TrackdDay17's MK5 Build Thread

[TrackDay17]

Hello everyone, I guess it's time to start my upcoming build thread !

Cunningham Transport called today and my kit is scheduled to be here in the November 5-7th range.


Kit order details

Mk5 complete kit
IRS
Front and rear swaybars
Power steering
power boost brakes
Wilwoods in red
302 engine mounts
302 headers
Uncoated steel side pipes (planning to coat them and pipe guards black)
Gray diamond stitch leather seats and door cards
Dual roll bars black
18 Inch Halibrands (planning on powder coating them black with a red pinstripe and polished spinner.
Mk5 body with cutouts
Leather steering wheel ( probably an aftermarket MPI wheel)
Carbon fiber dash
Custom Speedhut gauges
2 inch seat belts
ABS hood scoop

Engine Blueprint 347 with Sniper 2 fuel injection
Transmission TKX with mid shift and 0.68 overdrive

Paint and bodywork I'll leave to the experts
Current thinking on colors Ford Leadfoot Gray with black stripes and a small red center stripe (Ford GT Carbon Edition had a paint scheme like this and I like the look)

That's my starting point and I'm sure I'll be adding a few parts and accessories from the vendors here.

I was originally set on a Coyote but after studying (overthinking) things many times I decided to go with the looks and sound of the SBF.

I attended the build school in August, I figured it would be a good overview of the project.
I'm fairly good at mechanical stuff having raced motorcycles and done lots of track days for many years.
Local track closed so I decided I really didn't want to travel 5 hours to do track days instead of an hour to Heartland Park Topeka.
My dad used to race sprint cars for many years and I ran micros and mini sprints too.

I'm retired and I needed another outlet and building a Cobra replica was very appealing, they almost seem like a 4 wheeled equivalent of a motorcycle.
Nothing there that doesn't need to be unless it enhances performance.

I've got to thank my local forum members for showing me their builds and being generous enough to give a ride in their cars.
GBranham, invited me over early on in his build just from messaging him when I joined the forum and giving me a ride in his 427 powered beast.
JMD, also graciously took me for a ride in his Blueprint 302 powered beauty.
Kirby who has a nice Coyote powered car and is local too.
I decided the 347 would be just about right power wise and then between us we'll have most normal engine choices except the LS !

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions and probably some screw ups along the way.
I'm open to suggestions, tips and criticisms from you guys who have been there and done that many times over on your builds.

I see all of these quality builds here and excellent craftsmanship so I know I've got my work cut out for me to do a quality build myself !



Greg Bilhimer
Shawnee, KS

[Nigel Allen]

I look forward to following along.

Cheers,

Nige

[gbranham]

I'm fired up, dude! Can't wait for delivery day!

Greg

[TrackDay17]

I'm fired up, dude! Can't wait for delivery day!

Greg

I feel like a kid waiting on Christmas morning !
I'll be putting your body buck together later and getting things ready before I leave for Vegas next weekend.
A little last minute shop prep and I should be ready to see that big truck pull up.
My neighbor is a geared too and he was as excited as I was when I texted him yesterday !
You're welcome anytime at the shop my friend ! Thanks for helping me spend my money ! LOL!

[gbranham]

If you need a hand putting the buck together, let me know.

Greg

[Mike.Bray]

That's going to be a very nice build! Of course I'm partial to the pushrod V8s in these cars, just can't beat the looks and sound. And the 347 is a sweet engine with more than enough power.

The Sniper 2 is okay but it's still a throttle body EFI system which has limitations. For about the same cost you can upgrade to sequential port injection with an Edelbrock ProFlo4 system which is much much better. Just ask Greg:)

[TrackDay17]

That's going to be a very nice build! Of course I'm partial to the pushrod V8s in these cars, just can't beat the looks and sound. And the 347 is a sweet engine with more than enough power.

The Sniper 2 is okay but it's still a throttle body EFI system which has limitations. For about the same cost you can upgrade to sequential port injection with an Edelbrock ProFlo4 system which is much much better. Just ask Greg:)

If the Sniper 2 gives me any issues I'll have zero problem ditching it for a ProFlo4 for sure.
I understand the 2 is much improved over the original one but I guess I'll find out.
I think the 347 will give me good torque and manageable power and hopefully handle well with sticky 18 inch tires like Greg has on his car, it really hooks up and goes !

[gbranham]

I think you'll love that 347. If I build another one, I want to do a blown 347. That would be a wild ride.

Greg

[rickster991]

Welcome to the madness!

[JMD]

I've spent the summer learning the Sniper 2 EFI. It's not hard to learn but does take some setting up to work the best. I'd be happy to help with initial setup and tune.

