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

[rdg]

Please comment on the pros and cons of the FFR cobra kit. Also include comments on other manufacturers as you see fit. I want to build the car and do the work myself. I have just started to look at options.
Thanks
Bob::

[Three Peaks]

If you want to build the car and want the maximum amount of flexibility, the FFR is the kit for you.

Plusses- built to handle most Ford engines including the 4.6 mod motor and can be modified easily to handle bowtie powerplants.
Lots of aftermarket parts made for the FFR due to volume of kits sold/built.
Lots of help and support at www.ffcobra.com to help you with your build (and help spend your money)
Good manufacturer reputation for factory support and service
Original dimensions for chassis, wheel base, body
Options to build the kit from a base kit using a donor to save money, or buy a "complete kit" where you only need to buy a motor, tranny, and paint/bodywork

Minuses-
Not a completely accurate body, but most people not familiar with Cobras will never know
Body needs quite a bit of work to get it ready for paint

[Hexnut72]

The body is way off from the originals. The wheel well cutouts are huge, they have the pointy trunk lid, the side of the body angles in at the top instead of out like they should. The cockpit is a narrow and different in feel. You have to do a lot of work to make the body really nice - things like rolling the cockpit edges and fender edges...

The suspension is okay but not really that great. The four link that I drove seemed to bind going around a corner, it would take a set and then release again. This made for unpredictable cornering. I have also driven the IRS cars and they are an improvement in predictability and they ride much nicer. Have not driven a three link. Just remember, the suspension is based on a Mustang/Thunderbird and those cars were never known for their handling prowess. Can you make them drive well? Sure, but out of the box they need some work and once you start mixing and matching bits strange things happen.

The other problem is people tend to mix and match parts when it comes to suspension and brakes. This means that the parts that were engineered as a system, no longer are. That means that there can be some odd steering feedback and my biggest gripe, terrible brakes. Again, this stuff can be fixed and many have but...

The good side is that FFR builds the most and they have a big support base. They have really nice brochures and their marketing is the best in the business. If you run into a problem, it is likely that someone else has as well. If you want to modify your suspension or steering or brakes, you can and people can help. If you want a hot rod that looks like a Cobra, FFR fits the bill pretty well. The price is good but remember the old advice... You get what you pay for.

[xlr8or]

Three Peaks covered most of it..... Use the search function here there are about a million threads on one make vs another.

[computerworks]

Bob... I am going to tweak your thread title a bit...
I know you didn't mean it to sound "alarmist" ...:-)

ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[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.

[jhv48]

It can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

Upgrades and options are plentiful.

Not mass produced so they are all different.

You get the satisfaction of saying you built your own car.

Not for everyone!

[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

[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

[SteveV]

I have built 2 FFR's and have to say that they do a nice job for you. You can simply assemble the car and drive it. Or you can complicate the build and modify almost everything to your taste.
There is a huge 'cottage industry' around the FFR. Lots of specialty vendors to make the car nicer, more usable, more accurate.
Its a blank canvass, you get to be Leonardo de Vinci.
I am a fan of FFR and their products, there are companies that build more accurate bodies but dont have the same accuracy with the chassis.
The suspensions are as good as you make it, 4 link for drag racing, go with the 3-link for good handling, go with the IRS for better ride.

FFR gets my vote, but the D&D out of Canada is very similiar to the FFR in design.
Good luck with your research and welcome to the madness!
Steve

[Silverback51]

If I was going to build a car it would be an ERA.

[RICK LAKE]

rdg Bob The Smith brothers where just starting out when I had already put the down payment on my ERA. At that time, they where selling a nice basic kit that only needed a donor car. They have a great spec racer if you like this like of thing. They also have IMO the most priceless cobra on the planet, the red#198 originial Smith cobra. For all out racing, I would get there car. It's alot cheaper to total one and rebuild it than to wreck an ERA car. Smith Brothers build some nice cars that work just as well as the ERA, BJL, Backdrafts, SPF, and Kirkhams at less cost when you have small pockets. Like any other cobra, they are work in process and it seams you never finish with improvements and better parts. Rick L.

[jagxjr5012]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

If I was going to build a car it would be an ERA.

I am with Silverback51 !!

[Smokingcobra2]

By the time you get done with all the extra's you could easly buy a Backdraft roller.
Certainly not knocking FFR, have seen some done really nice, but most i have chatted with end up spending as much or more than if the bought a new Backdraft with a 351 with mild motor work. Email Jay at Vintage. he has a partial finished FFR at his shop for a customer who needed a alignment done before inspection.
joeg

[Roscoe]

Street Beasts Rule! No..just kidding...

Let me say this, I like the FFR however you will spend 100 hours or alot of money on body work. I chose an A&C because they make the best body in the industry. I picked up my body and it way perfect. Rolled edges, hood and trunk mounted, many holes already drilled. I've had my Cobra on the road for 9 yrs in gelcoat. Never painted yet but it looks like a paint job.

I saved not only time in getting my build on the road, I saved mucho denero.

Here's a shot of it race prepped prior to an open track date



Here's a shot of it during the build

[ICBomber90]

Bob,

I'm a builder, been building for the last 3 1/2 years (Life will get in the way). Building a car is not easy BUT very rewarding and FFR's have some challenges but a super owner group is there to help.



Pros:

Lots of FFR's out there, more than likely you'll find help for your build your local area.

It is up to you how you want to finish your Kit. Donor, all new or somewhere in between (like me)

Great value for the money (not a single person can believe I have less than 30K in my build)

Source parts from local auto part stores (Mustang based running gear)

American Company

Designed/engineered to be raced

Cons:

They have branched out into other kits (GTM, '33 Hotrod) and haven't fixed some small problems with their Mark III kit.

HIH, Pat

[ROBERT GWALTNEY]

Bob Look into AC&C their cars are easier to build, plus you can get the gel coat finish with saves alot of money and time. Call and talk to Sonny @ 800.2451310