b&b kits

[sirelesar]

rspears,

I completed my B&B about 6 months ago. Clois is absolutely right. Bryan and Berry (and Karen at the phone) are wonderful people to work with. Their kit is very straight forward and relatively easy to put together. This is the first time I have done ANYTHING automobilish, and it was all very straight forward. One thing that was important to me was the 4" drop in the floorboard. I am 6'-4-1/2" and that was important to me. I like the wide rear end, and the lines.

There are several things that I have learned about the differences between B&B and FFR that you may need to know:

1) As far as strength, the B&B is very strong, and you could easily put in a 514 w/ 650+ Hp without frame twist. However, this creates a slightly heavier frame than FFR's. My car weighs in at 2688 full of gas and my 240# A$$ in it It has a 302 w/ aluminum heads, 8.8" rear end w/ a T-5. The weight distribution is a bit odd (47/53), reversed from what you would think. The Left/Right is also somewhat skewed. The right front tire only has 444# of the total 2688 on it. To summarize, if you are in for SERIOUS racing, this weight distribution/total might not be as beneficial for you. I am just an amature, so it works just fine for me. It appears that a larger engine by a couple of 100 pounds would seriously help the distribution. More of the serious racers are using Superformance or FFR. I am not good enough to capitalize on the differences.

2) You will need to inform Bryan and Berry what engine and braking you will want to go with. They asked me right up front, but I was so green, I didn't give it adequate thougth. Think about a double master cylinder for brakes, and consider whether you want to go hydraulic clutch right up front. I am now switching out, which would have been so much easier had I REALLY considered it beforehand.

3) If you are looking for a more "period accurate" car, a Kirkham is probably more of what you are looking for. Albeit, you will pay a lot more, and only the most knowledgeable owner will know the difference. If you are using a donor car, this is irrelevant, as most of the parts you will be using are not period.

Let me close by saying that I love my car. I have really enjoyed working with B&B, and if I were to do it again, I would build a B&B. The price is right, the service is exemplary, and the I like the particular lines of the car.

Hope this helps,
Darren