[wheelindex]

Best of luck, will be watching your build!

[TrackDay17]

I've spent the summer learning the Sniper 2 EFI. It's not hard to learn but does take some setting up to work the best. I'd be happy to help with initial setup and tune.


I might take you up on that offer when I finally get it on the road.
Probably not a ton of tuning difference between the 302 and the 347.

[TrackDay17]

Well, I checked my email this morning and Blueprint says my engine is ready to ship too !
I wasn't expecting it this soon but it is all going to be here well before I'm actually going to need it.
I'm trying to plan out car delivery for next week and then the engine the next week.

I decided to build a rolling cart like Kleiner has today, I still need to assemble the body buck GBranham gave me and then I'll be fully ready.

[gbranham]

Getting close, buddy! I'm excited for you!

[TrackDay17]

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OK, first photo try from my Smugmug account.
The shop is clean and ready to go.
No word yet from the driver, I'm thinking I am looking at a Friday delivery at this point.

[gbranham]

Let me know when you have a firm time, and I can come help if needed. I have a fairly flexible workday tomorrow. And I have all weekend with no plans. Would love to come see it and help out with inventory if you want/need the help.

Greg

[TrackDay17]

Let me know when you have a firm time, and I can come help if needed. I have a fairly flexible workday tomorrow. And I have all weekend with no plans. Would love to come see it and help out with inventory if you want/need the help.

Greg

I'll send you a text as soon as I get word, your always welcome here !

[rponfick]

221115
OK, first photo try from my Smugmug account.
The shop is clean and ready to go.
No word yet from the driver, I'm thinking I am looking at a Friday delivery at this point.

Nice garage. I think I would seldom go in the house.
Will be following. Ralph

[TrackDay17]

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A few photos from my delivery this evening !
Thanks to Greg Branham for stopping by to help unload and take pictures !

[gbranham]

Congrats, buddy! I'm excited for you. You have an awesome workspace, and I can't wait to see what you create!

Greg

[TrackDay17]

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Today my neighbor Tom helped me remove my body and place it on the body buck in the shed where it will live with the lawnmowers and garden stuff for the winter.
I noticed a change immediately from the car we put together at the build school.
The top of the drivers side footbox was a topic of discussion and it looks like Factory Five has solved the problem for us.
Here's mine with the access panel removed.
My car kit completion date as 9-27 so I'm not sure how many others have this revision, thought I would share.

[TrackDay17]

Well, Mr. FedEx showed up today with my crate from Blueprint.
Great guy, helped me roll it into the shop and put my dollies under the crate so I can move it easier to the back corner of the garage for safe keeping until I'm ready for it.


Dyno sheet says 425 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 418 foot pounds of torque at 4100.
Nice broad torque curve, makes 382 ft pounds at 3000.
That should be plenty to get my attention !
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[JMD]

You will definitely notice the extra power down low compared to my 302. The BP 302 has a very nice torque curve, but needs to get above 3k rpm to start to feel a bit crazy. Your extra cubes and torque will be noticeable, especially down low. I love the 302 block size for this car (which includes the 331/347/366/etc). A perfect fit, IMO.

[TrackDay17]

GBranham graciously came over today to help me with a couple of things today and brought his press so I could press in the new studs into the rear hubs.
Man, that made the job easy !

The next thing I knew would be a challenge but Greg had tackled it before and I had read countless threads on installing the rear differential.
Boy did this thing give us a fight ! I think we used every tool in the shop trying to get the bolts to line up.
It didn't seem like the bolts were too far off but it just fought us all the way.
We finally got the bolts in and torqued down but I sure don't want to do that again !


Thanks for the help Greg, never could've done it by myself !
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[gbranham]

Glad to help, friend! It was fun to wrench again. I need to buy another kit. Hah!

Greg

[JMD]

Glad to help, friend! It was fun to wrench again. I need to buy another kit. Hah!

Greg

I heard wind of an IRS option coming up for the 33 truck. If so, that's on my list to build next. And with a few more cc's than what I have in the Mk IV. ;)

[TrackDay17]

I haven't updated this thread in quite a while so I thought I should.
I seem to be able to find things to do in the shop even though my progress seems slow.
So far I've installed the front and rear suspension and brakes, sway bars, pedals and master cylinders.
I've fitted and drilled all of my aluminum panels and then sent them off to the powder coater, I decided to go with a satin black with a slight texture finish. Powder coater did a great job and he's enthusiastic about having his work on my car.
He has my wheels now as I'm going with a black wheel with a red pinstripe.

