What's the pros and cons of FFR?????

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Pros - Bill (mrmustang) has one for sale so you don't have to build it yourself. Drive it now and paint it at some point down the road.

http://www.ffcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196982

Cons - Quality of the car is based on the builder's skill.

Thanks for the plug


Bob,

First, welcome to the madness.......As stated above, the quality of the build depends on the builder and the options you choose. The body is not 100% accurate (mostly the rear trunklid and rear quarter lines which can be worked and reworked to be a more accurate as your time, money, and personal tastes allow). Suspension wise, the first choice would be an IRS rear suspension(smooth ride for street use, can be made to handle well on the track with some tried and true tweaks), second would be a 3 link (Panhard bar, makes the car very predictable for street and track, ride is smooth, but again not as smooth as an IRS), if your budget (which you have yet to mention) does not warrant either of these two options, then at the very least a four link with rear coil overs is a must as a stock Mustang coil spring rear equipped FFR handles terrible(you can always upgrade to a 3 link later as ot bolts right on). I've owned/built/rebuilt 14 FFR roadsters, I've had all of the suspension packages mentioned above......I've also owned ERA(2), Contemporary(1), and SPF(2), each one has it's plus and minus side, the bottom line (besides the bottom line) is how you plan to use the car, street driver, weekend warrior, drag racer, road racer, autocross, canyon cruiser, etc? Again, it's your money, it's your time and energy, and it's your tastes that will dictate whether or not you buy, build, or whatever......Take your time, do lots of research, then make your decision and don't look back.....These cars are a blast to build, to own, to drive, and to race..............


Hope you find this helpful.

Sincerely,

Bill S.


PS: Whatever you believe to be your budget, add 20% as your first blush budget dollars are never enough.

[rdg]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Thanks for the plug


Bob,

First, welcome to the madness.......As stated above, the quality of the build depends on the builder and the options you choose. The body is not 100% accurate (mostly the rear trunklid and rear quarter lines which can be worked and reworked to be a more accurate as your time, money, and personal tastes allow). Suspension wise, the first choice would be an IRS rear suspension(smooth ride for street use, can be made to handle well on the track with some tried and true tweaks), second would be a 3 link (Panhard bar, makes the car very predictable for street and track, ride is smooth, but again not as smooth as an IRS), if your budget (which you have yet to mention) does not warrant either of these two options, then at the very least a four link with rear coil overs is a must as a stock Mustang coil spring rear equipped FFR handles terrible(you can always upgrade to a 3 link later as ot bolts right on). I've owned/built/rebuilt 14 FFR roadsters, I've had all of the suspension packages mentioned above......I've also owned ERA(2), Contemporary(1), and SPF(2), each one has it's plus and minus side, the bottom line (besides the bottom line) is how you plan to use the car, street driver, weekend warrior, drag racer, road racer, autocross, canyon cruiser, etc? Again, it's your money, it's your time and energy, and it's your tastes that will dictate whether or not you buy, build, or whatever......Take your time, do lots of research, then make your decision and don't look back.....These cars are a blast to build, to own, to drive, and to race..............


Hope you find this helpful.

Sincerely,

Bill S.


PS: Whatever you believe to be your budget, add 20% as your first blush budget dollars are never enough.

Hi Bill,
Nice note, you are what I would consider an expert based on your various cars. Being in Vancouver, FFR may be my only logical option. I am a former mechanical shop owner for many years though not a wrench turning mechanic. I have rebuilt and repaired various toys but fabrication and body work will constitute my largest learning curve. I look forward to some of the drudgery. This car will be a cruiser with some autocross possibilities. I have thetime and need a passion more than anything. Budget is not a big issue though I am frugle and what the best bang for the buck. I DO want the satisfaction of building it myself! Paint my be another question. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Bob

[mrmustang]

Bob,

I'm no expert, but do have a bit of experience with all of the above....Being that you are in Canada, I suggest that you give not only FFR a look see, but D&D also as they put out a really nice product and are based in Canada (no import hassles to deal with).....Again, welcome to the madness where building the car is only half the fun.........


Bill S.

[TINNMANN]

Factory Five makes a very good car the problem is dealing with the restrictions put on imports by Transport Canada. I am sure that Al Belix can help with sourcing the missing parts and provide info on the build and when I was thinking of purchasing he was a great help. I didn't end up buying a Factory Five but I bought a D&D out of Quebec the cars are close and the ability to buy with Canadian money was the deciding factor. Do your research and compare the two cars as in what is included and what options are available then factor in the exchange rate. Search this forum for Hawkeye he lives in BC and has a D&D under construction and send him a PM you may live close. If you click on the camera under my name there are a few pics of my build.
Cheers Greg

[rdg]

Originally Posted by TINNMANN

Factory Five makes a very good car the problem is dealing with the restrictions put on imports by Transport Canada. I am sure that Al Belix can help with sourcing the missing parts and provide info on the build and when I was thinking of purchasing he was a great help. I didn't end up buying a Factory Five but I bought a D&D out of Quebec the cars are close and the ability to buy with Canadian money was the deciding factor. Do your research and compare the two cars as in what is included and what options are available then factor in the exchange rate. Search this forum for Hawkeye he lives in BC and has a D&D under construction and send him a PM you may live close. If you click on the camera under my name there are a few pics of my build.
Cheers Greg

Good info Greg, I will consider D&D. All the fees and so on that come with imports do add up. The strong dollar is also gone for now so D&D becomes more desirable. I will search out Hawkeye and see if he's in the GVA.
Thanks
Bob

[ddcobra]

Originally Posted by rdg

Good info Greg, I will consider D&D. All the fees and so on that come with imports do add up. The strong dollar is also gone for now so D&D becomes more desirable. I will search out Hawkeye and see if he's in the GVA.
Thanks
Bob

Hi Bob,

You can call me at the shop on monday 450.658.2315 or on my cell 514.806.2060
Thanks Don,

[Hind Sight]

Being a FFR builder and owner. I had the same questions as you when trying to decide on brand.
After resaerching for 2 years. Finally chose FFR.
Probally the main reason aside from price. The large support avalible for the forums.
Doupt you could have a problem that has'nt been addressed and disscused of their forum.
Originally they were designed to be build around a "donor" car useing the donors drivetrain and suspension.
Since then they now have a complete kit option. It includes most everything needed other then engine,trans and rear. Less need for a donor vehicle.
Body work needed was untill recentlly was a big part of the expence or labor if doing this your self.
Newer body so far are much better and need less work more so when dealing with the mold seams.
Yes they are not as correct body line wise as some other makers. Mainlly in the trunk area, known as the "perky butt". However unless a person really knows what the correct body lines are. These difference's would never be noticed.
The main advantage to the ffr kit. You have the option of doing a basic build.
Or the choise of makeing mod's along the way. Basiclly build it like you want.
The company itself is very good when it comes to cutomer satisfation. "Most" ffr owners will agree to this.
Haveing worked on. Repaired, and been involed in several brands of cobra kits. Personally have to say ffr is probally the easyest to build,espeacally for the first time builder. Mainlly due to it's support forum.
May want to take some time to vist the forum and read thru some post. It should give an idea of whats involed in building your own cobra.
Good luck with whatever choice you make

[CNGreen]

FFR has an agreement for importing kits into canada. You really should give FFR a call, they'll explain the details...

HTH,