Not Ranked
Patrick,
Also late to the game, but I have also just started a build with Jay and Brian at VMS (#1134, just posted on current projects page)
I also am going with the Coyote and saw the 1124 in Jay's shop (very nice). Like you, I could not spring for the full package, but was able to go for the next best thing. Jay and Brian are setting up the 1134 with option of adding the Roush Supercharger at a later date. This involved positioning the engine just right, upgrades to the fuel tank and a higher volume pump as well as the use of the heavier clutch which can handle the increased HP later. The Coyote is tight enough due to the increrased width that I beleive you need the solid mounts but with smoothness of the electronically controlled fuel injection on a small block, I do not think thet the motor vibrations will be much of an issue.
The only drawback I found was I had to give up on the T56 magnum transmission as it is too wide to fit the transmission tunnel without some extensive mods (fiberglass work, carpeting changes and even potentially some seat modifications). The standard Coyote position can just accomodate it but with very small margins. I agreed after a number of conversations with Jay that the modifications required were not worth the final drive ratio of .5:1 in 6th gear that would be used rarely with the higher RPM motor anyway. That being said, if I was not planning on the later upgrades, I would go for the T56 magnum as well. (or if I were going for 430 gears in the differential).
The other change I opted for was to use the new Ford Racing Coyote Aluminator engine (normally aspirated) which is set up to accept the Supercharger later. This also had a consequence as we ran into an issue with the Altenator mounting which Jay has since worked out by changing the aluminator front cover for a standard Coyote one (Bosses are removed on the aluminator engine to accept the supercharger that on the standard Coyote, Jay and Brian use to include a full size alternator vs the mini low amp racing altenatopr option)(will store away the modified cover for the upgrade). In my opinion the extra $ for the Aluminator option was worthwhile due to all the extreme duty components used.
I am also going for the 391 LS differential as the Coyote is definately a higher RPM performer.
My plan is to drive this car one or two seasons and have VMS add the Roush Supercharger at that time as additional funds are available.
I also have opted for the second roll bar, especially after my better half asked: How come you get one and I do not? Enough said, and I actually like the look of the second roll bar (pictures on the site show it now). If this were an "old school" build with an FE big block I would agree with sticking the purist route of the single roll bar, but this build is far from that. Other options include: Tannau Cover, Ray Dot side mirrors, coated headers, heated seats, rear 3M paint protection (I agree that the front protecion detracts from the look due to all of the seams involved and they vary from one install to the next as it keeps changing).
I agree with the others that you cannot go wrong with VMS. Jay and Brian are great to work with and will not steer you wrong. I do have the advantage of living only one hour from thier shop and can say it is impressive as are VMS's capabilities and knowledge of the product!
Good Luck!
Julian
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