New to Fords and these threads Loving them!

[smilyobo]

Hi everyone. I am approaching retirement myself and want to build one of these factory five kits in a few years. These threads are amazing and have my head spinning with options lol.

I know nothing of fords, so I keep going back and forth from these forums to mustang forums, etc.

Considering the donor plan, I have looked at the 87 to 93 mustangs with the 5.0. I then looked at the newer donors 96 to 2004 with the possibility of the IRS package and the 4.6.

With my research of the threads, I have found nothing discussing using a Mustang IRS package on the roadster. I see discussions about using t bird or other IRS, but nothing on the Mustang one.

So my question is has anyone used a 96 to 2004 Mustang with IRS as a donor car and actually used the IRS ?

Thanks,
Smily

[Bob Cowan]

It can be done, but the kit isn't really designed for it. Components lengths, mounting points, axle widths, etc are all different. It can be done, though, if you really want to.

But, why would you? The T-Bird IRS and FFR components are plenty strong enough for anything short of 600hp drag strip launches with big sticky tires. And if you were going to be doing that, you wouldn't use an IRS anyway.

Stick to the plan and save a lot of headaches.

[smilyobo]

Thanks Bob !

I did not know if it was a simple install or not. I am looking for the least modifications that have to be done for most of my build.

Not planning on racing either drag or autocross. Mostly Gulf coast driving when I finish. The solid rear end seems much simpler, but I have been spoiled with the handling of the Miatas that I have driven, so I was thinking the IRS would be more to my liking.

I have had project cars in the past that I never finished, like a 62 mga. I was not good at working on restoring, so I may be a candidate for the non donor approach. I can get help/advice working on an engine and tranny, so I am leaning to the 5.0 with simple carbs.

For the IRS it sounds like the FFR may be best for me. Do I have to modify much to do this or can I find the components to bolt up?

Thanks for your thoughts! This is fun figuring out what to plan !!

Cheers

[emac]

Ffr IRS was pretty easy to put together.

[Bob Cowan]

The FFR is a very well designed kit. You can almost build the whole car with a cresecent wrench and a screwdriver. Well, you might new a few other tools. ;)

There are over 7,000 FFR roadster kits floating around. In 15 years and 7,000 cars, they've learned a few things. The components fit well, and work well. Stick to the plan, and you'll end up with a fine car that will be a real joy to drive.

IMO, for a street car the IRS is the only way to go. I would never build another Roadster with a solid axle.

[smilyobo]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I think i will go FFR IRS, 5.0 with carbs, 4 wheel disc. Since I am new to Fords, would it be a good idea to get an 87 to 93 mustang gt that is drivable and work the parts I would want to harvest later? I am overseas and come to the states 2 times per year. A GT could be my driver while I am home and my son could work on it while I am gone.

Our project will be a father son thing later.

Cheers,
Smily