I also received my custom gauges from Speedhut but I don't have my carbon fiber dash yet.

Currently working on brake lines and I mounted up the brake booster and will start working on lines tomorrow.
my fuel tank is ready to go in but I'm missing my tank straps and fuel neck filler on the pol list.

a few pictures of my progress to date.
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I'm starting to work on building my brake lines and I mounted the brake booster.

[gbranham]

Looking good, Greg! You're making fast progress! Holler if you need a hand with anything.

Greg

[TrackDay17]

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I got a call from my powder coater that my wheels were finished.
I went with a satin black finish, I think I'll add a red pinstripe to match the Wilwoods.
I couldn't resist putting one on to see what it looked like.

[BUDFIVE]

that looks really Cool!

[TrackDay17]

that looks really Cool!

Thanks ! I really like how they turned out.

[Mike.Bray]

Definitely add a red pinstripe. Details details

[JMD]

Come on, Greg...time for an update!! ;)

[TrackDay17]

Come on, Greg...time for an update!! ;)

Ok John, I guess I need one even though I feel my progress is painfully slow.
I think I've finally come to realize I over analyze everything striving for doing things absolutely perfect despite my limited skills compared to the pros.
Too much planning and not enough doing lately, maybe it's a new builder thing ?

As I stand now, all aluminum fitted and powder coated, Ni Cop brake lines run, master cylinders and pedals installed.
More brake lines involved and different routing with the brake booster I decided to include in my build, honestly think I should've left this one off the option sheet but it's in now.
Fuel tank is in after I got my straps on my last pol shipment. I'm using the braided ptfe hose and fittings provided by Blueprint with my engine.
I've taken a page from Edwardb's book and installed my pressure regulator in the rear with a short return line next to my Aeromotive filter setup.
I liked the idea of only one fuel line through the tunnel because with the flat bottom of the MK5 you have to keep things tucked up in the tunnel area and out of the way of the driveshaft.

A few pictures, my brake lines are definitely not as pretty as others but I was careful to make proper flares and avoid anything rubbing or binding or kinking.
I am for right now using the kit master cylinders, we'll see how that pans out.
My reasoning is if I do have a problem I can change them out during my go kart phase and change them out before paint, maybe a bad plan, we shall see. I need to figure out where to mount my brake and clutch reservoirs where they won't interfere next and bleed the brakes.
Still trying to figure out where to mount my charcoal canister where it will be somewhat accessible in the future if needed yet out of the way.

I did decide on my aftermarket steering wheel and quick release and have them now. I'm waiting on I.E.427's next batch of turn signal switches to pair up with them.

[TrackDay17]

I forgot to attach a few pictures !
I finally got a pinstriper to actually contact me about getting a red pinstripe on my wheels so I'll take them to him soon.
The first one didn't respond on his business FB page messages or ever get back to me when I left two messages !


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[edwardb]

...I am for right now using the kit master cylinders, we'll see how that pans out.My reasoning is if I do have a problem I can change them out during my go kart phase and change them out before paint, maybe a bad plan, we shall see. I need to figure out where to mount my brake and clutch reservoirs where they won't interfere next and bleed the brakes...

Without wading into the WIlwood discussion (although I did use a Tilton MC on my clutch just to try one) I'm taking the same approach with my Mk5 build. I have the kit supplied Wilwoods installed and prioritized getting the lines run, the reservoirs installed, etc. so I could bleed and exercise things as much as possible while everything is open during the build. So far so good BTW. I'd recommend the same for you. Get those reservoirs installed and the brakes bled. Give yourself the maximum time to see how things are holding up.

[TrackDay17]

Without wading into the WIlwood discussion (although I did use a Tilton MC on my clutch just to try one) I'm taking the same approach with my Mk5 build. I have the kit supplied Wilwoods installed and prioritized getting the lines run, the reservoirs installed, etc. so I could bleed and exercise things as much as possible while everything is open during the build. So far so good BTW. I'd recommend the same for you. Get those reservoirs installed and the brakes bled. Give yourself the maximum time to see how things are holding up.

Edwardb, It was watching your thread that actually made me go this wait and see route as you did.
It galls me to think we lay out good money for something as critical as brakes and to have failures and no solution to it other than to spend more money on Tilton. I think more complaints to Wildwood that "hey you have a problem here with quality control" might get them to act but I don't know.

I'll work on getting them installed and bled next, thanks for your sage advice, I'm always open to feedback especially from experienced builders who might see something I'm possibly doing that won't work or can be done better.

