What do you really need? MK4

[Mountainman63]

Does any one have a specific parts list of the parts really needed to finish a Roadster complete kit?
MK4 Kit w/ a 351w (Thinking about Engine Factory for engine)

[Dan Golub]

This is a semi-detailed list of what would be required for a MK4 Complete Kit:

Complete/operational Engine- would include all necessary accessories (alternator, water pump, etc.) If fuel injected, all wiring and computer controls.

Complete Transmission - Would include clutch assembly, flywheel, bell-housing, and shifter

Complete Rear End- Would include Housing (needed for both Solid Axle and IRS applications), axle shafts, loaded center section, and rear brakes

Wheels and Tires

Battery

Fuel Pump- with mount and fittings

Paint on the body

Some of these parts like Rear End, Rear Brakes, Wheels, etc. are available from Factory Five as options. The other components can come from places like Ford Racing, Summit Racing, The Engine Factory, Jegs, or local speed shops. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Thank You

Dan@FFR

[MPTech]

I thought the complete kit comes with brakes and fuel pump (I may be wrong).

This doesn't include the must-haves that will come about from reading this forum! :cool:
(I recommend Power Steering and Brakes)

[Mountainman63]

Thanks Dan from FFR and MPTech! I probably should make a trip down to FFR soon to check the place out. Any recommendations on power steering and brakes? Or others things that I should be thinking about?

[Jeff Kleiner]

I thought the complete kit comes with brakes and fuel pump...

Front brakes are included, rear are not. Fuel pump is not included.


Any recommendations on power steering and brakes?

That is one of the most frequently debated topics (right up there with "carb or fuel injection?" :)).

I'm working on my third build currently; all 3 cars are very different but two common elements are that each has included PS and PB. Here is a little reading to get you started on your research:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?1297-Manual-Steering&highlight=power

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?3454-power-steering-rack&highlight=power

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7047-Power-Steering-amp-Power-Brakes&highlight=power

Further searching on this as well as the other forum will turn up lots more!

Good luck,
Jeff

[Mountainman63]

Front brakes are included, rear are not. Fuel pump is not included.



That is one of the most frequently debated topics (right up there with "carb or fuel injection?" :)).

I'm working on my third build currently; all 3 cars are very different but two common elements are that each has included PS and PB. Here is a little reading to get you started on your research:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?1297-Manual-Steering&highlight=power

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?3454-power-steering-rack&highlight=power

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7047-Power-Steering-amp-Power-Brakes&highlight=power

Further searching on this as well as the other forum will turn up lots more!

Good luck,
Jeff

Thanks Jeff. Good reading. Probably gonna go manual and change over later in life if need be. Trying to go as close to original as possible.

[Avalanche325]

Power steering.
I am staying manual on brakes, but they are Wilwood. I would NOT do manual with Mustang brakes. I drove one with donor manual brakes and it was a little disturbing. I drove a 66 Mustang with manual brakes for 10 years, so it was not something new.

I reserve the right to add hydroboost later if needed.

[CraigS]

I agree w/ Avalanche

[efnfast]

With the right rack you don't need power steering and definately not power brakes. I have neither and have never regretted the decision once.

[Mountainman63]

Thanks All! Been on the forum like crazy and have seen my budget get bigger and bigger. Can't wait to build my FFR with manual PS & PB. gotta keep saving $$!

[Reno-mike]

Since money is definitely one of the required items does anyone have any saving tips? I've got about half my savings in mutual funds which helps but not much. I'm trying to save enough for everything, and I'm tracking my progress using Mint.com. 12k to go which is going to take another 4 years (not accounting for part price increases or bonuses).

[lilnuke]

Having built two roadsters, I highly recommend using power steering and power brakes. They definitely make the car more user friendly. Even if you don't use it at first, at least install a brake booster in case you decide you want power brakes later. It is a pain to install on a finished car. Whitby's kit can be used with the Wilwood's inlcuded with the complete kit.

As far as budget, keep in mind that you don't have to buy everything up front. You can purchase items in stages as you need them to avoid having to save everything before you purchase. Plus you don't have to store all the stuff you don't need. The initial cost is a little steep, but if all you get is the kit, rear end, and wheels/tires, that should be enought to keep you busy for a while. Then spread out the rest of the cost as you go along.

[skullandbones]

Mountainman63,

Purchasing the complete kit is a pretty big mountain to climb budgetwise (pun intended). If you went with the basic kit you could manage it much better at this time. Things like footbox mods, running lines, wiring etc would keep you very busy for quite a while to let your nestegg grow . I have heard some say to delay the wheels, tires, and engine until later. I would put the project on salvage yard rims and save and install the wheels at the end. If you delay the engine purchase, you can plan on installing and doing the startup in about a month or less (just concentrate on that) and you could have 1yr 11months left on your warrantee for testing and discovering any defects in the new engine. I made the mistake of not doing that (lucked out). Unless you are one of those people who never deviates from a plan (hard to do around here), you will find that buying as you go, gives you a lot more flexibility and keeps the storage issues down, too. It really is more efficient. I think the most critical aspect is the personalizing of the project. I know that the driver's foot box and cockpit fits me perfectly and I planned that. That can't be done as part of the kit. So personalizing the project will help and give you a hugh sense of accomplishment, IMO. Go with PS and Wilwood brake pedal set. Good luck, WEK.