I looked around but didn't see a thread like this. Out of all the great build threads on the forum, I thought it would be cool to put a 'must have' or 'necessary' mods thread together that people have done to their kits over the years, which would serve as a resource for new and existing owners.
Good idea, I am also interested in this and have been searching around the forum finding bits hear and there. I think it would be helpful to contain many ideas in one space and have not yet come across the place myself, though I figured it was out there somewhere. Some of the items I have come across are listed below but I am not an expert on any of this. These are not must haves but things that I see fairly commonly.
Cheap Amazon Seat Heaters
Hawk HPS brake pads
QA1 Coilovers
Heat/sound insolation along the lines of Lizard Skin
Expanded foot box
Nicer Carpet
Cobra or 13" 15+ IRS larger brakes
Trunk mod for a little extra space
These should keep you busy. Some of the results from Google. Best and quickest way to search on this (and the other) forum. From the Google prompt, enter exactly (without the quotes) "site:http://thefactoryfiveforum.com /kit mods". Replace "kit mods" with whatever search term you want for other results.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.
A real "must do" list is almost non-existent with a MKIV. But there are some nice to do items, which vary on personal taste and what you are going to do with the car.
Here is my list:
Russ Thompson turn signal and gas pedal.
Power steering
FFMetals battery box (weight in the rear where these cars need it)
Wilwood brakes - not must have for a cruiser, but I wouldn't build any other way.
Boig cooling tubes - very much a must have.
Fan shroud.
Trunk mod. I didn't do it during the build. But, I did it later so I could get my helmet in the trunk.
Heater / heated seats / wipers.
#8475 Complete Kit Delivered Nov 2014, started Nov 2015, Street Legal Apr 2016, Paint and Interior Completed Aug 2017, 390 BBF, March accessory kit, MSD Atomic EFI and Ready to run, TKO 500 with MidShift kit, hooker headers, 3 link, track lock with 3.55, sway bars, power steering, wipers, heater
Having a MKII, I've made quite a few "mods" . . . being a MKII, I rounded the cockpit edges (not required anymore on the newer models) as the first mod. Did the "Drop-Butt" mod for looks (also not required on the newer models). After that, everything was mostly for comfort - quieted the pipes a bit, installed a glove box [for the wife], swapped to newer MKIV seats, installed fresh air vents, added power outlets in various spots around the car to facilitate cell phones, GPS, Etc., moved the hand brake to the left side of the drivers seat (the Fiero Mod). I've added sun visors, wind wings and relocated the rear view mirror to the top of the windshield (for better visibility), extended both the side mirrors farther outbound for the same reason. Extended the PS footbox and added a slope to the leading edge to get rid of my heel getting caught every time I exit the car.
Mechanical mods consist of: lower radiator support rod, relocation of battery to rear of drivers side wheel well, relocate fuse block to a drop-down panel, bump-steer kit (after determining that it was needed) , bigger brakes all around (13"F, 11.65"R), Breeze LCA bushing sleeves, Breeze Rack bushings, needle bearings on the spring mounts (allows springs to rotate freely).
Next on the list of "It'll never be done" mods is: front rad opening nose aluminum, upgrade shocks to something newer then my old Pro shocks, sway bars, 3-link brace (both parts) and a Bimini top for shade.
Doc
Last edited by Big Blocker; 03-30-2018 at 07:05 PM.
FFR3712K (MKII) in Lost Wages Nevada.
5.0 w/tubular GT-40 EFI, E303 cam, Custom 4 into 4 headers, T5, 3-Link 3.73 rear. Full F5 tubular suspension. Drop Butt mod, Dash forward mod, custom foot box air vents, custom turn signal system. 13" PBR brakes, Fiero E-Brake mod, Flaming River 18:1 rack w/ F5 bump steer kit on Breeze bushings. 17" Chrome Cobra "R's" w/ 275 fronts and 315 rears. MKIV seats. FORD Royal Blue w/ Arctic White stripes.
As Dave said, the mod you simply MUST do is multiple brake reservoirs. That way if your front/rear brake hydraulics fail, the rear/front brake hydraulics remain unaffected.
I will also add that the Russ Thompson gas pedal coupled to a mechanical linkage is SUPER nice. And since no one has yet mentioned a hydraulic clutch, I will .
