Why I turned down $400k for my Honda-Swapped Ferrari - Q&A

You guys asked, and I've got answers!
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Last but not least, check out the rest of the gang that helps to make this project happen:
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www.rywire.com
www.rsfuture.com
www.csfrace.com
www.garrettmotion.com
www.turbosmart.com
www.vibrantperformance.com
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - Alright, so... $400,000?
02:30 - On that note, what did the build cost?
03:12 - Why did you destroy a perfect car for your build?
04:40 - What spare parts are you taking to Australia?
05:36 - Top 5 tips for someone
looking to start their first in-depth build?
06:46 - Which aspect of the car are
you most worried about failing?
07:41 - What matters more?
Building or driving?
09:04 - What happened to the Ferrari’s rear diffuser?
09:42 - Will the car ever go to the Nurburgring?
10:20 - "What's your next major tool purchase?"
11:36 - Can we say "hi" at WTAC?

[@timgosling6189]

As a long-term Ferrari owner, and previous 308 owner, I believe your car is a fantastic job. You started with a clean example of the worst 308 model from that dire period when emissions were more important than performance and have created from it a serious performance car with a stunning enhancement of the classic Pininfarina shape. Just brilliant!

[@pietrolofria2100]

I love it too. What's interesting is that Ferrari's 208 is a turbocharged four-cylinder example as well, and I would love to see one done in the same vain.

[@timgosling6189]

@@pietrolofria2100 the Ferrari 208 was actually still a V8, both naturally aspirated and turbo.

[@pietrolofria2100]

@@timgosling6189 ah yes, of course. 208 meaning a two liter V8. I can't believe I forgot that. Although, Ferrari does have a 4 cylinder in the stable for years past. Look up the Admiral's Ferrari 500 Mondial. You won't regret it.

[@timgosling6189]

@@pietrolofria2100 Yes Ferrari had a few 4s, straight 6s and V8s in their racing cars. Enzo wanted what would work best, so I think the concept of this build is right on.

[@capichow]

Absolutely 💯 Awesome comment 🏆

[@OddBawZ]

01:08 - That moment you realize you should have said $800,000 and built two more.

[@jowarrior]

Or 2 million

[@787mandy]

@@jowarrior😂

[@Low760]

But then you have to build another one. Nah.

[@fungalcoffee]

Would have said 400 million

[@hugenerd8994]

Surprised to see you here Odd!

[@derekcraig3617]

only 191k subscribers. what? people are silly. One of the best youtube car build channels out there

[@oler777]

I get you turned down $400,000 but hear me out I’ve got $20 a ham sandwich and I’ll give you a high five

[@User-ghcwvouvmgs]

"Extra cheese? 🥺"

[@andyMutale]

Sounds like a solid offer , assuming the extra cheese

[@G_Ozare]

Damn HUGE respect for you Mike for not taking the 400K. Like you said, no matter who you are, that amount is life changing. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to ever question your passion for this.

[@KalEltv-mw5ky]

I would have sold it. Used the money to buy kit like the CNC machine and built another one of the same car but better as I had learnt so much and with better equipment.

[@stanceworks]

@KalEltv-mw5ky, I think if I am patient, I can have the car *and* a CNC machine. I don't want to build another 308... it's time to build something else! And with the sale of the Model A, I can do just that.

[@stophdoggy6625]

Welcome to “Down Under” 😊 watch out for the Red Back and Funnel Webb spiders. Hope to say hi (or at least cheer as you speed past)😂

[@connoisseuroftigolbitts]

@@stanceworks how many replicas would you be able to build with $400k and a $5k motor? I assume plenty

[@tebohoquincymbongo2863]

Please auction off your cars from now on your quality of work speaks for itself.

[@SLYDIT]

ANOTHER PIECE OF ADVICE WHEN STARTING A PROJECT.... DONT buy up lots of random parts like ECUs or blow off valves etc until you need them. So many people spend thousands on parts that end up sitting on a shelf then the project stalls

[@DC5Daily]

As someone who has a TON of manufacturing experience, I would highly recommended looking into buying a used VMC, not a cheaper office mill like the ones you mentioned. For a little more money you can find something with better accuracy, repeatability, and all around more capable. As much as a lot of us like to poo-poo them in the industry, even a used Haas VMC would be better than a light duty Tormach, especially when it comes to anything automotive related. I bought my lightly used one-owner Hurco for $1500 and I've been able to make short work machining materials like 17-4ph. For around $15k you could find something pretty nice with a CAT40 spindle and some actual cojones. 😊👍

[@Onlooker71]

As a fan who has watched this build from the start, I’d support whatever decision you made about selling. It’s absolutely worth $400,000 and it’s also a labor of love. Either way, I’ve had a blast watching this.

[@cencio_1976]

Mike said he put more than 5,000 man hours on this car. If you lowball the labor to $100 per hour, you've already reached half mil, without the car and parts.

