*UPDATED* - Finally Inspected!!!

[mgk172]

ORDERED!!!!!!!! I posted previously posted my garage preparations and plans for Build School. Went to the September 17th Build School and it was absolutely awesome. The instructors and fellow classmates were great. I learned a lot and highly recommend.

The car will be a project with my son and daughter. Once complete, it will be a fun driver to the office on nice days, a weekend cruise car, and fun date night car with the wife.

Kit Completion: 4/23/22 (ugh, such a wait!)

Complete Kit
Powdercoated frame
302 engine mount, headers, & J-pipes
Clutch cable
Body cutouts
Vinyl seats
Power steering
Smiths Style GPS gauges
17” Halibrand wheels
Chrome roll bars (drive & passenger)
2015 IRS
Wind wings
Sun visors

Non-FFR/additions:
3.55 IRS differential
Insulation
Engine comparment battery relocate
Forte mechanical throttle link
Drop trunk
Heater/defrost
Firewall forward
Fan shroud


I went back and forth on a solid rear vs. IRS. Thanks EdwardB for the multiple forum posts on IRS true-cost with a salvaged rear. Sourced a full rear from a 2018 Mustang with 18k miles; full rear is sitting in the garage.

Open Items (please comment):

-Engine selection: Debating between Mike Forte 302 build, stock Blue Print 302, Blue Print 306. Any selection will be carbureted. I am looking for some experiences with engine selection. Original intention was to go with a stock 302. I’ve seen some YouTube videos and the MK4 looks like it would be a fun car with one but more power? Does anyone have a stock 302 in their car?

-Aluminum panel finishing - Sharkhide, Rustoleum clear coat, powdercoat…

-Body color. Looking for a rich, deep blue color.

-Anything I’m missing or not considering in the build plan?

[ggunter]

Hi Mike, did you get a delivery date?

[ggunter]

Oh I see, 4/22

[mgk172]

Not yet Gary. It will complete at the factory on 4/23. I am reserved with Stewart for delivery.

[Fman]

Congrats on your order, the only item I would consider changing is going with a hydraulic clutch. It will be easier to drive and less risk of a broken cable...I went with Mike Forte's with external slave, nice set up and once dialed in works good.

[bil1024]

Congrats on your order, the only item I would consider changing is going with a hydraulic clutch. It will be easier to drive and less risk of a broken cable...I went with Mike Forte's with external slave, nice set up and once dialed in works good.

Definitely

[egchewy79]

I have a stock 289 HiPo SBF in mine. I'm only using it for cruising, so plenty of zip for me. I figure it'll keep me out of trouble if I ever decide to get a heavy right foot. I'm still learning the limits of the car with only 600 miles driving in gelcoat.
If using J pipes, consider making some turnbuckle supports to prevent your pipes from cracking.
https://www.ffcars.com/threads/first-roadster-build.636356/page-27#post-6105482
I as well am planning on a dark blue. Depending on how dark you want to go, here are some good options I've come across:
Lexus indigo ink pearl, Ford Kona, Mazda Deep crystal blue mica, Ford antimatter blue, Audi Navarra blue, Audi Mugello blue, Ford nightmist, Porsche Gentian blue, Porsche dark metallic blue.

All of these are pretty dark and look similar on the web. Antimatter is almost black in flat indoor light but pops blue in the sun. I'm having a local guy spray out some samples for me so I can see them side by side.
Welcome to the madness and good luck.

[nucjd19]

Hey mgk. Congrats man! Good folks here that will help with questions, concerns and encouragement throughout your build.

As for engines I was going to go with a BPE 306 but after speaking with Johnny it did not cost that much more extra to move up to the 347 stroker TKO/ TKX they sell. My experience with BPE was top notch and I had my 347/TKO sitting in my garage long before my kit was delivered. I am a carb guy so obviously went that route. They have the carb pretty close in tune straight from the factory. It fired right up and came to idle and so far I have had zero problems. Been very happy. the 347 combo comes with a Tilton internal hydraulic TO bearing. So far been very happy with the feel of the clutch.

