Question on True Costs and Extra Parts

[Dmitriy]

So I was watching this video about the costs of all parts for MK4 build. Starting at about 2:30 the guys describes all the parts he had to buy outside of this base MK4 kit. This list is pretty long, and I realized that I would not know that I need to buy half the parts he bought.

So the question is - how complete is the MK4 kit? I realize that I need to get an engine and tranny and because I have no experience in this I am willing to spend a bit more and go with a crated 302 from BluePrint. But what else would I need to purchase if I am not doing any crazy customizations?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgib...hannel=TacoJoe

[Ray]

If you stick to the basic build you should be pretty close to cost. Upgrading or adding options will of course raise costs. You will find yourself in the "Might as well" aisle at Summit, JEGS, Breeze, Fortes etc. looking at tools, parts etc. You can turn off the computer and don't come back until you are done with the build if you want to save $$$$ (but there's no fun in that.)

You might also update your info so we can see what part of the world you are in. That way if you run into to problems you might find someone local that can give you a hand.

Good luck and enjoy the build.....

Ray

[alexmak]

Hey Dmitriy,

Here’s an incomplete list of mods that are often suggested here on the forum. They either make things easier as you go, or make things better and/or safer later.

Must have
Heat/sound insulation
Mechanical Throttle Kit from Fortes Parts
battery relocation kit
Separate brake reservoirs
power steering
Seats sliders
Russ Thompson turn signal
Fire extinguisher
USB charging ports
Exhaust heat shields
Trunk mod for a little extra space

Nice to have
Different side mirrors
LED lighting
Breeze radiator shroud
Inner door panels
Cup holders

Other changes
Front and rear bumper grommets from finish line
Roll bar grommets

I ended up doing most of these and then some.

[alexmak]

So I was watching this video about the costs of all parts for MK4 build. Starting at about 2:30 the guys describes all the parts he had to buy outside of this base MK4 kit. This list is pretty long, and I realized that I would not know that I need to buy half the parts he bought.

So the question is - how complete is the MK4 kit? I realize that I need to get an engine and tranny and because I have no experience in this I am willing to spend a bit more and go with a crated 302 from BluePrint. But what else would I need to purchase if I am not doing any crazy customizations?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgib...hannel=TacoJoe

Note that the video talks about Basic kit. If you get a complete kit with the engine/transmission combo from BPE, you don’t need most of the parts video describes. In addition to Complete Kit and engine/transmission you’ll need (and you can get it from FFR if you want - your choice of rear suspension (solid axle vs IRS parts), rear brakes, and wheels/tires combo. This would make a car complete.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Note that the video talks about Basic kit. If you get a complete kit with the engine/transmission combo from BPE, you don’t need most of the parts video describes. In addition to Complete Kit and engine/transmission you’ll need (and you can get it from FFR if you want - your choice of rear suspension (solid axle vs IRS parts), rear brakes, and wheels/tires combo. This would make a car complete.

Yep, after that you only need to add fluids, insulation if desired and body & paint. The complete kit really is just that; complete.

Jeff

[Dmitriy]

Hey Alex, so some of these parts you mentioned like separate brake reservoirs and exhaust heat shields - how did you know you need to get these? I am worried that I don't know enough about fundamentals to make decisions on upgrades or parts that I WILL actually need.

[progmgr1]

You have to understand the difference between "needs" and "wants". You can build the car with the minimum additional parts listed above and have a fully functional vehicle that you can register and drive. You can add on things like exhaust heat shields or power steering because they make the car more civilized or more comfortable. You can also add on things like dual brake reservoirs and larger brakes for their perceived safety benefits. I suggest that you review multiple build threads to see what options other have chosen and why - then you can decide for yourself what you want and can afford. In particular I recommend edwardb's build threads. Paul has built multiple cars and used a variety of options, and he does a good job of explaining what path he chose and why. HTH Keith HR #894

[BadAsp427]

Hey Alex, so some of these parts you mentioned like separate brake reservoirs and exhaust heat shields - how did you know you need to get these? I am worried that I don't know enough about fundamentals to make decisions on upgrades or parts that I WILL actually need.

Well, welcome to the madness first off. How do you know? Well first off, I would suggest the complete kit along with the complete engine/trans from Blueprint as you suggested. This along with tires and a paint job (if you desire) will give you a blast to drive cobra replica. Where you go from there is up to you... all the "extra" items are NOT needed to complete the build. But if you read through several of the build threads here, you will begin to see a pattern of things that most people add to the build for both comfort as well as convenience. Things like heat/sound insulation, makes the car more solid and bearable in the hot days. Cubby holes for storage of your favorite iPhone or gloves, etc. Perhaps you want to add a Fire Extinguisher or stereo system of some type. Some add a mechanical linkage because it looks cool and is a bit easier to drive over the throttle cable that comes with the kit. Some upgrade to GAS-n side pipes for looks as well as a better sounding exhaust, but this is not needed, it is a want. These are just a few of the many additions/upgrades that I thought of. It's kind of like buying a Ford F150 XL vs a Ford F150 King Ranch.

Read many of the full build threads and you will soon know what you WANT, NEED, DESIRE and can't live without... But know that build with a complete kit is going to get you on the road in a bad *** car... how far you want to go beyond that is truly up to you. Have fun reading...

[alexmak]

Hey Alex, so some of these parts you mentioned like separate brake reservoirs and exhaust heat shields - how did you know you need to get these? I am worried that I don't know enough about fundamentals to make decisions on upgrades or parts that I WILL actually need.

A lot of things were from reading this very forum, especially the threads on "must have mods" and "safety mods", and deciding if things are what I want/need. Like Does the Cobra need the driveshaft safety loop to be finished and driven? No, it doesn't. Do I need to have an extra layer of protection if driveshaft goes "kaboom" inches from my thighs? definitely yes. Does Cobra need heated seats? Nope. Do I need heated seats? it's not a must, but a very nice thing to have. And so on, and so on. As long as budget allows

Simply reading through the threads allowed me to make "must have/nice to have" things and go along deciding on the mods. it Wass a lot of fun.