New member, kit recommendations
 

Hi,
I posted this in the new member intro section, but thought I might get more answers here.

I am planning on starting with a factory five base kit and building a windsor stroker and filling out the powertrain parts myself. Feel pretty comfortable with this route as I know all the mustang parts inside and out.

Is the quality of the factory five car good? Is there another company I should consider that is similar in pricing but might have better features or quality?


Thanks,
Ryan

I'm tempted to sit back and read all the crazy responses you will get to this post!

However, I've built several kits including an FFR coupe in 2004. Great kit, good quality, and great driver if built properly. You are smart to order the base kit and then fit it out towards your intended purpose. I think the new Mk 4 is an excellent value and you can build it to a high degree of finish and performance. I don't see you getting better "bang for the buck". In my opinion, an ERA is a more accurate replica and quality, but not at that price point. I think you will be very happy, but take your time on deciding your options and don't let everyone talk you into expensive upgrades and build options. I do recommend the IRS (lots of debate on this one) and a TKO given your engine choice. Stock brakes are more than enough, afterall they stop a much heavier vehicle just fine. If you end up racing it, you may want to upgrade pads and eventually brakes, but cross that bridge when you get to it. Ask for advice here and on the ffcars forum, but most importantly treat it as input and you make the final decision. Don't get caught up in the "this is much better and you will be sorry if you don't" crap. It's your car and you will be just fine with a basic build that you can upgrade later. Good luck!

Hi Ryan,

I agree with everything said above. I started my search with Factory Five, then looked at Antique & Collectible and finally, ERA. I went with ERA because this will be my first hands-on mechanical project and it is an easier build. Costs more and they do have a reputation for the highest of quality. One consideration with ERA is that since it is a pricy kit (and worth it), to maintain resale value I'm sticking very close to original components even though my first thoughts were to go off on my own in a few areas. So, a donor build is not a typical ERA path and most of them are fairly close to original from what I've seen and read. Sounds like you have the experience to do a good build with FFR. If you feel compelled to look at another kit before making a final decision, take a look at Antique & Collectible. Their claim to fame is their sturdy body, which many owners don't even paint (gelcoat option). Based on your comments either would be a good path for you and in the same $ ballpark. Not trying to steer you away from FFR, just suggesting an option to look at (I know I wasn't comfortable researching only one company before deciding). The best thing about FFR in my opinion is the sheer numbers of them out there and the support you can get when you need it in the forums.

Good luck with your build - I can't wait to get my kit and get started.

Regards,

Kevin

The only two other kits that I think that are comparable, are the Hurricane and the Backdraft kits. Each kit has tradeoffs with the others. However, IMO going with the either of those three kits would be a good move.

Make your decision and stick with it and start thrashing to get it ready for warmer weather.

Welcome to the club.

Clois Harlan

Factory 5 has one of the best chassis in the business and there team is the nicest around, you cant go wrong and the price is right on.

As with almost any kit, it will turn out as good as you make it.

Correctamundo.

From what I can tell the Mk IV FFR looks like a nice car. I like the body. I'm building an ERA because they build a street roadster version which I was seeking and the MkIV FFR was not out yet either. I actually was going to go with a Hurricane street model but they went out of business before I was ready to go. If your wanting to build an SC 427 model, then it would be hard to beat FFR. You might check on the Hurricane. They have started back up but I don't know just how much production they have going.

Unique is a super car too and may be cost competitive with a FFR if you decide you want IRS.

Of couse I'm kind of partial to ERA and I think they are definately worth the additional cost, but depending on what you're shooting for, it might not be to you.

I am just about done with my car and am evaluating other brands for my next project. I am not an expert but I know a lot more than I did a few years back before I started building my car. One issue that I have never seen discussed here is how frame/suspension design and body placement all come together to make a quality looking product or not. I rode in a friends Kirkham last year and found that I set 1 ½” lower in his car than I do in mine. This affects things like roll bar height, windshield angle, thickness of seat, and so on. When the frame design and body mounting are not thought through you end up looking like a giant driving your kids toy car. I have been asking some of the major companies for some basic measurements and these will become part of the equation in determining the best next project for me.

For the 427 car I have asked for the following measurements:
1. Inside Length and width of the cockpit at the top of the cowl.
2. Height from the floor to the top of the door at the latch point without carpet.
3. Length from the brake pedal to the intersecting point on the floor where it meets the back panel without carpet.
4. Height from the floor to the bottom of the dash.

I have about four car measurements so far and it is interesting that they do vary.

Lone Star did a Youtube video that was really helpful.
LS427CockpitMeasurments.mp4 - YouTube
Pacific Roadster also has a video that addresses the issue.
Pacific Roadster, cobra kit, Wide Body,Cobra Replica,Kit Car,Hot Rod - YouTube

Be aware that some complete kits may not be complete and could cost you alot more to finish. I recently compared one companies complete list to my list from experience and found it missing about $5,000 worth of parts. All kits are not equal!!!

Wayne

88 gt mustang making a 10.8 quartermile pass - YouTube

Pulled the old motor out of my mustang, it'll be backed by an astro T-5. I'm thinking it'll do pretty well in a car that weighs almost 1000 pounds lighter.

I really like the base kit idea and making the rest of the car the way you want it. I don't car much about originality. I've have never even seen an original cobra. I have seen a few very convincing kit cars though

After evaluating the other suggestions, in addition:

* Visit the manufacture's location of your choice(s). An extra expense but worth the time and money.

* Attend the Carlisle PA Kit Car Nationals, multiple manufacturers will be there with demos, good opportunity for side by side comparisons.

Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals
May 18 - May 20, 2012

Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals - British, French, German, Swedish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Collector, Performance, Parts, Accessories

Just to correct a post above, Hurricane is definetly not out of business. There are new owners that made many improvements on what was already a great car.
I built a Hurricane and love it. Great build and great service. I also have a friend building a FF5 Mk IV and it is very impressive as well.
But I would have to agree that the ERA is probably tops in terms of accuracy.

You just answered your question yourself.

Hurricane is very much in business
 

Hurricane Motorsports is actively building and delivering kits and has been in production since January of 2010 in Lake City, Iowa. There have been several improvments made to the car and the Hurricane is even better. You can see more details at Hurricane Motorsports - 427 Roadsters and check out our forum there. You can PM me for details or with questions and I can email you photos of a completed Hurricane 427 Street Car.