As far as the Aluminum. I brushed mine and then applied shark hide. It has held up great but I have less than 100 miles on the rig so far ( driving in gelcoat waiting on paint).

Enjoy the process and walk away when you are tired and don't push it. This is not a race and it is easy to get caught up in other folks builds and think you need to keep pace ( at least it was for me LOL! ).

[rthomas98]

I went with the 302 carb from blueprint as well. The impressions I can give are based on the go karting that I have done so far. But I really recommend blueprint they really stand behind their products. Used their warranty already bad starter and also they sent me some coil wire brackets (which are not included in with the engine) free of charge. I went with the F5 header and they sit higher so the wires were sitting on them. If you are are going j-pipe you should not have the same issue.

[Fman]

If you are going to go with Mike Forte's throttle linkage the Russ Thompson adjustable throttle pedal works very well with it.
http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/russ_garage/mk3/mk3ftp.html

Russ also sells a turn signal system that is a nice upgrade as well.
http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/russ_garage/mk3/mk3tss.html

Heated seats are also a nice comfort item and easy to install with a relatively low cost (you can get these from Mike Forte as well)

Ok, I will stop now... causing you to spend more money :D

[GoDadGo]

Enjoy the process and walk away when you are tired and don't push it.

This is not a race and it is easy to get caught up in other folks builds and think you need to keep pace ( at least it was for me LOL! ).

.This is the best advice anyone could have given you.

Congratulations, Good Luck & Welcome Aboard!

[rich grsc]

Any color but blue:rolleyes:. Seems like 60-70% are already blue. Walk around at a car show and it's like 'which blue one is mine?'.

[RBachman]

On a builder, I went back and forth between Forte's and BPE. My final deciding factor was customer service, and Forte provides some of the best. He also sales BPE engines. There is a LOT of "unseen" added value with Forte'. For example, if you call Mike Forte on a 4th of July while he's at a family party, he'll answer the phone and spend all the time it takes to help you out. (I know this from personal experience.) Additionally, he is quick to tell you what you don't need, even if it means not making a sale on some parts. So much in fact that I ordered a second drivetrain from him for my wife's 42' pickup.

[Al_C]

I recommend powder coating your aluminum. You only have to worry about those panels that can actually be seen. Some folks like black, but the advice I got was to go with a silver powder coating so you can see if there are any fluid leaks in the engine bay. Good luck with your build!

[CaptB]

I recommend powder coating your aluminum. You only have to worry about those panels that can actually be seen. Some folks like black, but the advice I got was to go with a silver powder coating so you can see if there are any fluid leaks in the engine bay. Good luck with your build!

Can't disagree here. You may want to only powder coat the panels that can been seen.

Not sure if there's a list of those panels.

FYI, I sent all my panels out and got the color that's in the pic. There are a lot of powder coat colors outside of black or silver. This powder coat also gives you a alligator skin feel to it (not a big one but you can feel it). It is called antique vein sliver metallic.

154583

The cost to coat all vs. a select set isn't significantly different here in Memphis. It may be in your area.

Capt. B

[Blue Viking]

If you are going to go with Mike Forte's throttle linkage the Russ Thompson adjustable throttle pedal works very well with it.
http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/russ_garage/mk3/mk3ftp.html

Russ also sells a turn signal system that is a nice upgrade as well.
http://www.norcal-cobras.com/store/russ_garage/mk3/mk3tss.html

Heated seats are also a nice comfort item and easy to install with a relatively low cost (you can get these from Mike Forte as well)

Ok, I will stop now... causing you to spend more money :D

What's the advantage of the RT throttle pedal over the FFR one?

[Fman]

What's the advantage of the RT throttle pedal over the FFR one?

RT is fully adjustable sliding on the square channel, has the correct fitting to attach directly to the Forte throttle linkage and IMO just matches up much better to the Wilwood pedals. You can also adjust the RT pedal side to side by slightly bending the throw arm if needed.

[nucjd19]

Agree with Fman. The Forte throttle linkage is a must. It helps so much with throttle modulation. I am really glad I installed it.