Here in Colorado, we all had to install secret compartments for our drugs in the past. However, that was made legal a few years back and we don't need the secret copayments anymore.
These cars are never "complete" so I focused on the modifications that would be extremely difficult to do later, after built.
- Driver/Passenger footwell expansion.
- Trunk expansion
- Battery Box
- Hood hinges, pins are such a pain!
- FFR Spindles, don't screw around w/ donors or kits.
- Modified brake pedal, few do it ... But my manual brakes feel like power assist!
Last edited by JKolbfleisch; 03-30-2018 at 06:24 PM.
Not sure how to follow a thread other than commenting so...following.
If you scroll to the top of the thread, just above the first post you will see a menu item "Thread Tools". Click on it and select "Subscribe to this Thread ...".
if you scroll to the top of the thread, just above the first post you will see a menu item "thread tools". Click on it and select "subscribe to this thread ...".
Must have mods to me means safety... one of the biggest is separate brake reservoirs. This could save your life. Every car should have this.
Next I would move the battery for shorter cables and easier access. The Breeze kit is really nice for this.
While I made the plan for my car, and while building, I tried to think Safety, Reliability, Convenience, Fun. So I have quite a few mods to meet these parameters. But the 2 above would be my biggies.
FFMetal Battery Box
Russ Thompson trun signal
Russ Thompson gas pedal
Mike Everson Under dash aluminum
Mike Everson aluminum dash trim bezel for the russ thompson turn signal
breeze fan shroud
Herb's Door panels
Mike Forte mechanical throttle linkage if not doing a coyote
hope this helps
stack
FFR MKI Roadster FFR2202K Built in 2000 sold
FFR Hot Rod #39 under construction
- If you're installing a Coyote, you need to invest in a set of 4x1x4 headers from Stainless Header (Thanks again Slider for your design on these headers)
- Also, if you're using a Coyote, you should invest in a mod program for the ECU. More commonly known as a tune.
- Herb makes some very nice door panels that others have copied. You know its a compliment when someone uses your ideas.
- The snapless tonneau cover from Kay and Phil works very well.
- Marine style cup holders in the transmission cover.
- Battery cut off switch.
- Drive shaft safety hoop.
- E brake cable routing mod.
Here are my preferences:
Must haves----
Front battery Box
Russ Thompson Turn Signals
Thermal/Sound insulation--Pick your brand preference
Heated seats
Production car quality door latches--We are developing a kit for this and should have it available in about a month
Inner door panels
Power Steering
like to haves---
Heat/Defrost/AC
Push button controls with waterproof switches
Traction control
Production Car quality interior
Rag top that doesn't look like a wart and can be quickly depolyed
Here's a few
Any battery relocating box
Recessed floor in trunk
Breeze storage cubby behind the seats and into the forward trunk area
Tangent blind roll bar attachment
Heated seats
Russ Thompson turn signal, accel pedal and dead pedal
Breeze upper and lower radiator mounts, shrouds and stainless radiator tubes
Replica parts radiator front shroud, under dash panel, turn signal bezel and shoulder belt trim
Whitby power brakes
Wilwood brakes
Power steering
LED lighting
Panic handles (passengers are always grabbing them. Don't know why.)
Console. Very handy
Triple reservoir setup for brakes and hydraulic clutch
Mechanical throttle linkage
Wheel well liners
Larger coolant recovery tank
Different side mirrors
Whitby' s windshield reinforcement pieces
XPEL protection in critical areas
Finish line bumper grommets and emblems (I especially like their steering wheel emblem)
Fire extinguisher
Custom shifter knob
Trunk lighting
Wipers
Insulation cockpit and trunk
Sill trim
Dash support ( really strengthens up the dash along with the underdash panel )
Door panels
etc etc etc the list can go on and on. That's the fun of these cars. You can do whatever YOU want.
JRL16
Mk4 delivered 4/28/16. First start 10/15/16. First gocart 11/10/16. Engine Factory 427W. 750 carb. Tremec TKO600. 2015 IRS. Power steering. Whitby power brakes. Wilwood brakes. 18" wheels. Falken tires. Sway bars front and rear. Forte hydraulic clutch and mechanical throttle linkage. Scott's Hot Rods triple reservoir. Ceramic coated headers. Gas’n sidepipes. Heated seats. Herb Fraser walnut door panels. Wipers. Console.
