Which Mustang?

[ChrisMiami]

The description page for the coup mentions an 87-93 Mustang GT but the kit configuration pages refer to the 2015’s IRS.

Do I have to part out 2 ‘stangs or could I get all the parts from a 2015?

Also, would the parts I need be damaged by flood water, or should I stay away from flood wrecks?

Thanks!

[Mastertech5]

IRS rears are available separately. Stay away from water wrecks/totals. The Fox body straight tube axle is your other choice. The front spindles are SN95 Mustang as well as the front brakes that come with your kit. Rear brakes are as required for the rear end you're using. If using the Fox body rear end you need to swap to 5 lug axles and disc brakes. Conversion kits are available. FFR has IRS rear ends available but you need to order your frame for that option.

[edwardb]

I assume you understand that not all builds are donor builds. Your comment "part out 2 ‘stangs" sounds like you think that's the case. Maybe not. But just an observation. Certain front and rear suspension parts, solid axle, engine/trans, etc. can come from Fox body (87 - 93) Mustangs. There are some exceptions, but mainly the case. But if you go with a complete kit, most of those won't be needed and typically no donor is involved. If you go IRS, Factory Five designed that to use the center section and knuckles/hubs from 2015+ Mustangs. But none of the other 2015+ suspension parts are suitable. Brakes from the 2015+ Mustang can be used on the IRS rear suspension. But there are also other alternatives.

[ChrisMiami]

Thank you, Edward!

In the early days (when I first joined here) they were all donor builds, but I have been looking at a complete kit. Just toying with the configurator I was able to get my cost up to about $40k! 🤣

But I was also considering/comparing a donor build - and my comment about “parting out 2 mustangs” was because the IRS is late model but the other running gear is (as you confirmed) from the fox body. So that’s 2 donors to acquire.

I’m partial to the new stuff, but my pile of money may not be high enough to reach it. And those donors are not hard to come by.

[Lidodrip]

There are quite a few threads on this forum comparing complete kits to donor builds. The general consensus I take away from those discussion, particularly opinions from those that have done both or builders who I would consider experts, is that you don't save much if anything by doing a donor build these days. You may also find that you take a bigger hit on resale with a donor build. It took me two and half years to finish my build so I was able to effectively spread some of the costs over a period of time. Good luck in whatever direction you choose, either way it will be a blast.

James

[Lidodrip]

One more thing - if you want IRS, you will still need to order that option from FFR. They weld in a special frame section for that setup.

James

[edwardb]

Thank you, Edward!

In the early days (when I first joined here) they were all donor builds, but I have been looking at a complete kit. Just toying with the configurator I was able to get my cost up to about $40k! ��

But I was also considering/comparing a donor build - and my comment about “parting out 2 mustangs” was because the IRS is late model but the other running gear is (as you confirmed) from the fox body. So that’s 2 donors to acquire.

I’m partial to the new stuff, but my pile of money may not be high enough to reach it. And those donors are not hard to come by.

I get it. Some money (maybe...) to be saved with donor parts. If you're willing to spend the time locating, rehabbing, etc. Still happening but much less than in the past. But just to be clear, no reason to have a complete 2015+ Mustang donor for the IRS components. All that you need is the center section and knuckles/hubs. They are available new from Factory Five (standard Ford Performance catalog parts) or elsewhere. But also available in salvage. Either separately or as part of an IRS pallet. No other parts of the Mustang rear suspension are compatible. In addition to selecting the IRS option when ordering your kit as already mentioned. That provides the IRS version of the chassis, upper and lower control arms, toe arms, CV axles, coilovers, driveshaft adapater, and related hardware. Some also choose to use the 2015+ Mustang brakes. There are several varieties.

[Alec]

I’m partial to the new stuff, but my pile of money may not be high enough to reach it. And those donors are not hard to come by.


If $40k sounds like its really high to you, please consider that on an all-new build you can EASILY spend north of $80k once its painted. Some popular engine-trans combos are over 20k alone. Once you get going its tough not to say 'yes' to many of the upgrades or common options. We kept saying to ourselves, you only live once (YOLO). LED light kit? Yolo. IRS, EFI, 427, 17" wheels, powdercoat everything, 12k paint job....YOLO (lol).

[FLPBFoot]

If $40k sounds like its really high to you, please consider that on an all-new build you can EASILY spend north of $80k once its painted.

I'll echo what Alec said. On my first build I was right at $75k once painted. It has many upgraded parts and features that make it a higher level build. If you just stick with FFR parts you will have a great Cobra. The upgrades while some like and think needed others will not use. Things like Wilwood brakes, drop trunk, Firewall Forward, Boig Cool Tubes, Breeze Sideview Billet Mirrors, Koolmat heat and sound deadening material, etc, etc, etc. My after market upgraded parts totaled close to $13K.

With my second build, in progress, the price will likely be higher with even fewer after market stuff. Prices as higher now compared to 2019. Good luck and always build it how you want to.

[michael everson]

very few donor parts can be used on the coupe. You might be better buying the complete kit.
Mike

[ChrisMiami]

Thanks for all the input! The thought occurred to me that watching pennies on a project like this would be like ruining an awesome vacation complaining about the $12 margaritas.

There are already a few 2024 Mustang GTs in salvage and the power plants in those are really sweet. People have such an aversion to wrecked cars even though everything important still works!

[edwardb]

Thanks for all the input! The thought occurred to me that watching pennies on a project like this would be like ruining an awesome vacation complaining about the $12 margaritas.

There are already a few 2024 Mustang GTs in salvage and the power plants in those are really sweet. People have such an aversion to wrecked cars even though everything important still works!

You're right, lots of good parts in salvage. No arguments there. With money to be saved from new. And you're also right. The 2024 Mustang GT has an awesome engine. My guess is you're just throwing that out there to make a point. I'll bite but a few reality checks. (1) You would be first to install a Gen 4 Coyote (not necessarily a bad thing) but you'd be on your own to make it run with the OE electronics. Nearly every Coyote build on here use the Ford Performance crate motor control pack. Not available yet for the Gen 4 and likely not for another year or more if history is any indication. (2) Assuming the donor is a manual, the Getrag MT82 requires some work to fit (shifter relocation, modified driveshaft, both $$$) and still some question if they're the best ratios for these builds. (3) The IRS center section, knuckles/hubs, and possibly rear brakes could be used for an IRS build. But very few if any other parts from a salvaged 2024 Mustang are going to be usable. The remaining shell may have some value, but you're going to work for that. (4) There are a couple of 2024 Mustangs on Copart right now. But at $60K pre-accident value, with a running engine they're not going to go cheap. Far from a budget build. My guess is more than a brand new previous generation Coyote crate motor and related and new IRS parts.

If you're serious about a donor build with a Coyote and IRS (others have done it) a budget build would be an older year than the newly released 2024. Where the purchase cost is much less and uses one of the currently supported Coyote generations. Either a Gen 2 or Gen 3 the most preferable right now. And as Mike pointed out, very few other donor parts work for a Coupe build. From Fox body on up. I've only done one Coupe build compared to the multiple he's done, but agree this is the case.

We absolutely love our Coupe. Far and away our favorite Factory Five build to date. Link in my sig line below. Ours wasn't a donor build. But even with donor parts, they're not a cheap build. Good luck.

[ChrisMiami]

Hi Edward,
With 5 builds under your belt I certainly respect your feedback! I’m curious to see how much the late-model Mustangs sell for. I’m sure I’m far from the first to think of the (parts and) engine’s value despite the crushed body.
I’m so excited that I can even see the possibility of doing a coupe build, but honestly have no idea the path it will take.
Chris