[RBachman]

Agree completely. I like mine much better than the supplied part.

RT is fully adjustable sliding on the square channel, has the correct fitting to attach directly to the Forte throttle linkage and IMO just matches up much better to the Wilwood pedals. You can also adjust the RT pedal side to side by slightly bending the throw arm if needed.

[ggunter]

Hey Mike, If you want to save some shipping bucks I will take you up with my trailer and pick it up. Cost you lunch.

[JohnK]

I recommend powder coating your aluminum. You only have to worry about those panels that can actually be seen. Some folks like black, but the advice I got was to go with a silver powder coating so you can see if there are any fluid leaks in the engine bay. Good luck with your build!

If you're OCD like me, pretty much every panel can been seen from one side or the other when the car is up on a lift so they all got PC'ed. :p

[John Ibele]

Hey - welcome! Looks like you have a good plan, and it's great that you're getting the son and daughter involved.

Engine - I went a different path (local builder), but would echo what nucjd19 said about the 302 vs. 347 ... that's as close to 'free' horsepower as you're going to get. Having said that, you'll probably already have more than you need. The TKX looks like a fine transmission, and if I were starting today, I'd certainly have that be in my build plan.

Aluminum - See Johnk. I didn't powdercoat my panels, but I wish I had. In the end, every exposed panel both in the engine compartment and underneath the car will be coated with something, and it would have been easier and more durable to start with powder coat. Not that I'm not happy with the hammertone I eventually achieved after several tries in the engine bay, or the bedliner on the bottom, applied after the panels were on.

Body color - what rich grsc said about blue is true. Mine will end up some shade of blue. And I'll swear I can pick it out from all the rest. Plus, what % of the car's life is going to be spent parked next to a bunch of other roadsters at a car show? :cool:

What else are you missing? Everything you're going to think is cool and add on to your list while you're building the car. You've got a good start, but you're just starting!!

[nucjd19]

Also I forgot to add.... Most importantly, "comparison is the thief of joy"..... This statement is super important in this arena. There are builders here that are straight prolific. They have builds that can roll out on any car show and one up the most amazing cars in the world. Do your best, take inspiration from them and enjoy/ love your build knowing that there will be little things that bug you but no one will ever notice :)

[mgk172]

Thanks for all the feedback and great advice - both on the build plan and the patience needed! I've read many posts by you guys and am glad to have the camaraderie here and help on the project. Hopefully I will be able to pass along help to others in the future.

Fman - my wife gave a few requirements for me to build: 1) she must be able to park her car in the garage too and 2) it must have heat & heated seats!

[mgk172]

Gary - appreciate the offer, but you might be busy in April with the new 408 stroker!

[Fman]

Thanks for all the feedback and great advice - both on the build plan and the patience needed! I've read many posts by you guys and am glad to have the camaraderie here and help on the project. Hopefully I will be able to pass along help to others in the future.

Fman - my wife gave a few requirements for me to build: 1) she must be able to park her car in the garage too and 2) it must have heat & heated seats!

Heated seats are easy to install and they work very good - I personally did not put a heater in my car but I can definitely see why some people would do it especially if you live in a colder climate than CA. I bought my wife a 12volt electric blanket that she wraps around her on a cold morning and it seems to work pretty good. We drove in 50 degree weather the other morning with sweatshirts/jacket/hats and my face was the only thing was "cold".

[mgk172]

Resurrecting the thread - completion date is getting close!!!! Update and asking for some opinions:

UPDATE: Ordered a carbureted 347 w/TKX from BPE, hopefully will delivered late summer. Leaning toward powder coating the aluminum panels.

QUESTION ON WHEEL SIZE - Order was placed with 17x9 wheels all the way around. What are the advantages/disadvantages of going to the 17x10.5 on the rear? Other than the obvious additional cost... tire selection options, etc.

[JohnK]

The obvious benefit is being able to run a wider tire in the rear. Given how traction-limited these cars are because of their high HP/weight ratio, having all the rubber you can in the rear would be a big help.

