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

[jmarsey]

Hi Bob,

Over the last two years I have gained a true appreciation for the FFR. I spent 5+ years and a ton of money building my JBL (my bride of Frankenstein) and it is truly a one of a kind beauty. But building that car was something I had to get out of my system. Honestly, and before I pulled my head out….., I used to poo poo the FFR for what ever reason, like I was so above that type of car. That was before I bought my FFR spec racer on a whim. I have to tell you that I am now humbled by the car, the engineering, simplicity, very easy to work on, and what you can do with one on the track. They are very rugged, can take a lot of abuse, and you can make them stick like snot with the right setup.

All kits will have pros & cons if you plan to build your own. Believe me, there is plenty to frustrate you with any build. There is a ton of support for the FFR builder/owner and the quality and completeness of their kit is very good.

I’ve had so much fun and made so many great friendships with my spec racer, my JBL is now pissed at me. I spend 90% of my shop time working and improving the spec. It’s what I’m really excited about these days. If you are a meticulous person you can pretty much build any kit car nicely and I’ve seen some pretty nice FFR street cars too. Remember, you can spend a lot of money on any car, but the bottom line is to have fun!

Good luck with your endeavor and hope this helps. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Factory Five.

John

[xlr8tr]

Originally Posted by rdg

Thanks everyone for the input. I have discovered that living in Vancouver area of Canada that our wonderful Ministry of Transport will only register FFR kits and those need to be modified with various brake and suspension parts supplied in Canada. So it means buying a basic Canada only FFR MK III kit and supplying various components which is not a big deal other than we have no manufacturer options! There is a place in Canada called D&D but I can't find too much info on the company. The FFR seems more suitable. I also have the FFR Canadian Distributor in my own city. Thats a nice resource as well.
Keep the great posts coming.
Bob

Hey Bob, fellow Vancouverite here, I'm in the planning stage as well. Check out these interesting links I found on importing "kits" into Canada...
http://quintewheels.com/index.php?op...d=30&Itemid=57
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp243...u.htm#amateur1
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp2436/rs200804/faq.htm

Cheers,

Mark

[rdg]

Looks like the key is what the kit contains for parts, that will determine entry or not. What seems to be the problem with most kits is they contain too much to be considered parts and not a vehicle. FFR has addressed this with the so called Canadian version. I don't think anyone else has stepped up to the plate. I like the flexibility with FFR and the support. Al at Canadian Cobra can offer more insight. He lives in White Rock too! I just saw his website.
Keep in touch on issues down the road.
Bob

[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

[CNGreen]

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

HTH,

[charles roybal]

FFR ...great customer serivce...good price...fun to buid...strong product.

[puppster]

My desire is to build an ERA like many others. I have contemplated for years on what combination I would build, ie. what wheels, engine, trans, brakes....289 FIA or 427... and my Dad went and bought an FFR that was already finished, and although it has some undesirrable handling traits, it sure is a blast to drive! I love it everytime he hands me the keys, and we go for a spin. I don't think you can go wrong. They are so much fun, and if you build it yourself you can be even more proud.

[Larry N Johnson]

Period Look
FFR

[Roscoe]

What Period?

[RandyH]

With the current economy I'd be looking at the company as much as the product they produce.

I don't want to sound like a Negative Nancy but to protect your money and investment I'd consider the following.

Will they be around in another year or two?
Availability of replacement parts?
Support with the build even if the company goes away.

Good luck with your decision.

[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

[Roscoe]

A&C is in Buffalo, NY. I'm sure they've dealt with the Canadians.

Roscoe

[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,

[Bill Bess]

I agree with Elmariachi! research......research ....research.

FFR's are great machines, but do a good amount of research and determine what you really want and how your going to use it. Evaluate all the Cobra producers, they're respective benefits, advantages and the disadvantages. Make an informed choice so you are always happy with how you spent your money and what you ended up with.

Bill

[WarrenG]

Aside from authenticity of the body shape, the biggest negative that I've seen with the FFR's is the quality of the build, and you can't put that on the manufacturer. It will end up being whatever you make it!

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Aside from authenticity of the body shape, the biggest negative that I've seen with the FFR's is the quality of the build, and you can't put that on the manufacturer. It will end up being whatever you make it!

It is at the same time the biggest positive and biggest negative. People can create whatever they want - good for them. Sometimes that includes wood paneling on the dash and shag carpet - bad for the FFR brand. Each build, car, and sale must stand on its own merit.