for help. I am SURE of it. LOL. But I wont be bugging until April or so since that's when its scheduled to be complete. Thank you

[RBachman]

One thing you may want to consider is adding a shelf under the body to hold various components...saves space and provides more stability for the legs.




https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154922&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154924&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154923&d=1635437004
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154925&d=1635437004

My Body Buck Complete

[Christopher]

One thing you may want to consider is adding a shelf under the body to hold various components...saves space and provides more stability for the legs.

I like that idea. 2 birds with 1 stone. Thank you

[nucjd19]

Christopher your shop is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fman]

Christopher your shop is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, that shop has some great real estate.... I am seeing a vehicle lift coming in Christopher's future :cool:

[nucjd19]

HA!!! Me too!

[Christopher]

Christopher your shop is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you

[Christopher]

Seriously, that shop has some great real estate.... I am seeing a vehicle lift coming in Christopher's future :cool:

Hard to see Travis but its already in there. LOL. Currently I have my 57 Chevy Bel Air on it and keep it up in the air away from "Trouble" just in case. LOL

[speedfreak1211]

So where is the Bel Air going while you need to use the lift then store it in the trailer?

[Christopher]

So where is the Bel Air going while you need to use the lift then store it in the trailer?

Yes. I was thinking of storing it in the trailer. Even though I build a frame buck also for the build. LOL.

[Christopher]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155188&d=1635863611
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155189&d=1635863611
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155184&d=1635863488
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155185&d=1635863488
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155186&d=1635863488
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155183&d=1635863488
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=155187&d=1635863488

My updated and revised Body Buck after some great advise from some of you along with a Frame Buck. May not use the Frame Buck too much if at all because I have a lift, but I was having fun with the Body Buck so I built one for the Frame too. LOL. Just need to add some carpet to the Frame Buck.

I noticed some people use pool noodles on the Body Buck to help protect the body. Is that the best way? Was wondering about cutting a rubber hose and slicing it lengthways to help protect but not sure peoples thoughts. Also, I have 150 Clecos in possession. Is that enough? My Kit is not expected to be complete until 4/22 but trying to get organized and get stuff all lined up. Along with reading threads and the manual.

[OSU Cowboy]

A split rubber hose would work. Pool noodles also. I used some pipe insulation on mine - sort of an expanded foam. Inexpensive and easy to find.

[egchewy79]

I used a 1.5" water heater pipe insulation across the top of my buck. 50 clecos should be enough. 150 is plenty.

[rich grsc]

Not sure why you'd need to put anything on the buck, the fiberglass isn't going to damage the plywood.

[Christopher]

Not sure why you'd need to put anything on the buck, the fiberglass isn't going to damage the plywood.

I am assuming people do it to protect the underside of the fiberglass body just to help protect it just cause. But I could be wrong.

[Christopher]

I have been reading many build threads and also was looking up different dash looks, but I think I'm still a little confused on a subject. Competition versus street dash layout?????? I have a couple hunches on the difference but wanting to confirm what the 2 different styles/looks are please. Thank you in advance