Rob's MKIV Roadster Build #10098

Hello all! I just want to document the journey through my MKIV Roadster build. It starts with my order being placed on 02/22/2021, the kit was ready on 06/19/2021, and was delivered by Stewart on 06/27/2021. I also attended the build school at Mott Community College from 04/30/2021 - 05/02/2021 in Flint MI.

My order included:

MKIV Roadster Complete Kit
Powdercoated Chassis
351W Stainless Headers
302/351 Engine/Trans Mount
Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
31 Spline 2015 IRS 8.375" Driveshaft
Body Cutouts
Black Vinyl Seats
Power Steering Components
Front Lower Arms - Standard Width
IRS
FFR GPS Gauge Set
Front Swaybar
Rear Swaybar
Center Dash Support
IRS Center Section w/ 3.55 Gears & Spindles
Wind Wings
Sun Visors
Brake Duct Wire Mesh
1.50" Rollbar Grommet Set
Assembled Side Louver Set
FFR Electric Oil Temp Gauge
Brake Reservoir
Power Steering Reservoir
Blank Dash
17" Halibrand Wheel/Tire Package
Roadster 13" IRS Brake Kit
Trunk Gas Strut Kit
14" Leather Steering Wheel Upgrade
1 Yard of Raw Carpet Material


Additionally, as of 10/20/2021, I have also purchased:

Ford Racing Boss 427 Short Block
Ford Racing Z2 Aluminum Heads
Tremec TKX Transmission
Quicktime Bellhousing
Heater/Defroster
Driveshaft Safety Loop
Various Engine Components and Tools

I look forward to posting updates and looking to all of you veteran builders for guidance.

Welcome. We’ll be watching for the updates.

Good luck Rob! Build School should be a big help.

How are you progressing since June?

It is not going as quickly as I had hoped. There were several parts missing from the kit I had to wait on as well as a TON of backordered parts. As of today, I have a very detailed inventory, all of the panels that were attached are labeled and removed, I have the coilovers built, the front upper and lower control arms mounted, front coilovers installed, and the spindles mounted with the steering arms attached. I can't mount the hubs yet as I don't have the hub nuts. Also, I just got the door check straps so I dyed them black. Going to work on the rear end this weekend hopefully.

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Welcome aboard, Rob! Looks like it's going to be a great project.

Welcome Aboard But More Importantly, Welcome To The Family!

Hey Rob, welcome to the 'build thread' portion of the forum, and to all of the fun. I think you've got a nice build plan. I think a build thread is a great way to record progress and get helpful advice and encouragement along the way.

That 427 short block is a great way to start ... lot of cubic inches in a small package! You can find solid motor mounts to get your block 3/4" lower if you want a bit more room on top with the 9.5" deck.

Cheers,

-- John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John Ibele

Hey Rob, welcome to the 'build thread' portion of the forum, and to all of the fun. I think you've got a nice build plan. I think a build thread is a great way to record progress and get helpful advice and encouragement along the way.

That 427 short block is a great way to start ... lot of cubic inches in a small package! You can find solid motor mounts to get your block 3/4" lower if you want a bit more room on top with the 9.5" deck.

Cheers,

-- John

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Thank you, I did not know that was an option. Now to figure out what intake to run if I get that extra space...

So I got some additional thing completed over the past 2 days. I got my IRS differential installed, along with most of the IRS components. I had a lot of cussing and persuading to get the passenger spindle into the lower control arm, but I got it finally. I didn't realize before getting into this that so much "tweaking" and "fitting" would be required. Not complaining, still enjoying it tremendously.

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Originally Posted by Rob Adkins

So I got some additional thing completed over the past 2 days. I got my IRS differential installed, along with most of the IRS components. I had a lot of cussing and persuading to get the passenger spindle into the lower control arm, but I got it finally. I didn't realize before getting into this that so much "tweaking" and "fitting" would be required. Not complaining, still enjoying it tremendously.

Attachment 154809

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Yep, I have an older kit but some things never change. For me a stout piece of threaded rod, along with two nuts and beefy washers made a nice spreader / compressor tool to get the ends of the control arms moved either in or out slightly.

Nice work, looking really good!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John Ibele

Hey Rob, welcome to the 'build thread' portion of the forum, and to all of the fun. I think you've got a nice build plan. I think a build thread is a great way to record progress and get helpful advice and encouragement along the way.

That 427 short block is a great way to start ... lot of cubic inches in a small package! You can find solid motor mounts to get your block 3/4" lower if you want a bit more room on top with the 9.5" deck.

Cheers,

-- John

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Do you have a part number/source for the solid motor mounts?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CaptB

Do you have a part number/source for the solid motor mounts?

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Check with Gordon Levy, one of the vendors on the forum.

You'll buy yourself more room up top, but keep in mind that you'll be reducing your oil pan ground clearance as well. You'll want to make sure that vibration and driveline setup issues are factors you can manage - either not an issue, or worth the tradeoff. Not trying to steer you toward or away from solid mounts by any means - but as with all the choices related to the build, know what problem you're trying to solve and do your research. A lot of choices with these cars are a balance of factors instead of a black / white selection. My $0.02 for today :p

Good luck!