Need FFR owners advice please

[treed]

Days away from FFR order placement and need help. Want to build a daily driver on a 20K budget. Car will probably never see a track or rally. Just occasional street race and pleasure driving around La Crosse, Wisconsin. I expect to order a hard top w side curtains to maximize use here. Engine will be W351 350-400 HP range. Have not decided on carb or EFI yet. I would appreciate your opinions on this engine choice/HP range, carb vs EFI for my intended use and budget. Also, can someone recommend a source for good hard top add on. I expect to order cutouts, Lucas wipers, heater defroster & seat track. Can these be sourced cheaper if non FFR? Need opinions on bumpsteer tie rod ends, rear coil over option and rear tubular upper and lower contro arms. Finally (whew) are there other options I should consider? Thanks.

[mikiec]

Hey, Treed...


Carb or EFI....personal choice. I converted my 92 5.0 motor to carb. More period looking. With a 351 it might be easier to go carb. Fords crate 351 advertises at 385 HP.

Seat tracks cheaper from Summit.
heater try mike mack at tristates motors. He advertises here.
Wiper assy...try a marine shop. Supposidly better than the prince of darkness stuff.

Using offset bushings for the steering rack probably will not need bump steer kit.

I had the stock spring in the rear then changed over to the coil setup. I like it much better.

Using Factory Fives upper and lower rear arms is a toss up. You might want to look at the new 3 lonk setup. Eliminates wheel hop and improves handling.

Hard top for the FFR can be had from 2 sources. APE products in the Phoenix area and Norn Deeley from Florida. Both about the same price.

2 other options you might consider are replace the mustang rack with one from Flaming River. And, look into the FFR IRS system.

You might want to check these over on cobraforum.com.

Mike

[treed]

Thanks Mike--Your obvious expertise is greatly appreciated.

[Jason Lee Nye]

Expert? he he he just kidding Mike

Mike has been very helpful to me. I am fortunate to have him as President of our local Cobra Club in Arizona.


See you at the Pavilions Mike!

[ffcobra]

Treed, you're already up to about $25,000, assuming wheels and tires and outside paint job. I drive mine alot. The efi 5.0 is plenty and if you want more add a cam and injectors. The 351 buildup will run you about $4000.00 and the carb setup doesn't always start after sitting up. All those other suspension options are great for the track but the regular rear end and sway bar is plenty. After all the car is about 2200 lbs. with you in it. Good luck!

[treed]

Yes, finding out in a quick hurry 20K won't do the job unless I leave everything just about stock. Already out 18K and have not touched the engine or paint. Decided to stick with the 5.0 for now with larger TB, mass air, injectors and E303 cam. Probably put in the Gt40x heads or the trick flow since these and the cam can be used on a 351 if I feel the need for speed later. Don't know if I will need better intake with this though. Using the stock rims for now. Just have to leave some for next winter! Any thoughts on intake upgrade for this decision? Thanks