Discussion
I've been looking here for a few months and have to say that this board is a pleasant change from some of the other car club boards.Since the Stoneleigh show this year, I have got the urge to build...
I considered Cobra's and GT40's but after seeing the Ultima at Donnington decided that this the one I will try to budget for. I've also been following the builds of BobM and James Crewe and I've read Stig's build dairy countless times!!! (excellent sites with good build tips)
I'm still trying to sort out my spec, should be in a position to order and book a test ride in the New Year, but it's going along these lines;
Initial spec will be most of the stage builds less the brakes from stage 6
RAC Cage, air con and AP brakes & handbrake kit
(should keep me occupied for a few months)
Then at a later stage sell my current car (Escort Cosworth) to finance the engine and box and the rest. I suspect that I will be struggling to keep to my (tight) budget though!
The engine will be around the 350/375 bhp mark, it will be a road car with the occasional track outing when funds allow.
I'm thinking of dropping the Intrax shocks and go with the standard shocks.Is it worth going for the Ford drive shafts, considering the power output?
I've also taken onboard the advice/comments given to 454 on a previous thread.
Graham
I considered Cobra's and GT40's but after seeing the Ultima at Donnington decided that this the one I will try to budget for. I've also been following the builds of BobM and James Crewe and I've read Stig's build dairy countless times!!! (excellent sites with good build tips)
I'm still trying to sort out my spec, should be in a position to order and book a test ride in the New Year, but it's going along these lines;
Initial spec will be most of the stage builds less the brakes from stage 6
RAC Cage, air con and AP brakes & handbrake kit
(should keep me occupied for a few months)
Then at a later stage sell my current car (Escort Cosworth) to finance the engine and box and the rest. I suspect that I will be struggling to keep to my (tight) budget though!
The engine will be around the 350/375 bhp mark, it will be a road car with the occasional track outing when funds allow.
I'm thinking of dropping the Intrax shocks and go with the standard shocks.Is it worth going for the Ford drive shafts, considering the power output?
I've also taken onboard the advice/comments given to 454 on a previous thread.
Graham
If cash flow is an issue leave things like brakes and shocks for much later in the build. The suspension kit comes with a bar to replace the shocks during alignment. With this the car can stand on it's wheels.
You will need the brake lines.
When the time comes (again, later in build) buy the GKN shafts, even 350 is probably twice what Ford ever imagined would be put through them. Also you may think now that 350HP will be OK but you may be tempted to go bigger when the time comes.
Steve
You will need the brake lines.
When the time comes (again, later in build) buy the GKN shafts, even 350 is probably twice what Ford ever imagined would be put through them. Also you may think now that 350HP will be OK but you may be tempted to go bigger when the time comes.
Steve
Thanks guys, it looks like I'll be a frequent visitor to here!! I hope you don't mind me asking dumb ar e questions. This will be my first build.
Steve, yes I think cash flow might be a factor in this build, but I will not compromise on spec, just take a while longer to build it!
Graham.
Steve, yes I think cash flow might be a factor in this build, but I will not compromise on spec, just take a while longer to build it!
Graham.
Graham,
As others have said, if cash flow is an issue, just take onger with the build. You can buy the bits as you need them. No point shelling out money you don't have for parts that just sit in the garage for months.
I'd be inclined to go for a higher spec, and take longer to build it. As others have again said, when it comes to actually buying the engine, which is one of the last things you'll do, it's very easy to decide to ge for more power. If you've skimped on drive shafts, brakes and suspension components, you'll end up having to replace them with the higher spec items later on, so it's a false economy.
To give you an idea of what you might end up with. Stig was positive that he was just going to go for a standard 350 in his, and look what he ended up with
Good luck, and don't worry about asking dumb questions. We all do. It's all part of the fun.
As others have said, if cash flow is an issue, just take onger with the build. You can buy the bits as you need them. No point shelling out money you don't have for parts that just sit in the garage for months.
I'd be inclined to go for a higher spec, and take longer to build it. As others have again said, when it comes to actually buying the engine, which is one of the last things you'll do, it's very easy to decide to ge for more power. If you've skimped on drive shafts, brakes and suspension components, you'll end up having to replace them with the higher spec items later on, so it's a false economy.
To give you an idea of what you might end up with. Stig was positive that he was just going to go for a standard 350 in his, and look what he ended up with
Good luck, and don't worry about asking dumb questions. We all do. It's all part of the fun.
james said:
Graham,
As others have said, if cash flow is an issue, just take onger with the build. You can buy the bits as you need them. No point shelling out money you don't have for parts that just sit in the garage for months.
I'd be inclined to go for a higher spec, and take longer to build it. As others have again said, when it comes to actually buying the engine, which is one of the last things you'll do, it's very easy to decide to ge for more power. If you've skimped on drive shafts, brakes and suspension components, you'll end up having to replace them with the higher spec items later on, so it's a false economy.
To give you an idea of what you might end up with. Stig was positive that he was just going to go for a standard 350 in his, and look what he ended up with
Good luck, and don't worry about asking dumb questions. We all do. It's all part of the fun.
What d'you mean? I thought my car was standard spec
Steve, might just pop in when I'm on a Southampton Plant (Fords) visit.
James, yes good point. I had every intention of leaving the Escort standard, but could'nt resist uprating it!
I'm about 40 mins from Bradwell power station that's in the process of being decomissioned...... wonder if they've sold that reactor yet!!!!!!!!
When it come to me placing my order, I'll be back to see what you guys think (too much or too little, in the wrong etc)
Graham
James, yes good point. I had every intention of leaving the Escort standard, but could'nt resist uprating it!
I'm about 40 mins from Bradwell power station that's in the process of being decomissioned...... wonder if they've sold that reactor yet!!!!!!!!
When it come to me placing my order, I'll be back to see what you guys think (too much or too little, in the wrong etc)
Graham
Graham-P said:
I've been looking here for a few months and have to say that this board is a pleasant change from some of the other car club boards.Since the Stoneleigh show this year, I have got the urge to build...
I considered Cobra's and GT40's but after seeing the Ultima at Donnington decided that this the one I will try to budget for. I've also been following the builds of BobM and James Crewe and I've read Stig's build dairy countless times!!! (excellent sites with good build tips)
Graham
I also have been on this forum for a few months, also looking at all the different sites (in the FAQ area-thanks Stig) and I am nearing the 1/4 financing of a GTR! I have been a military mechanic for several years and being employed by an auto supply store I felt that I could tackle one of these kits. However, in just the short amount of reading of the different builds and the different advise given here, it has given me a clearer sence of what is required.
Hurrah for all the owners who take the time to share thier knowledge
You all should be rewarded!
(Yes Stig, you would need a rocket ship to surpass your "standard")
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