[@trahar6257]

It’s defiantly worth the money for the right buyer but he would lose so much from just KZbin income by selling now it doesn’t make sense

[@archeryfool172]

Agreed

[@DannysGarage]

For the 5 tips for starting your first build, I'd like to add a #6: don't build your only car. Make sure you have something else to drive so you can just finish the build correctly without rushing it.

[@nicovanos]

400K seems like a fair price for such a unique famous car.

[@RogueViirus12]

Personal CNC machine is on my bucket list as well. Probably wouldn't get as much usage out of it as you, but I definitely get the desire.

[@MelonTL_YH2]

Watching what Mike builds, CNC machine is a lot of horsepower for what Mike currently does but I understand the step up in craftsmanship. I think a normal plasma cutter table will avoid all the sending parts and waiting to be cut from send cut send..Gingium fabricates in the spot after drawing up similar designs as Mike, things that need to be folded and boxed in welded.

[@aserta]

Pocket NC. It's not the world's biggest, in fact it's the smallest, but considering what it does... it's worth at least an eye. So pop that name in KZbin and see if it fits your bill. I have one, using it for in situ work, and after four years, i've nothing bad to say about it other than that you have to know what its limits are - i use a large slab of cast iron (a former lapping block) to make it more stable.

[@Nick210]

Besides the 11 year olds in the comments who have no idea how the world works, I don’t think a single person would have been mad if you got $400k for it.

[@ChaosPootato]

Ferrari doesn't deserve their customers "respecting" their products, your build is awesome

[@slashwhatever]

I know YOU know this already but it's still worth repeating; your Ferrari build is EXTRAordinary. The love and care applied by you to every detail from brackets to body kit to that pant-wettingly beautiful decal kit, it's a monument to what you can achieve when you have enough passion, enough patience and enough grit to work through each challenge.

[@nicksalzke9729]

So excited to come see you and the car next weekend!!! Never imagined I'd get to see the car in Australia when you first started the build, watched every video along the way and can't believe I'll get to see it in person! Thanks for all the effort Mike!

[@michaelrodrigues4662]

You car is a work of art and I’m surprised it only took two years. Even at $400K I think you underestimate cost of having a shop replicate your car. Up in NorCal, where the labor rates are higher I wouldn’t be surprised if the build would cost $600-$700K. I know it’s a different kettle of fish but look at what Singers are going for and the various restomods built in the UK.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@derekkuehn]

Mike needs a Desktop Metal sponsorship! Get this man some machines.

[@jackkirmond9587]

Unfortunately I cant make the 12hr drive trip from Melb to Sydney this year. I hope you have an amazing trip and meet some amazing fans of your AMAZING 308. To those that dare to question why you would build such a car? you clearly have no concept of the true passion needed to be a true automotive fan. Mike I love the car and admire what you are doing.

[@nismospek]

I know this car is what really brought you a lot of viewers but that is a ton of money that can help you grow even more.

[@shanehiggins3033]

I look forward to seeing you and Home Built by Jeff, side by side. My two favorite builds for the last couple years now. I had to leave the states for an over-seas job in Naples italy, so I'm not gonna be able to come see you in Australia. Sorry Boss

[@dirtyharrie]

Ah, one of my favorite times of the week. Good luck in Australia Mike!

[@Vgk36]

Have fun bro. You earned it. Relax and take it all in. I hope you get a sponsor for a cnc that would be dope. 12:43

[@sunsetgarage755]

Looking forward to seeing this up close @ SMSP next week! This has been a big inspiration for my personal project, & particularly the sheer amount of fabrication involved when there’s not many off the shelf parts available. Wishing you the best of luck & a memorable experience in Australia 🇦🇺!

[@MrCaprinut]

If you go to the ring, let Micha drive it after you have done some laps! He really can make a car shine!

[@jonnytoast]

I say let Misha Charoudin show him around the track first in whatever, even the 308, or whatever. Either way they Def need to do a collaboration I agree. It would be one of the best racing videos on KZbin for both of them. We need to find a way to make this happen.

[@etwoodson213]

I think this car will be more competitive than you think. Knowing what you’ve put into it and with rs future and will helping out all 3 of you guys build nothing but top notch vehicles. Looking forward to watching you learn the car and progress with it!

[@stanceworks]

The car might be competitive, but I don't think I will be. I'm still really new to the car and cautious while driving it.

[@foamdataservices]

@@stanceworksWho knows, maybe the car will inspire you to spend equal time driving the Ferrari and building the next project, making you a better driver in the process. We would all watch you race it or time attack it and enjoy the progress.

[@aserta]

@@stanceworks Hijacking the comment to let you know about a trick, you can test new cars by putting them on vibration test jigs. See if you can't get time by partnering up with someone (and this is purely for example, off google) like kokusaiusa. Best of luck down under!