1. 383 Small Block Dart (Chevy Style Engine) 9.7-1 Pump Gas Friendly Compression Ratio!
2. Eagle Internally Balanced Rotating Assembly With 6" H-Beam Rods With Floating Forged Flat Tops.
3. Dart Iron Eagle 215 CC Heads with 2.05 Intake & 1.60 Exhaust Valves.
4. Harland Sharp Roller Rockers & Other Go Fast Goodies.
5. Comp Cam Extreme Energy 288 Hydraulic Roller Tappet Cam
6. Edelbrock AVS 800 Feeding A Weiand 7530 Team G Single Plane Manifold.
7. Schoenfeld IMCA Modified Headers & They Really, Really Fit, But Stuff Had To Move A Bit!
8. New Old Stock Corvette ZF 6-Speed Transmission With Hydraulic Clutch. (.75 5th & .50 6th Gear Over Drives)
9. Standard Front End Set Up With Mustang Brakes.
10. Standard 3 Link Moser TSD 500 (Dana 44 Rear) With 3.73 Gears & Explorer Brakes.
11. The wheelbase has been shortened by .875" to better center the rear wheels within the wheel arches and improve pinion angle adjustment.
12. Moved the fuse block to the passenger side of the car.
13. Marine Stereo with 4 speakers.
14. Passenger Side Custom Heater
15. Drivers & Passenger Side Foot Box Vents With Blowers
16. Lowered Dual Roll Bars.
17. 3/4" front sway bar.
18. Breeze Seat Brackets
19. Removable Steering Wheel
20. MSD Circle Track Adjustable HEI Rev Limiter
21. Custom Lower Radiator Mount Using Breeze Fan Shroud To Support The Radiator.
22. Removable Trans Tunnel Top
23. Removable Slave Cylinder Panel / Hatch
I have a local car upholsterer who is going to do my interior but he was asking about door cards. I am a LONG way off from needing them but I like to plan. What are the best options out there?
I have a local car upholsterer who is going to do my interior but he was asking about door cards. I am a LONG way off from needing them but I like to plan. What are the best options out there?
JUST checked out his site and he says he can use my leather. That is fantastic. It feels forever away, but I've already upped my delivery date once. We shall see.
JUST checked out his site and he says he can use my leather. That is fantastic. It feels forever away, but I've already upped my delivery date once. We shall see.
His turn around time is pretty quick and he has done a few sales in the last year. I got mine during his 2017 Father's Day sale. If you don't need them right away, you may want to hold off until his next sale. They can be installed at any time and aren't needed during the build.
JUST checked out his site and he says he can use my leather. That is fantastic. It feels forever away, but I've already upped my delivery date once. We shall see.
I had him do mine in my leather during his most recent sale. Had the panels back in less than 2 weeks, and he had a bunch to do. Just let him know what you want to do and he'll tell ya how many pieces he needs and what size. I wont be installing mine for another few months... but they look great!!
Re-contour the top of the doors (while in for body work and paint) to give 1.5 more inches of shoulder room (3 inches more cockpit space). Provides a roomy feel with much more comfort and looks like it was designed that way.
Mark IV -- 04 Mach1 Donor -- 4.6 DOHC -- TKO 600 -- 3:55 Gears -- 3 Link - Hydroboost PS & PB -- 13" PBR's Front & 11.65's Rear -- Cuesta Wiring -- Thompson Signals -- FFR Radiator, heater, wipers, and catalytic converters -- Metco DS safety loop -- Forte 7/8" front bar -- VPM 3/4" rear bar -- Champ road race pan -- Corbeau A4 Seats -- Nitto NT-05's on 17 x 9's.
I had him do mine in my leather during his most recent sale. Had the panels back in less than 2 weeks, and he had a bunch to do. Just let him know what you want to do and he'll tell ya how many pieces he needs and what size. I wont be installing mine for another few months... but they look great!!
Wow those do look great. Similar color to what I'm going for on the interior too. I saw your Gokart video the other day Boyd. Sounds soooooo good.
His turn around time is pretty quick and he has done a few sales in the last year. I got mine during his 2017 Father's Day sale. If you don't need them right away, you may want to hold off until his next sale. They can be installed at any time and aren't needed during the build.
