FFR basic kit reality

[wrongwaywillie]

I'd perfer to keep it ford, then I can listen to the groweling in the garage at night between the vette and the cobra LOL.

seriously though, thinking SB cause they have more room in the foot box correct?

couldn't find that one in maine., opps found it , that looks like a good deal.

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by wrongwaywillie

I'd perfer to keep it ford, then I can listen to the groweling in the garage at night between the vette and the cobra LOL.

seriously though, thinking SB cause they have more room in the foot box correct?

couldn't find that one in maine., opps found it , that looks like a good deal.

Smart. Chevy power in a Cobra replica is the best and fastest way to torpedo the resale desirability of your car. Period. Fact. Case closed. End of story.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Smart. Chevy power in a Cobra replica is the best and fastest way to torpedo the resale desirability of your car. Period. Fact. Case closed. End of story.

So a factory 5 with a ford 302 is always going to bring more money than factory 5 with a new corvette zr1 engine, your a moron...

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

So a factory 5 with a ford 302 is always going to bring more money than factory 5 with a new corvette zr1 engine, your a moron...

Well, now there's a good comparison of apples to apples, isn't it? You're a moron.

To get back to the original question. The basic idea of the FFR of 15 years ago was for the average guy with good mechanical skills to build a good Cobra replica without having to spend his life's saving. FFR has done that in spades. There are a number of very good reasons that FFR is the #1 selling Cobra replica on the planet.

The idea is that if you have an 87-04 Mustang and their basic kit, you have everything you need except paint. Everything. Every nut, bolt, wire, gauge, etc. No running to the parts store every other day. If the donor car is of fairly low mileage, there's no need replace a lot of stuff, either. Those low mileage rust free donors are out there, but they're tough to find.

If you're patient, you can build a darned good car to meet your goals for $23-25K. And you'll have a heck of a good time doing it, too.

You'll save a bit of money and time buying a car that's already built. But where's the fun in that? And when people ask, "Where did you get that car?", you'll say,"I built it". It's more than just bragging rights, it's a huge sense of accomplishment. You'll know every nut and bolt on that car, because you put it there. It will truly be your baby.

[wrongwaywillie]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Well, now there's a good comparison of apples to apples, isn't it? You're a moron.

To get back to the original question. The basic idea of the FFR of 15 years ago was for the average guy with good mechanical skills to build a good Cobra replica without having to spend his life's saving. FFR has done that in spades. There are a number of very good reasons that FFR is the #1 selling Cobra replica on the planet.

The idea is that if you have an 87-04 Mustang and their basic kit, you have everything you need except paint. Everything. Every nut, bolt, wire, gauge, etc. No running to the parts store every other day. If the donor car is of fairly low mileage, there's no need replace a lot of stuff, either. Those low mileage rust free donors are out there, but they're tough to find.

If you're patient, you can build a darned good car to meet your goals for $23-25K. And you'll have a heck of a good time doing it, too.

You'll save a bit of money and time buying a car that's already built. But where's the fun in that? And when people ask, "Where did you get that car?", you'll say,"I built it". It's more than just bragging rights, it's a huge sense of accomplishment. You'll know every nut and bolt on that car, because you put it there. It will truly be your baby.

this what I was kind of looking for, the little stuff that you don't realize you don't have or need. and that turns in to more money time spent.

this thread is intended to help get info , so that I can make a good purchase decision.

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by wrongwaywillie

this what I was kind of looking for, the little stuff that you don't realize you don't have or need. and that turns in to more money time spent.

this thread is intended to help get info , so that I can make a good purchase decision.

If you build (or even buy) a FFR, the main thing is to have a really good idea of what you want the car to be before you start.

Track use? You'll want more power, better brakes and tires which probably means 17" wheels.

Reliable weekend car? Trying to keep it as close as possible to original? Each of those requires different plan. Unless you just like to do things over and spend more money.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Well, now there's a good comparison of apples to apples, isn't it? You're a moron.

To get back to the original question. The basic idea of the FFR of 15 years ago was for the average guy with good mechanical skills to build a good Cobra replica without having to spend his life's saving. FFR has done that in spades. There are a number of very good reasons that FFR is the #1 selling Cobra replica on the planet.

The idea is that if you have an 87-04 Mustang and their basic kit, you have everything you need except paint. Everything. Every nut, bolt, wire, gauge, etc. No running to the parts store every other day. If the donor car is of fairly low mileage, there's no need replace a lot of stuff, either. Those low mileage rust free donors are out there, but they're tough to find.

If you're patient, you can build a darned good car to meet your goals for $23-25K. And you'll have a heck of a good time doing it, too.

You'll save a bit of money and time buying a car that's already built. But where's the fun in that? And when people ask, "Where did you get that car?", you'll say,"I built it". It's more than just bragging rights, it's a huge sense of accomplishment. You'll know every nut and bolt on that car, because you put it there. It will truly be your baby.

