Is there a service manual for kit cars

[mladen]

I'm jumping the gun here considering where I am with my build, but thought I'd ask. Has anyone created, or is there an official service manual available that folks can follow for regular maintenance? My thinking is that by the time I'm done I'll know what is what and how to access it, but there are many things I don't know about servicing a lot of the parts beyond yearly oil/filter changes. For example, here is a service manual for a Yamaha MT-10 bike (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1536165/Yamaha-Mtn1000-2016.html?page=133#manual). Of course, not expecting a 700 page doc with blow up diagrams, but even something as the table on pages 133-135 that shows which parts need which service and at what intervals.

I've tried Googling around the forums and only ran into a user manual (bulb types, fuses, etc) but even that lead to a dead link at this point.

[steno]

You’re looking at it! Whatever you need is right here for the asking!

[Papa]

Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but at the end of each driving season I do the following:

1. Oil change
2. Check and top up all fluids
3. Check marks on all torqued bolts (marks made when originally installed)
4. Check tire pressures and inspect tires
5. Check brake pad wear
6. Wipe down everything I can reach under the car (I have a lift, so not too hard to get to most of the car)
7. Grease all zerk fittings

Basic maintenance that would be done on any classic car.

[MB750]

When I placed my order I got a 400ish page assembly manual. To me, that implies you can service it, if you built it.

[narly1]

The owner's manual of a representative vehicle that the engine, transmission, rear end, etc. came out of for use in your kit would offer some guidance as to the service actions and intervals for those components.

You could also ask the OEMs of parts FFR outsources for use in their kits, ie Wilwood for their maintenance recommendations.

Earl

[edwardb]

Each of your major components (which vary from build to build) should have come with maintenance instructions. Engine, trans, diff, etc. which give fluids required, change intervals, etc. If you didn't receive when purchased, I'd be asking. For the rest, the build manual has a checklist in an appendix that's a pretty complete list. Similar to the routine maintenance of a production car. No reason it would be much different.

[mladen]

Putting it together is one thing. Servicing is different. For example,i put the IRS center section in and added fluid. Now does that fluid need to be changed, and at what interval? Same for all other parts.

I was hoping someone put something together already. I'll see if I can make something in spare time, and maybe others can add specific parts they might have in their build.

[Alan_C]

When I built my MK4, I put together some documentation for me and eventually the 2nd owner.
1. I passed on the donor and complete build manuals.
2. I created a complete list of the components that went into the car and where they came from, as in the 2004 Mach 1 donor used.
3. I created a list of maintenance parts. The list included, brake pads as installed, oil filter, oil type and quantity, PS fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid. trans fluid, fuel filter, spark plugs, coil on plug assemblies, etc. You get the ideal. What was not covered in my list one could get from the maintenance schedule for the 2004 Mustang.
4. I provided two DVDs with hundreds and hundreds of pictures taken during the donor tear down, kit delivery, build school, and the build process itself.
If, with all that information, one could not maintain the car, IMO they should not own a specially constructed vehicle. The 2nd owner was more than capable of taking care of the car, or I would not have sold it to him.

[i.e.427]

Some guy, way back when, started a thread giving Factory Five owners some tips on Periodic Maintenance.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6503-Periodic-Maintenance&highlight=periodic+maintenance

[Namrups]

Some guy, way back when, started a thread giving Factory Five owners some tips on Periodic Maintenance.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6503-Periodic-Maintenance&highlight=periodic+maintenance

Just read that thread! Printed out some and saved the rest. IMO it's a must read for any first time builder.

[Avalanche325]

Like most things, the real answer is "It depends". Are you cruising to car shows and back or are you doing track days? The maintenance requirements for the exact same components are completely different. Fuild changes can be based on mileage, time, or cycles. Depending on how you use your car.

You do need to be more in race car maintenance mode than with most cars. Annual nut and bolt, etc.

[J R Jones]

Many of the parts in a kit car have origins in OEM applications. There are OEM service recommendations but they pertain to a complete assembly driven in typical environments at typical speeds for typical periods. The average consumer duty cycle, getting groceries to touring cross country. Even those OEM recommendations have caveats for extreme conditions, and shorter maintenance intervals.
A kit car likely has components sourced from a variety of OEM vehicles, good luck tracking down all those options.
Consider too that your assembly has little resemblance to the OEM origins. Weight, power level, exhaust restriction and aerodynamics are just four static differences.
Consider also your duty cycle, Blasting the exhaust to make an audible statement, cornering to hear the tires, three digit speed runs and autocross are not in a a typical OEM duty cycle.
Enthusiasts have their personal criteria for service parts, fluids and intervals. You can follow the lead of other amateurs. I take the responsibility and go with logic and personal experience, based on high performance OEM vehicles. Example: Porsche recommends Mobile I. BMW and Jaguar recommend Castrol synthetic oil.

[Gizmosrcool]

Anything not a daily driver, and may be sitting for a bit, add fuel stabilizer to the tank. Todays gas has 10% or more ethanol in it. Ethanol has a weird chemical process and absorbs water, water smashes together with the ethanol and gets sucked into the fuel system. Water is corrosive and hard on the fuel system. Fuel stabilizer helps prevent and/or reduces the issue. I always add at the end of car or motorcycle season and when spring is here, first thing is run the tank dry, and get fresh fuel in. Good item to have on the yearly maintenance list.

[mladen]

These are all great points. When I have time, I may try and put something together and note the caveats mentioned. It should at least be a good starting point for folks. So if the regular cycle for diff fluid is 60k miles, you know you should probably change it at 30k if you're racing it :)

[racingandfishing]

These are all great points. When I have time, I may try and put something together and note the caveats mentioned. It should at least be a good starting point for folks. So if the regular cycle for diff fluid is 60k miles, you know you should probably change it at 30k if you're racing it :)

While it is arguable that even Racing and Tracking are different, both completely change the maintenance requirements. As an example, while the GT500 is heavier and has more horsepower, it shares the Coyote motor and IRS that many use in their FFR cars. Even with the additional coolers, venting, etc. that the GT500 has, for track use the recommendations far different than the regular maintenance.

Here are some excerpts from the supplement:

Prior to track or other events at high speed:

• Change the engine oil with fresh
Motorcraft/Ford SAE 5W-50 Full
Synthetic Motor Oil and replace the
engine oil filter prior to the event.
Change the engine oil and filter again
after every four hours of track time.

• Replace the brake fluid with fresh
Motorcraft/Ford DOT 4 LV High
Performance Brake Fluid

• Replace the rear axle fluid after
500 mi (800 km) of track use

That said, I believe it is wise to do as others have suggested and refer back to the OEM manuals where the parts are used in the highest performance applications for the best maintenance recommendations for both regular and track use. Again and as others have said, refer back to the manufacturer recommendations for aftermarket parts.

A checklist is a great idea and I really like the one posted above, but it should likely be customized for each builders actual parts and intended usage of their car.