Build Cost

[lowtops]

Gentlemen,

I am very interested in building an FFR MARK III and have a rather broad question to ask. I am wondering about total build cost. My question is: What is a realistic cost to build a NON-donor FFR minus the engine? I realize that the engine is the wild card in that equation. They advertise the base price of the kit at $11,900. So how much beyond that should I expect to pay? I know there are many variables to consider and I would like to hear some figures from people who have been there.

Thank You in advance

[xlr8or]

Low top you can figure to spend three times the cost of the kit to do a nice non donor build. By the time you add options the kit will be 15K. Brakes and misc. suspension pieces will add 3 -3.5K
Tires and wheels ??1200-1800 for bolt ons depending on brand and size. For Knock offs add another 1500. Paint 3K-8K, Trans, clutch setup and diff about 3K. Misc. bits and pieces 3K.


Basically lay it all out and add 40% for changing your mind and mid build upgrades.

Your labor is free but everyone else's cost money.
Now add it all up and see if you want to build or buy a roller.

[jdog]

lowtops, How much you got?

jdog

[JayBar]

I would go to FFcobra.com ask the question there or do a search, the question as been asked before. That site is the best soruce for FFR info.

[Rich A]

This is a hard question to answer.
Everybody who asks this question never gives enough information.
1. Do you want it to look like the original Cobra? OR
2. Do you want a Track Cobra (no bells or whistles ie heater,wipers,top or tonneu). OR
3. If it's just for street (how many bells and whistles do you want to add).
Until you answer these question there really isn't a exact dollar amount.
But to give a ball park.
1. Total donor build 17-20K this depends on body and paint work.
2. Parial donor build 21-29k this depends on body,paint and options.
3. Non donor build 30+ this depends on body,paint,options,engine and trans.
Hope this helps

[WV66AC]

I was parked in a restaurant parking lot when an interested observer struck up conversation. Mechanic. Helped friend with FFR build. His impression -- after having to pay for every kind of option, the FFR build ended up just as expensive as other makes. Forewarned is forearmed. At the FFR booth at Carlisle last year, I asked a question -- what would it cost to have a car built, as a complete car?? Answer - Lots more than Rich has in his answer. I was surprised. Ask questions and learn. Good luck

[HP N VNM]

Let me put it this way. If I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now, I'd buy a non-FFR roller.

There are two basic reasons: Cost, I spent $35M on my roller less an engine and trans; Quality of design, FFR's are rebodied Mustangs, others are based on a much more sophisticated chasis.

If you just want to build a car yourself, then the FFR is a great choice. Just don't do it to save money or get a better design.

Paul

[wtm442]

... what ever you think it will cost .... double it.

Do not overlook an existing complete Cobra.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by HP N VNM

FFR's are rebodied Mustangs, others are based on a much more sophisticated chasis.

Paul

Sorry, I'll disagree on this statement....a big WTF since the FFR chassis is not a unibody Mustang. Nor is a Mustang unibody ever used in the building of an FFR. And before a newbie such as yourself labels me as an FFR groupie (hardly the case), I've owned ERA, Contemporary, SOF and yes, just a few FFR's since 2000...........


Bill S.

PS: To answer the original question, I've seen some truly nice 20K FFR builds, and seen even more truly horrible 35K FFR builds. Seeing that each one of these cars has been built by a specific owner/builder, not all of the quality is in the build or the parts used for a specific build as with a production built roller like a SPF............Spend what you want and do not look at the car as an investment, as you will most certainly lose money in the long run...........

[HP N VNM]

Bill S.
Here is a quote from the Factory Five website itself that describes their roadster.

"The original FFR Roadster was based on the innovation of using running gear from a single modern donor vehicle, namely the high performance Mustang."

My point more specifically in comparing the cars, was that the Backdraft cars are based on the BMW M3 suspension which is far more refined for road racing than a Mustang.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY FFR! It is a really great car.

Cheers,
Paul

PS No newbie here. Check out my non-donor build at http://homepage.mac.com/quailpark/