It's not a comparison between cars it's the statement that a chevy powered car is worth less than a ford powered car, not true, and you can buy a mustang donor car without an engine there are more of them at the junk yards that way and put whatever you want in it, one of the cool things about a factory 5 car, moron...

[wrongwaywillie]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

So a factory 5 with a ford 302 is always going to bring more money than factory 5 with a new corvette zr1 engine, your a moron...

lets keep on topic please!

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

So a factory 5 with a ford 302 is always going to bring more money than factory 5 with a new corvette zr1 engine, your a moron...

Thanks for your "measured" response. Ouch
Correct me if I am wrong but a ZR1 engine (especially with blower) is likely more $$$ than the FFR kit itself thus upping our OP build budget likely way beyond where he wants to go. A crate 302 although a great motor is likely not near the price of a crate ZR1 engine with blower. You would want the blower right???... since without it you might as well by the 302.
Hell, why not put the new Ford 5.8 liter with the TVS in the FFR if you are climbing the ladder for the most expensive American motors. At least you keep it in the Ford family.

So, yes, if you put a ZR1 engine in a FFR kit it would likely sell pretty easily. I would by it myself for the motor pull it out and put a nice 351W or 5.0 in it and sell the ZR1 motor.

My comment still stands. Apples to apples, equivalent motor to equivalent motor Ford is the way to go and putting a Chevy motor in a Cobra replica in most cases (we will except from this argument the ZR1 motor) will torpedo the value of your replica. Anyone who says or thinks otherwise is a ...

Never mind.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Thanks for your "measured" response. Ouch
Correct me if I am wrong but a ZR1 engine (especially with blower) is likely more $$$ than the FFR kit itself thus upping our OP build budget likely way beyond where he wants to go. A crate 302 although a great motor is likely not near the price of a crate ZR1 engine with blower. You would want the blower right???... since without it you might as well by the 302.
Hell, why not put the new Ford 5.8 liter with the TVS in the FFR if you are climbing the ladder for the most expensive American motors. At least you keep it in the Ford family.

So, yes, if you put a ZR1 engine in a FFR kit it would likely sell pretty easily. I would by it myself for the motor pull it out and put a nice 351W or 5.0 in it and sell the ZR1 motor.

My comment still stands. Apples to apples, equivalent motor to equivalent motor Ford is the way to go and putting a Chevy motor in a Cobra replica in most cases (we will except from this argument the ZR1 motor) will torpedo the value of your replica. Anyone who says or thinks otherwise is a ...

Never mind.

I would put a Windsor also, just stating that it all depends how much you have in it sometimes is how much you can sell it for...

[Treadmarks]

Some good responses, some a little off topic, like mine may seem.

I am at the end of the same situation of the op. I have been wanting to build one forever it seems. I decided recently that it was time to act. I spent most of this year learning by reading the build posts in one of the other forums. I am a true ford enthusiast, so I wanted a ford powered cobra....period. If I was a bowtie fan I would have acquired a Corvette of similar design.

It really did not take long to realize that building was way more expensive than purchasing one that was already built. REALLY

If you stick to the pure donor concept and go very basic with absolutely zero upgrades, then the numbers will pan out as planned. But as a performance oriented individual (as I am) simple mods to enhance suspension, drive-train, power, ride quality and braking add up very fast.

Donor vs non donor build is a tough choice and there are many pros and cons for both, but it really boils down to exactly what you want the end product to be.

To build one or to buy one built is also a tough choice. I have seen basic donor builds sell from 15 to 30k. But I did not want a basic build. I have seen non donor builds from 25 to well over 50k. My budget was 25k period....

After months of research, I chose a path that would provide me with an original classic look, as much comfort and performance as could be reasonably had within my budget, lighter weight to help with handling and operational economy and modern power-train features to enhance reliability/drive-ability and to allow for simple affordable power upgrades/tuning in the future.

A mild small block (windsor) stroker was my original choice to keep the weight down and allow for good street manners. FFR gen III or newer was chosen as I feel that they provide the best compromise of classic lines, suspension and drive-train selection and the aftermarket is now booming with goodies for the FFR Cobras.

If you stalk the forums long enough you may be able to find a documented build for sale. The one I found for sale was from a forum member that published his build and any issues he had.

I found a very low miles 4.6l DOHC Cobra motor, trans, rear and brakes in a very clean basic build within my budget. Lightweight all aluminum factory cobra motor with factory cobra power steering and factory equipped, big, power cobra 4wheel disc brakes with ABS! I couldn't believe it at first. Cobra everything in a cobra. Perfect blend of modern reliable and powerful technology with the classic lines of my dream car.

May not be for you, heck may not be for anyone else, but it met all my goals that I had established, and it was within my budget.

If you have a spouse or significant other, include them in the plan!!! I have seen many cobras for sale in various stages of build from unopened to complete due to cobra related divorce syndrome.

Make a plan. Identify your goals. Stick to your budget. Allow room to upgrade. Read the forums to learn as much as you can. THEN decide to build or buy.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Here is the COBRA I purchased.