[edwardb]

Edwardb, It was watching your thread that actually made me go this wait and see route as you did.
It galls me to think we lay out good money for something as critical as brakes and to have failures and no solution to it other than to spend more money on Tilton. I think more complaints to Wildwood that "hey you have a problem here with quality control" might get them to act but I don't know.

I'll work on getting them installed and bled next, thanks for your sage advice, I'm always open to feedback especially from experienced builders who might see something I'm possibly doing that won't work or can be done better.

I said I wasn't going to wade into the Wilwood discussion and I'm still not going to. This is your build thread plus there are numerous other threads and posts. I will only say that I agree it would be good if Factory Five said something. It would seem they alone would have actual data as opposed to a vocal few who bring this up all the time making builders like you nervous. Parts sometimes fail. Even at the single digit PPM (Parts Per Million) failure rate we were required to have back in my automotive parts manufacturing experience, we still had failures we had to account for and report back. This is no different. The question is how pervasive? We truly don't know. Wilwood is a business partner for FF so that could enter into it. But then again they've taken action with other suppliers in the past, e.g. Bilstein. If it makes you feel any better, my Coupe has completed five active driving seasons and 10K miles with three Wilwood MC's. No issues.

[JMD]

I also used the Wilwood MCs on my build and was hesitant to change just because of a few failures, but given how difficult it would be to change once the body is on with the MKIV I have decided to swap them out for Tilton units. I've seen some videos addressing the build quality difference and I think it's significant enough to make the swap. If the MC location wasn't so difficult to access I would run the Wilwood until they needed to be replaced, but as difficult as it is with the body on I would be kicking myself so bad if I had to do it. That is one job I hope I never have to do with the body on. I'll do it now while it's easy and put in the best parts I can to try and avoid it. (I also need to change the MC size for my manual brakes anyway, so that made the decision pretty easy for me.)

But I'm all for using Wilwood for now and get things running for a shakedown. I'm a big believer in the 500-1000 miles shakedown before you finish the body. I have a list of about 30 things I want to do while the car is still in go kart mode...and that's after about 1300 miles of driving. Some of them are needed, but some are just adjustments that I want to make so my driving experience is more enjoyable...and I'm getting spoiled working on a vehicle that doesn't have a body on it. ;)

[TrackDay17]

I also used the Wilwood MCs on my build and was hesitant to change just because of a few failures, but given how difficult it would be to change once the body is on with the MKIV I have decided to swap them out for Tilton units. I've seen some videos addressing the build quality difference and I think it's significant enough to make the swap. If the MC location wasn't so difficult to access I would run the Wilwood until they needed to be replaced, but as difficult as it is with the body on I would be kicking myself so bad if I had to do it. That is one job I hope I never have to do with the body on. I'll do it now while it's easy and put in the best parts I can to try and avoid it. (I also need to change the MC size for my manual brakes anyway, so that made the decision pretty easy for me.)

But I'm all for using Wilwood for now and get things running for a shakedown. I'm a big believer in the 500-1000 miles shakedown before you finish the body. I have a list of about 30 things I want to do while the car is still in go kart mode...and that's after about 1300 miles of driving. Some of them are needed, but some are just adjustments that I want to make so my driving experience is more enjoyable...and I'm getting spoiled working on a vehicle that doesn't have a body on it. ;)

John, I did make the entire footbox top removable on both sides of the car just in case I ever need to get in there.
I'm using nut serts so I don't have to drill out any rivets.

[PMD24]

If you haven't tested your fuel lines by pressurizing them and submerging them in water I encourage you to do so. I couldn't get the Blueprint supplied materials to work. Every hose that I made up had leaks. And, clearly, making up these hoses is pretty straightforward. The fittings had no brand identification stamped on them and when I called Blueprint to inquire about fitting and hose manufacturers, they said they couldn't tell me because they buy in bulk and periodically buy from different sources. Based on that if you happen to fall on the cusp of a change, you could get different manufacturers of hose and fittings. And even if you do get the same manufacturer, it is likely from an unknow overseas source. Since there was no way to know what I was dealing with, I tossed all the Blueprint stuff and bought quality name brands. Hose went together without leaks.

Pat

[gbranham]

No need to submerge the lines in water to pressure test. I simply pressurized my entire plumbed fuel system with Fragola's test kit, and sprayed all the unions with soapy water. I had a couple to tighten, but all was good after that.

Greg, you can borrow my Fragola pressure test kit when you're ready. It's just a couple of fittings.

Greg

[TrackDay17]

No need to submerge the lines in water to pressure test. I simply pressurized my entire plumbed fuel system with Fragola's test kit, and sprayed all the unions with soapy water. I had a couple to tighten, but all was good after that.

