Build planning - option selections

[rickshank]

Current build plan:
MKV Cobra. Powder coated frame, 302/347 (need to talk to Forte) , TKX, IRS, base brakes, aftermarket swaybars, 17x9/17x10.5 Halibrand wheels, tires TBD. Probably some other Forte parts while I'm at it. Gas-N pipe headers/side pipes.

However, I am a bit stuck for this next one. I'm in PA, so PA requires wipers + defrost for kit car inspection (at least the initial enhanced inspection).

A/C+heat. I need a defroster for PA kit car registration. A/C is not high on my list unless it's the best way for heat + important for potential resale.

60385 - A/C-Heater-Defroster Kit (not compatible with Vinyl/Carbon Dash & Glovebox in stock location) / $1475

A few items:
- Is there a MKV heater only?
- Glove box seems like it would be nice, since there doesn't appear too be a rear cubby option yet.
- FFMetals / firewall forward mod isn't available yet online for the MKV.

Maybe punt on the FF AC/heater option, and "figure out a plan" for defrost only after I make the order from FF?

[CraigS]

There are many aftermarket heaters available. Quite a few will have outlets on the main box for defroster hoses. I would not skip heat in Pa. Having heat will extend your driving season on both ends. Especially in late winter there are always days where it may only be 40F but it's bright sun and a 20-30min drive w/ 2 coats and a hood will do you wonders.

[mgk172]

Welcome! I just had my MK4 go through the PA enhanced safety inspection on July 1st… now it’s the PennDOT waiting Game for the registration.

Good idea reading through the PA code now. They are not crazy, but much easier to address in the build planning. I spoke with several enhanced safety inspection shops and the common themes that all aligned with the vehicle code: wipers, defroster (enough to pass the red face test saying you have one), side pipe shields. In the end, a clean build with good workmanship will go a long way in the inspection process.

I can’t comment on the MKV options, but A/C is not a necessity in PA. A heater is borderline…but heated seats are a home-run move!

Where in PA are you?


A caution on the forums: the members here can & will spend your money 10x quicker than a wife. But in all seriousness, the guys here are awesome and will save your sanity during the build.

[rich grsc]

You're building a car, buy a "will fit" heater. Take it apart and make your own fan/heater coil box that fits behind the dash. Not hard, just a little time consuming

[Jeff Kleiner]

#17063 for heater/defroster. About 400 bucks.

Jeff

[Mike.Bray]

Nice build, I would go with the 347 over the 302. A lot more pep without getting crazy and the 347 will add more value than a 302.

As Rich said a heater is a box with a fan and a coil, very simple. You just want some way to block off the airflow through it in the summer as it draws air from the engine bay. Heated seats are a must and again very simple.

Why the sway bars? Are you planning on tracking your car?

[rickshank]

Jeff - thanks a ton for the part # - didn't even think to look at the parts side of the house from FF.

MGK - near Pittsburgh. PittRace is my home track.

Sway bars - probably some non-competitive autocrossing. I have a track car (time trials nationals coming up at PittRace) and I don't have a desire to track an open car without a cage. By non-competitive, I mean no chance of winning beyond being the only car in whatever class it falls into (used to be A-Prepared back in the day). The track car is a decent competitive autocross car as well.

[MikeHolt]

I’ve gotta ask….when did heated seats become a must in these cars?

1) If it’s cold enough that I need to heat my butt, I’m not driving it.
2) I get enough heat out of the foot well from the headers
3) I’ve got warm clothes on if it’s cool out

I can see the heater/defrost for inspection (obviously) and to some degree, the AC. But, I really have a hard time grasping heated seats. These aren’t bougie Porsches/Corvettes. There’s still quite a degree of brute force and ignorance.

I also find it a bit humorous that the comment was made that members will spend your money for you quickly, then adds in the “home run move” on heated seats.

Sorry, rant over. Just my two cents. IMHO, if it’s cold enough for heated seats, your face and hands will tell you much faster than your butt!:D

[rich grsc]

I’ve gotta ask….when did heated seats become a must in these cars?

1) If it’s cold enough that I need to heat my butt, I’m not driving it.
2) I get enough heat out of the foot well from the headers
3) I’ve got warm clothes on if it’s cool out

I can see the heater/defrost for inspection (obviously) and to some degree, the AC. But, I really have a hard time grasping heated seats. These aren’t bougie Porsches/Corvettes. There’s still quite a degree of brute force and ignorance.

I also find it a bit humorous that the comment was made that members will spend your money for you quickly, then adds in the “home run move” on heated seats.

Sorry, rant over. Just my two cents. IMHO, if it’s cold enough for heated seats, your face and hands will tell you much faster than your butt!:D

I guess you just don't enjoy driving that much then? :rolleyes: Heated seats or a heater or both make for an extra span on the driving season. I've been out plenty of times when in the 30's & 40's, makes for a huge difference in the fun

[MikeHolt]

I guess you just don't enjoy driving that much then? :rolleyes: Heated seats or a heater or both make for an extra span on the driving season. I've been out plenty of times when in the 30's & 40's, makes for a huge difference in the fun

Oh I enjoy driving it, plenty. And please don’t get me wrong…if you want heated seats…knock yourself out. I’m just wondering when this became such a thing.
And I will tell you, I’ve been out in temps just above freezing and my butt was the last thing I was concerned with. Hands, feet, tire traction…yep! Butt, nope.

[JayOH]

#17063 for heater/defroster. About 400 bucks.

Jeff

I still have a NIB heater/defroster kit for sale in the classified section, see here:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51168-F-S-FFR-Roadster-Heater-Defroster-amp-I-E-427-Turn-Signal-Hub

[Mike.Bray]

I’ve gotta ask….when did heated seats become a must in these cars?

1) If it’s cold enough that I need to heat my butt, I’m not driving it.
2) I get enough heat out of the foot well from the headers
3) I’ve got warm clothes on if it’s cool out

I can see the heater/defrost for inspection (obviously) and to some degree, the AC. But, I really have a hard time grasping heated seats. These aren’t bougie Porsches/Corvettes. There’s still quite a degree of brute force and ignorance.

I also find it a bit humorous that the comment was made that members will spend your money for you quickly, then adds in the “home run move” on heated seats.

Sorry, rant over. Just my two cents. IMHO, if it’s cold enough for heated seats, your face and hands will tell you much faster than your butt!:D

Maybe it's because adding heaters to Cobra seats is ridiculously inexpensive and even more ridiculously easy to install to add some comfort.

I have it on good authority that these Cobras were only equipped with seat heaters;)

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