New Guy Build Questions...

[mdross1]

Welcome WilltWallace, and thank you for your service. You will have strong opinions here about the kits qualities and power trains I say trust your gut and go with what will make you happy in the end. Any kit you choose you will be in control of it's build quality.

Chevrolet, Ford, big block, small block again it is up to you after all these are kit cars. My 460 powered car was initially set up for road racing trust me it is a pure adrenaline rush the big engine hurts nothing in the handling dept. The big block torque hit off idle is something you never get sick of. Racing these cars you will need to stay on top of tires and brakes if you want to be competitive.

Finding a buyer should never be a problem as long as your not desperate for cash when that time comes. Either direction you choose have fun and do not get weighed down with negativity stay focused and you will not regret the time it takes to build and own one of the coolest American Hot Rods on the planet.

Mike Ross

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by mdross1

.... you will not regret the time it takes to build and own one of the coolest...

...especially when you build it in white!!

[lippy]

William,

I wanted to build mine as well and went with the ERA. The experience was very good and the kit turned out great, but ERAs are far more expensive than FFRs and most of the others. I do think FFR makes a great kit, but you should make sure you see a few of any brand you consider in person before you decide.

Whatever brand you use, I would spend the money on an independent rear. With these cars, the combination of a long engine and trans and short wheelbase necessitate a very short driveshaft. With a solid rear that is travel-limited, light weight, and high power, it can be pretty dangerous IMO.

For the engine, all the ones you mentioned are good choices. I have an FE 427 and wouldn't do it differently, but to be honest, the small-block Fords and the Chevy's (esp LS) are probably better engines from power, cost, and reliability standpoints. You shouldn't worry about what others will think. It will be a cool car with a Ford, Chevy, or whatever, so do what you want.

On the wheels, I think the pin drives really make the look of the car. To save money, I went with the 5-pin/adapter set-up, rather than the 6-pin one. Other than a slight weight penalty, they look great and work perfectly.

-Lippy