just ordered a gen 3 65 coupe

[ldsman]

i just ordered the gen 3 coupe. what options are worth buying now vs down the road. is it possible to start with 3 link then upgrade to irs?

[Gordon Levy]

You can not upgrade to an IRS later. FFR will not sell the parts to do. There are a host of things depending on how you want to use the car.

[edwardb]

A couple of forum members have done their own conversions. But as Gordon said, Factory Five doesn't supply the parts. The rear part of the chassis is very different between the two setups. So it's a major cut and re-weld. Plus basically none of the suspension parts are interchangeable. You'd have a solid axle with all its related components obsoleted and have to start over with all the IRS parts, e.g. center section, control arms, knuckles/hubs, CV axles, coilovers, brakes, etc. If your motivation is to save money now and pay for IRS later, it's a losing game overall. Besides not being practical or even reasonably possible. I've had both solid axle and IRS builds, and highly recommend the IRS. Rides better, arguably handles better, and in the long run adds to the resale value. Although no one ever likes to think about that before even starting a build. As a percent of the overall project cost, it's not that much and I'd recommend. There are ways to minimize the added cost. We love our IRS Coupe and wouldn't want it any other way. But as Gordon said, some dependance on how you want to use the car.

[GrooveM]

Congratulations on placing your order! I'm jealous. Can't wait to watch your build.

[MetalManiac]

If you want the IRS, buy it now. Don't skimp out and wish it was different every day.
I'd recommend not buying the sound insulation option ($499) because you can create a more complete insulation package yourself using Dynamat and Second Skin materials like EdwardB did on his build.

I'd say give yourself about a year until all the parts arrive. My deposit was Nov 1 2021 and my last parts arrived on Oct 1, 2022.

[Yellville]

I agree with the others...get the IRS and cut back somewhere else unless you already have a doner car and are going that route.