Coupe specific needed mods

[QSL]

We are finishing up our roadster and seriously considering the coupe next. I know they are simular but i would like to know of any certain issues or modifications we should expect. We plan on IRS rear, 351 w. webers and a auto trans. This car will be for my wife.

What auto trans fits with the least amount of modification? do any work with the FF driveshafts?

thanks.

[Pedalmasher]

Mike - I think you need to use a salvaged 4wd Explorer as the donor vehicle - pull the entire drivetrain, shorten the driveshaft, and you have an all-wheel drive Coupe!!

Come on - it'll just be a little more work... I'll help!!!!

DV

[QSL]

We or should i say JULIE is not up to that task She is on her own with this build.

[tirod]

Nothing wrong with using an Explorer for a donor. It's likely that there will be more fitment issues with an automatic than it being a Coupe. They can be a bit wider, the overall height can be less, tho.

Webers - nice touch, great for looks. Cubic dollars will get them installed and tuned, it will likely take some dyno runs or more than a few tweaks to get them running. EFI might be a better choice - if - you use an aftermarket set up with the factory parts, like an Edelbrock ProFlow XT, or others. The issue is really hood clearance with factory manifolds, along with them being just as unsuitable for a warmed up motor as the old crossflows were under a small four barrel. Another specific is to avoid a low vacuum camshaft, they don't pull enough air to let the EFI meter at idle well. But then again, neither do carbs - we just thought it was cool to listen to them choke up and stumble. It's what old school extreme tune motors did.

I'm no expert - just researching until money is saved - most of the fitment issues center on the body being a hardtop, and that it doesn't just drop over the frame. Side to side fit, door opening, and door fitment are called out specifically as being much more detailed and intense than a roadster. Another issue - back glass or plexi, how it fits, and seals.

Brakes seem to be subject of a lot of discussion, with one camp saying donor brakes are ok, and another saying theyre just an accident waiting to happen. Apparently roadster or coupe, having dual piston rear calipers is a big improvement in balance and performance.

One major advantage the coupe has is climate control - it's got a roof and doors with windows. Not with the finesse of a Town Car, but nonetheless, and why I chose it - bad weather. That means working wipers, which some find problematic to install. Also getting really tightened up seams and a good firewall seal, plus a working heater, and by a lot of accounts, working A/C for summer cruising. It's 103 in SW MO as I type this, and that's the forecast for the next 8 days. Hmm. A bit out of the ordinary, but really, a quick run to the store on a 85 degree day for milk in a car notorious for it's lack of fresh air circulation is something to keep in mind. Race car designers tend to gloss over stuff like a windshield base mounted cowl air intake for the interior. They'd rather use that high pressure spot for the engine.

There's also the roll cage bar locations, don't smack your head getting over the high sill. The seating location may need to be lower to get head room, especially if a helmet is worn.

And then there's the entire point of why the coupe was created at all - it goes 40mph faster than an equivalent roadster. Prepare to get your doors blown off in a husband and wife track event.

[QSL]

We have already tackled the weber issue on our roadster. We love it! Thats why the coupe will need them too!

To be a bit more specific, we are looking at the full kit, IRS, wilwood front and rears, AC/heater.

No track days

[xlr8or]

For a street coupe most of the mods are going to be for cosmetics and comfort. I would suggest you do go to power brakes and power rack and pinion for Julie. It will make it much more fun for her to drive. Without that it will be a bit of a pain in parking lots and take more leg to stop quickly.
Definitely get the glass hatch, put in a cabin divider for A/C efficiency and insulate the hell out of it.

[QSL]

do you guys know if the wilwood package FF offers can work with power brakes? i dont see why not, but for some reason i remember seeing an issue?

[RobbieD]

Not sure about that, but I really don't think power brakes are needed. We have the Wilwood set up Gordon sells with no power and I like the feel of them. progressive, solid and great feel.

I do have power steering however... That I would do.

Just sayin'

[QSL]

we dont have power brakes or steering on the roadster and so far i love how it feels. but may be too much for julie. Only problem is she cant drive manual. but we talked about rolling her down the hill so she can feel them LOL

[1cobra]

Hi,
I put in power brakes, best mod ever. Power steering isn't a must but parking it would help, also the leather wheel is alot better than the wood one.
I measured and was thinking of an AOD as I have a bad back. I would move the engine forward 1 1/2" by switching the engine mounts side to side and making a bracket for the trans mount.
I put in AC and it's OK, I don't use it as I like to drive with the side windows out and might take the compressor and lines off next winter.
I put in a fully tinted windshield as it looks 10 times better than the plain one F5 sends.
Good Luck,
Perry.

[QSL]

I have FF quoting the following.

Complete Kit
substitute for leather wheel
gauge delete
IRS upgrade
Front and Rear wilwood package
High back seats
351 headers
carpet kit
AC/Heat kit
Cut outs
Floor mats
Coupe cover
remote terminals

[RobbieD]

Originally Posted by QSL

I have FF quoting the following.

Complete Kit
substitute for leather wheel
gauge delete
IRS upgrade
Front and Rear wilwood package
High back seats
351 headers
carpet kit
AC/Heat kit
Cut outs
Floor mats
Coupe cover
remote terminals

Not sure, but the carpet kit wasn't 'complete' for ours. it doesn't get everywhere including the back. We ended up having a local guy do the interior and used a LOT better material than what F5 uses. Same thing with the head liner. Thet grey color was ugly anyway, we wanted black.

We didn't get the floor mats, I wasn't sure if I'd like them as we built the car for auto-x mostly.

I think your list looks good to me. Keep in mind there are a zillion little details that people do to make the car fit them...

[QSL]

Yea, not totally sure on the carpet, but atleast you can use them as templates. Better then making them from scratch i guess.

Believe me, i know there will be plenty more to buy. Everytime i say, "i think thats the last large purchase we need to complete the roadster" we end up ordering another $500 in stuff. Originally our budget was 32k or so and i know we have spent over 50k but i cant tell you for sure. We dont even keep the reciepts unless they are for something large like the motor.

[Roger Dieter]

I agree with Robbie, forget the carpet kit. Half the pieces had to be trimmed anyway. The rear side pieces aren't included, or were missing. The headlined leaves something to be desired. Use the cost towards good stuff done correctly.

[QSL]

ok guys will skip that one. appreciate it!

[CJBergquist]

Make sure you order "aluminum panels that fit" or you will get what I got!

On a more serious note, I agree, go with the 302...stroke it if you want. I have a 351 and the height has not been a problem but the headers are within 1/2" of the foot boxes...it's going to be hot...and everything from 351 core to the distributor to intake were more expensive...and less variety too.

[QSL]

Thanks for the tips guys. I am actually changing the build to a 302 base. It will be plenty for julie plus i dont want any issues with fitment. The 351 in the roadster was a tight fit.