FFR roadster kit upgrades

[Stangrob]

Hi gents,

Well, I pulled the trigger this week and have my order in for a roadster kit (289). Since I have a one-car garage and still have my last finished project in there I opted for an October delivery to give me time to sell the car and make some upgrades in the garage before the kit is delivered by Stewart.

I've read that many builders upgrade some of the parts that come with the kit, and I was hoping to get some input in that space - I figure this will be common info across the roadster and 289 FIA cars. That also goes with some of the options that I went with. If you guys have any suggestions on what I'm better off replacing, or perhaps where I'm better off getting some of the optional items I'd really appreciate it!

Here's how I currently have my kit spec'ed out:
- Hydraulic clutch
- Factory side pipes and J-tubes
- Narrowed three-link (going with pin drives...)
- Power steering
- FFR 289 GPS gauges
- Leather buckets
- 289 rollbar with Petty bar
- Ford front and rear brakes
- Wood steering wheel
- USRRC trunk
- Blank dash (really want to be able to use the speedo )
- Wind wings
- Sun visors
- Trunk gas strut kit
- Wiper kit
- Battery cut-off
- Heater/Defroster
- Seat track kit
- Assembled side louvers
- Front brake duct set

Thanks in advance for your input and advice!

Rob

[Shamilton289]

I’m also doing pin-drives and I plan on Dayton Wire Wheels. I’m using 87-93 front spindles, ordered the FFR control arm for pin drive, as well as the top bracket for pin drive. This should move the wheels in about 1” to account for the pin drive adapter from Dayton. Out back I’m using an 8.8 used rear that will be narrowed to 54” and 4 link.
I asked about vinyl vs leather and I think on a FB group got about 80% saying vinyl is fine. Only one guy complained about getting caught in the rain with leather seats. I’m going with stock Fox body front and rear brakes, partly for budget reasons and partly because if they were adequate on a 3,000 lb GT Mustang they will do fine on a 2,000 lb Cobra.
I’m also leaving off heat and defrost. Unlikely I will drive it in cold weather. And I plan on under-car rear exit exhaust.

Did you get a delivery date yet? I’m expecting to be told the end of July/first week August.

[Tango]

I fully planned on getting after market seats, but after receiving the FFR vinyl seats, for me they are more than just “good enough” they seam rather nice. I may recover or even replace them in the future, but that is no longer on my short term list. Just my perspective.

[Mike.Bray]

Hydraulic clutch is gold, I have a Tilton HTB with matching Tilton master cylinder and love it. Smooth as silk.

Don't expect a lot of help from FFR with the pin drive front suspension, at least that was my experience. I had to give them the part number. Feel free to reach out if you need to.

[Stangrob]

I’m also doing pin-drives and I plan on Dayton Wire Wheels. I’m using 87-93 front spindles, ordered the FFR control arm for pin drive, as well as the top bracket for pin drive. This should move the wheels in about 1” to account for the pin drive adapter from Dayton. Out back I’m using an 8.8 used rear that will be narrowed to 54” and 4 link.
I asked about vinyl vs leather and I think on a FB group got about 80% saying vinyl is fine. Only one guy complained about getting caught in the rain with leather seats. I’m going with stock Fox body front and rear brakes, partly for budget reasons and partly because if they were adequate on a 3,000 lb GT Mustang they will do fine on a 2,000 lb Cobra.
I’m also leaving off heat and defrost. Unlikely I will drive it in cold weather. And I plan on under-car rear exit exhaust.

Did you get a delivery date yet? I’m expecting to be told the end of July/first week August.

I was told my build date would be the beginning of August, but FFR is holding the kit for me until early October as I have garage prep to do ;)

Rob

[F500guy]

I upgraded the Ball joint boots, the original cracked and were leaking grease after first couple go carts.

[F500guy]

I also updated the master cylinders to Tilton before I closed up the foot box. Started with the wilwood to get to gocart, then changed them out.

[jts359]

Hi Rob I looked for you at the Circuit last Thursday, It was crowded with the Beach people , I ended up parking near Kim Maries and then moved to the Hotel Asbury area, I see you plan on using the Ford brakes which is fine But I would install a power brake booster. It was one of the best thing I did to my Car , Ed

[Stangrob]

Hi Rob I looked for you at the Circuit last Thursday, It was crowded with the Beach people , I ended up parking near Kim Maries and then moved to the Hotel Asbury area, I see you plan on using the Ford brakes which is fine But I would install a power brake booster. It was one of the best thing I did to my Car , Ed

Ed, I'll be there this Thursday - it's Wagon night :D

I'll have to check out the brake booster. Do you have a pic of how it's mounted? Not sure how space-wise it fits.

Thanks!

Rob

[Stangrob]

I also updated the master cylinders to Tilton before I closed up the foot box. Started with the wilwood to get to gocart, then changed them out.

This will sound like a funny question, but did changing to the Tilton MCs make a big difference? I will admit I've only used OEM MCs up to this point - figured Wilwood was pretty good so I'm just curious.

Thanks!

Rob

[Mike.Bray]

This will sound like a funny question, but did changing to the Tilton MCs make a big difference? I will admit I've only used OEM MCs up to this point - figured Wilwood was pretty good so I'm just curious.

Thanks!

Rob

For performance changing the master cylinders allows you to properly size them. Factory Five supply 'universal' 3/4" bore Wilwoods.

The Wilwoods have a high rate of failure, too high for this critical component. if the clutch fails you're walking, if one of the brake cylinders fails you're not stopping.

Here's a good thread with a lot of information to help with your decision. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?49560-Swapping-Tilton-MC-for-Wilwood-MC&highlight=tilton

[jts359]

Rob Send me your ph# to jts359@aol.com and I'll text you pics , The picture portion of this new puter is not correct yet , The PB was fairly easy to install with engine out , Ed