Greg, you can borrow my Fragola pressure test kit when you're ready. It's just a couple of fittings.

Greg

I remember you told me you had the test kit and I’ll definitely take you up on the offer.
I actually had to buy a couple of fittings for the fuel filter, turns out the filter outlet and inlet is 3/8 NPT.
I got the Evil Energy ones from Amazon and they honestly look exactly the same as the fittings I got from Blueprint.

[TrackDay17]

If you haven't tested your fuel lines by pressurizing them and submerging them in water I encourage you to do so. I couldn't get the Blueprint supplied materials to work. Every hose that I made up had leaks. And, clearly, making up these hoses is pretty straightforward. The fittings had no brand identification stamped on them and when I called Blueprint to inquire about fitting and hose manufacturers, they said they couldn't tell me because they buy in bulk and periodically buy from different sources. Based on that if you happen to fall on the cusp of a change, you could get different manufacturers of hose and fittings. And even if you do get the same manufacturer, it is likely from an unknow overseas source. Since there was no way to know what I was dealing with, I tossed all the Blueprint stuff and bought quality name brands. Hose went together without leaks.

Pat

I'm hoping mine are ok, I'll definitely test them soon.
I wouldn't be pleased to have to start all over again but nothing would surprise me at this point.
GBranham used Evil Energy stuff from Amazon on most of his stuff and his is holding up fine.
Honestly the stuff I got from Blueprint looks like the same stuff.
I bought a couple of Evil Energy fittings I needed and they look identical.

[TrackDay17]

Definitely add a red pinstripe. Details details

Mike Bray you were correct on the pinstripe, I just got these back today.
I found out when I went to install my steering shaft I ended up getting two upper shafts and no middle shaft so on to the next thing until I get one from FF.

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[Mike.Bray]

Mike Bray you were correct on the pinstripe, I just got these back today.
I found out when I went to install my steering shaft I ended up getting two upper shafts and no middle shaft so on to the next thing until I get one from FF.

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Very nice!

[CW_MI]

Mike Bray you were correct on the pinstripe, I just got these back today.
I found out when I went to install my steering shaft I ended up getting two upper shafts and no middle shaft so on to the next thing until I get one from FF.

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The wheels turned out really good. What is your plan for lug nuts ? I just ordered wheels and I can't see just using cheap lug nuts on expensive wheels.

[TrackDay17]

I'm using the covers which I painted along with the wheels so I'll probably use the provided lug nuts unless they are a problem.
If I wasn't going to use the covers I'd probably find some nice black ones to use that would cover the end too.
I think I'll polish the knockoffs more later.

Only polished parts are the knockoffs and I'm considering leaving the fuel cap polished too instead of powder coating that but I haven't made up my mind, I'll probably take it apart though and coat it too.

[CW_MI]

I'm using the covers which I painted along with the wheels so I'll probably use the provided lug nuts unless they are a problem.
If I wasn't going to use the covers I'd probably find some nice black ones to use that would cover the end too.
I think I'll polish the knockoffs more later.

Only polished parts are the knockoffs and I'm considering leaving the fuel cap polished too instead of powder coating that but I haven't made up my mind, I'll probably take it apart though and coat it too.

Ah...that's right, those wheels have covers. The ones I ended up with don't. I'm going to have to figure something out...I'll have to have some that will match bronze though.

[Mike.Bray]

Gorilla has some neat spline drive lug nuts.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/lug-nuts-and-lug-bolts/brand/gorilla-automotive/lug-nut-bolt-color/black/lug-nut-bolt-head-style/spline-drive?kr=lug+nuts

[CW_MI]

Gorilla has some neat spline drive lug nuts.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/lug-nuts-and-lug-bolts/brand/gorilla-automotive/lug-nut-bolt-color/black/lug-nut-bolt-head-style/spline-drive?kr=lug+nuts

These titanium ones are pretty cool
https://billetproshop.com/products/ti-1-2-20-acorn-60-seat-lug-nut-qty-10?variant=39937067974838&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoqyHPN0bvlz2NG1oPj-E6UjIt1jpvHxeobvk809cfhPPEnk8Oa7t50

As are these billet ones
https://billetproshop.com/products/bps-acorn-cone-seat-aluminum-lug-nuts-m14x1-4

[TrackDay17]

I finally got up the nerve to drill the dash for my gauges after I decided how I wanted to lay it out.
I ended up liking GBranham's dash layout and so I loosely followed his lead after seeing his car several times.
I think I am going to order an oil temp gauge to complete the 4 gauge setup on the right.
I kind of kick myself for not ordering it when I placed my order with Speedhut.

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