About to pull the trigger here in SoCal

[OCChris]

So I think I am about few months away from making the call to order a complete Roadster kit. I am in the planning stages at this point and I'm thinking through all of my options, deciding on things like motor, pin drive vs. standard, 15" or 17" wheels, etc.

I'd like to see if any of you have any pointers, anything that you would recommend for the guy who is about to order, anything that you would have done differently and you want to make sure others are aware of, etc?

So far I'm thinking the following:

Ford 302 small block, Tremec T5 trans
Power steering
3 point rear suspension
17" standard wheels (non pin-drive)
Wilwood front and rear brake upgrade
Uncoated side exhaust and roll bar (will powder coat black later)
Standard gauges
Powder coated frame
Powder coat all exposed aluminum sheeting (later)

[David Hodgkins]

Chris if you want to come up to Corona Del Mar and talk shop and get a ride send me a pm.

:)

[edwardb]

Powder coat all exposed aluminum sheeting (later)

Just one comment -- Powder coating the aluminum is something that needs to happen during the build. Normal process is to fit, drill holes and cleco in place as you go. Once satisfied with the fit, remove, powder coat, and complete final assembly. There are > 60 aluminum pieces and they kind of overlap and interconnect. If you put them in as instructed (silicone glue and many many rivets) you will not easily be taking it apart again for powder coat.

[riptide motorsport]

I agree with everything you've got there.

[OCChris]

Thanks for the advice! Is it overkill to do every single sheet or can I just stick with the ones that are exposed?

[edwardb]

For my two builds, I've done both sides of all. Having said that, there are some that are completely covered up. But most have at least one side exposed, either to the bottom, engine compartment, whatever. Talk to your powder coater. Mine said it would be more handling and save little/no money to selectively do certain sides. Once the part is prepped and hung for spraying and the oven, very little extra time or material to do both sides.

[frankeeski]

Chris, We usually do a breakfast get together every couple of months or so. One of these breakfast would be an excellent opportunity to not only see a few completed build but also a chance to pick a few of our brains to find out what direction you want to go. We are due for another breakfast so watch the SoCal forum here and come out and introduce yourself.

[austingoblue]

What are the advantages of powder coating the aluminum?? I am about to pick up my MK4 kit next week...and after completing a MK3 (which we did not powder coat the aluminum. Just wondering....I was not planning on doing anything w the aluminum. thanks

[edwardb]

What are the advantages of powder coating the aluminum?? I am about to pick up my MK4 kit next week...and after completing a MK3 (which we did not powder coat the aluminum. Just wondering....I was not planning on doing anything w the aluminum. thanks

I would say mainly for aesthetics. Looks better from the start, will stay looking the same, easy to clean, etc. Aluminum by it's nature shouldn't corrode, but it will definitely change in appearance over time. It just depends on what you're going for. Personally I like the finished look. It may have some marginal sound and/or heat qualities, but I suspect it's very little. I did my Mk3 build in silver, and doing my Mk4 in black. Like everything else with these builds, make it your way. Pictures of my Mk4 build here: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/299597-mk4-7750-build-progress-update.html

Note there are other options other than just leaving it bare or powder coat, including paint, Sharkhide or even polishing, among others.

[tcoon]

Looks like a great plan! Welcome to the club. My only comment would be you really don't need the Wilwood brakes, although they look really cool! On the new challenge car upgrade with mkIV spindles we use the 2000 Ford Mustang GT brakes (2 piston) and they are absolutely great on track and street, and very reliable with a vast array of pads available. My suggestion save the extra uber$$$ for engine upgrades and paint/body work. That's always way more than you think.

[OCChris]

Thanks for the heads-up Frank! I'll keep an eye out!

[OCChris]

Looks like a great plan! Welcome to the club. My only comment would be you really don't need the Wilwood brakes, although they look really cool! On the new challenge car upgrade with mkIV spindles we use the 2000 Ford Mustang GT brakes (2 piston) and they are absolutely great on track and street, and very reliable with a vast array of pads available. My suggestion save the extra uber$$$ for engine upgrades and paint/body work. That's always way more than you think.

Good to know! Thanks!

What are your thoughts on power brakes vs. standard? I read on another thread that the brakes that you choose are heavily dependent on whether you install a power brake system. It was suggested that the Wilwood brakes would be great for those applications where you don't have PBs.

[austingoblue]

I sent you a message


I would say mainly for aesthetics. Looks better from the start, will stay looking the same, easy to clean, etc. Aluminum by it's nature shouldn't corrode, but it will definitely change in appearance over time. It just depends on what you're going for. Personally I like the finished look. It may have some marginal sound and/or heat qualities, but I suspect it's very little. I did my Mk3 build in silver, and doing my Mk4 in black. Like everything else with these builds, make it your way. Pictures of my Mk4 build here: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/299597-mk4-7750-build-progress-update.html

Note there are other options other than just leaving it bare or powder coat, including paint, Sharkhide or even polishing, among others.

[QSL]

we went with manual brakes and the wilwood upgrade. They work perfect. Very pleased. good predictable stopping power. Good luck, cant wait to meet!

[CraigS]

You can go w/ stock calipers but I strongly recommend using the Wilwood adjustable dual MC. This will let you fine tune the front to rear balance. Also plan on running different pads front and rear to upgrade the rear brake power. I run Hawk HPS in the front and HP+ in the rear.