[edwardb]

Resurrecting the thread - completion date is getting close!!!! Update and asking for some opinions:

UPDATE: Ordered a carbureted 347 w/TKX from BPE, hopefully will delivered late summer. Leaning toward powder coating the aluminum panels.

QUESTION ON WHEEL SIZE - Order was placed with 17x9 wheels all the way around. What are the advantages/disadvantages of going to the 17x10.5 on the rear? Other than the obvious additional cost... tire selection options, etc.


The obvious benefit is being able to run a wider tire in the rear. Given how traction-limited these cars are because of their high HP/weight ratio, having all the rubber you can in the rear would be a big help.

Agree about the traction. The narrower wheel/tire with the standard FF wheel and offset is also going to look "sucked in" in the wheel well. Yes you could add a spacer. But why not just use the wider wheel and tire? Stagger looks and works great in these cars.

[CraigS]

Add Ford Deep Impact Blue from a 2015 Mustang to your list. As best I can tell they changed 2-3 years later to a similar but slightly lighter blue. My wife's 15 Mustang GT is Deep Impact and it is beautiful. The Lexus indigo is very dark, almost black in some lighting conditions. Yes, please change to 10.5 rear wheels. In fact it might not be a bad idea to go to 18s. It seems there are more tires available in 18.

[nucjd19]

Agree with the above the wider the better. I can attest with the engine combo you have you will want as much of a contact patch as possible. In hindsight I probably should have gone with 18" rather than the 17" wheels.

[ggunter]

When I went to FFR to look at the cars and their facility I had originally ordered the 17" wheels but I loved the way the 18's had more offset and just looked better to me. I called FFR back and changed to 18's. I'm glad I did.

[Avalanche325]

Go wide on the rear wheels. Consider it a safety upgrade. You will still be looking for traction. I would consider 18" wheels these days. 17" high performance tires are getting hard to source.

Heater and heated seats. I live on Florida and they are nice, especially on a cold morning.

I would go 347. You don't have to push the pedal all the way down. But once it hits the floor, you can't push any further.

[nucjd19]

Any color but blue:rolleyes:. Seems like 60-70% are already blue. Walk around at a car show and it's like 'which blue one is mine?'.

I am having mine painted Viking blue with no stripe. About to add another one to the pile LOL! Hope you are doing well Rich :)

[CraigS]

Yes absolutely do heat and heated seats. I see you are in Pa so plenty of cold weather. There will be winter days that come along after weeks of crap and suddenly it is 40deg and sunny. Believe me it will be worth it to put on a sweater and two coats, one having a hood, and go for a 30 min drive. If you have a favorite lunch place 20-30 min away that is absolutely doable w/ heat. You may end up putting a top on and, since you already have heat, temp no longer holds you back as long as roads are dry.

[john42]

Yes absolutely do heat and heated seats. I see you are in Pa so plenty of cold weather. There will be winter days that come along after weeks of crap and suddenly it is 40deg and sunny. Believe me it will be worth it to put on a sweater and two coats, one having a hood, and go for a 30 min drive. If you have a favorite lunch place 20-30 min away that is absolutely doable w/ heat. You may end up putting a top on and, since you already have heat, temp no longer holds you back as long as roads are dry.

100% this. I'm in New Hampshire and have heat. No heated seats tho... 40F and sunny and it is very comfortable to drive. A normal jacket and leather gloves and a baseball cap is all I need.

[mgk172]

ALMOST THERE!!!!!!

Passed PA’s Enhanced Safety Inspection on Monday & had the tags placed send all the paperwork on Wednesday 7/2. Fingers crossed I’ll be street legal by the end of the month!!!!!

Thanks to GGunter for helping me trailer her back and forth to the garage. Made it home just before the skies opened with a summer thunderstorm.

Graduation post with full details and photos to follow once plate is received.

[ggunter]

So, I know you had to drive it now that it is aligned. How did it feel and did you get it up to 50 or so?

[mgk172]

Haha! Not yet! Put it in the garage and it rained until we left for the beach.

… this weekend is a different story…