I will do exactly that. Putting it on the calendar now
Wow those do look great. Similar color to what I'm going for on the interior too. I saw your Gokart video the other day Boyd. Sounds soooooo good.
Thanks. I had the waterproof cover on the GoPro, so it didnt even really get the sound too well. It sounds much better in person.
I got my leather from The Leather Hide Store. Called Grey Paradise. Bought 1 full hide and it was more than enough. Allowed for 1 full screwup on the dash, then did the dash, switch panel, both door panels and the center console. Still have some left over to maybe make some more pockets, detail stuff, etc.
Secret side note... going to do the body stripes in the same color grey, only metallic...
1. 383 Small Block Dart (Chevy Style Engine) 9.7-1 Pump Gas Friendly Compression Ratio!
2. Eagle Internally Balanced Rotating Assembly With 6" H-Beam Rods With Floating Forged Flat Tops.
3. Dart Iron Eagle 215 CC Heads with 2.05 Intake & 1.60 Exhaust Valves.
4. Harland Sharp Roller Rockers & Other Go Fast Goodies.
5. Comp Cam Extreme Energy 288 Hydraulic Roller Tappet Cam
6. Edelbrock AVS 800 Feeding A Weiand 7530 Team G Single Plane Manifold.
7. Schoenfeld IMCA Modified Headers & They Really, Really Fit, But Stuff Had To Move A Bit!
8. New Old Stock Corvette ZF 6-Speed Transmission With Hydraulic Clutch. (.75 5th & .50 6th Gear Over Drives)
9. Standard Front End Set Up With Mustang Brakes.
10. Standard 3 Link Moser TSD 500 (Dana 44 Rear) With 3.73 Gears & Explorer Brakes.
11. The wheelbase has been shortened by .875" to better center the rear wheels within the wheel arches and improve pinion angle adjustment.
12. Moved the fuse block to the passenger side of the car.
13. Marine Stereo with 4 speakers.
14. Passenger Side Custom Heater
15. Drivers & Passenger Side Foot Box Vents With Blowers
16. Lowered Dual Roll Bars.
17. 3/4" front sway bar.
18. Breeze Seat Brackets
19. Removable Steering Wheel
20. MSD Circle Track Adjustable HEI Rev Limiter
21. Custom Lower Radiator Mount Using Breeze Fan Shroud To Support The Radiator.
22. Removable Trans Tunnel Top
23. Removable Slave Cylinder Panel / Hatch
24. Forgot I that I bought a pair of killer door panels from Sir Gumball and at a fantastic price I must add.
3. Russ T: Trunk Kit (is the hoop conversion kit listed the right one to order, I have this pic and think it is called the drop box but cant find on his website)
? Question: As for the Triple CNC Reservoir Setup, I had planned to get from Forte's, but his site redesign made my link break. Anyone have a link to proper triple reservoirs?
Then there is the choice between a couple brands:
1. Koolmat from Breeze (pre-cut but pricey) vs Thermo-Tec and Jazzman's cardboard template method
2. Radiator pipes for Coyote from Boig or Breeze
Call or email Russ for the drop trunk kit - I just did. It is NOT the Mk3 hoop conversion kit, that was something else not relevant to the Mk4.
Mk4 #8861 Complete kit. Delivered: 27 Apr 2016, currently a roller.
Gen-2 Coyote, clutch, TKO600, midshift, and solid axle from Forte. Many pieces from Breeze and Replicarparts.
After I ordered my kit, I called Breeze with my specs. He emailed me a list of "improvements" that would fit with my particular build and an explanation on each of why. Other than that, I ordered the drop trunk and turn signal from Russ Thompson, full LED lights from Watson's, and roll bar wedge kit from Tangent. This is not the cheapest way to go I'm sure but they are all forum sponsors and know what works.
MkIV complete kit #9259, Coyote, TKO600, IRS, Wilwoods x 4, many parts from Breeze, Forte, Russ's Garage and North Racecars
17" Bullit style wheels, custom Kirkey seats, mid shift conversion, drop trunk, KRC power steering, Forte Hyd. clutch and slave, manual brakes
overall build plan: build it to drive, not polish and black it out wherever possible, paint will be some shade of dark cherry
Thanks: 
Likes: 
Reply With Quote
. 
Originally Posted by GFX2043mtu