[@stevenhurley9540]

HELLYEAHBR0THER!!!!! Stoked to see that this is finally happening for you dude! been following this build since probably episode 6 or so, ever since you were on the revival motoring podcast! Its been such a long and intense journey and I'm glad to see everything come together for you buddy! cant wait to see the video showing your experience and the other projects in the future

[@christianwright5479]

Good luck in Australia mate, hope all your hard work pays off. Have a great time

[@CodyRobertEly]

I don’t know who your typical subscribers are but if you got an offer like that and you accepted it, that’s a huge success and something to be proud of.

[@witchcraftauto]

Most people build their own cars because they love it and secondly it sometimes starts off because if you don't have the money you have the time and that can counter set the cost, and if people can do what you do with the level of fabrication and welding then it can further set the cost, however nobody builds a car outright because its less expensive because no project car is cost effect! We are petrol heads because we love it.

[@ssoffshore5111]

Best of luck! Is there a link to a live feed or anything for the event?

[@altforce44]

Your advice on the build, and what it takes, is spot on. I built a tribute to the Camaro Gary Busey drove in the film The Gumball Rally. What it took to build is EXACTLY what you say it takes to build the car of your dreams. It took me 13.5 years from a unibody sitting on a homemade car dolly and two pickup loads of parts to completion (and it's badass). And + or - $60,000. In the beginning, I had thought about $30k. I REALLY appreciate what you do, what you're capable of, and love the videos. Oh, and I love this friggin Ferrari.

[@adoksym]

If you ever come to Germany please consider doing a meet and greet. The Nürburgring isn't that far away from me and I would love to pay a visit! All the best!

[@Treacherous_One]

I was one of the early commenters giving you hell over cutting up a pristine example. I'm a fan of epic car build, but I have a soft spot for pristine clean examples of classics. that said. i have on several occasions ate my words and have given credit where its do on an amazing build. your explanation of "getting more 308s on the road with your take offs" has a ton of merit. so again. I was wrong, job well done. give it hell in AU. best of luck

[@thomasshepherd9966]

Love your content and more importantly the attention to detail of your builds. Massive inspiration. Good luck in Aus

[@benchenzo]

Awesome build! Enjoyed the journey!

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Just watched you on the WTA live stream, was really awesome to see you there. Shame about the transmission, such a beautiful project.

[@LucidFX.]

Great video, first one of yours i have seen and, sorry, i haven't watched all your vids but what Honda engine do you have in there?

[@JoshTHankins]

Dude! Thanks for being an inspiration! And pushing people!

[@plmarshall30]

Dude, good luck and have some fun! I have been watching this build since day 1. I am guessing there are people watching this episode that have connections or pull and they can spread your channel and these big companies can sponsor you for a CNC machine or a trip to the Nurburgring! Good luck and we'll catch ya when you are at WTAC.

[@Mike_Costello]

Hi from Brisbane Australia. I won't be at the event but I hope you have the most amazing experience no matter how it pans out on the track. The Ferrari and your other builds are art work. All the best and hopefully you knock it out of the park or, as we say here, knock one for six!

[@scott2183]

I like these Q&A videos. It's a chance to see some of the business side of the build and your channel.

[@Myfaceurassistance]

I love seeing what one man can do left to his own ideas. You’ve done a great job my friend.

[@magnuspersson2468]

you are spot on with not selling, and the other stuff as well. huge respect. I really enjoyed this series.

[@Pstaines439]

Great episode, thanks Mike. I wish I could make it over to Australia from NZ for the racing. Good luck and enjoy the trip!

[@JoshuaStacey782]

I've been following the build since the start, never thought I'd be able to see it in person but I'll be road tripping my S52 E30 from Brisbane down to WTAC. Super keen and glad you didn't sell it.

[@Slamgod]

Best of luck down under, all! What a build! Safe travels, and looking forward to the next video! Go get 'em boys!!!!!

[@gerekappo]

Freaking happy for you brother! Love your content. Building dreams. I have a project I will execute at some point. Working for it!

[@thundercockize]

I think you nailed every question with fantastic replies. Especially the reason why you turned down the sale! For love and respect of the process and to see your project all the way through to enjoy the Hell out of it! Beautiful car, Congratulations Gentleman!!🤘

[@somdood3292]

one more tip for any build is learn to have patience..... say sometimes you just paint something and it looks so awesome that you cant wait to put it back together, teaching yourself self restraint not to touch it until its completely dry might save you from having redo it.... i struggle with this one

[@_BROJAS]

Love this guy and his mindset. Projects are unreal!

[@Adam151082]

I absolutely love your videos and style, the story telling is next level 👌🏼

[@boosted242]

Great video!!! That motivates to continue with my volvo 242. Joined your discord! Be well! Love what you do!

[@Beezy_Builds]

Proud of you man!

[@andywest1788]

This was a good video. Love your channel! 👏

[@Yulla_mx5]

Can’t wait to see it in Sydney next week!

[@jdwxly]

The Q&A was great! Good luck and have a great time in Australia!

[@Staffma]

I have a Tormach 770M which is a pretty decent machine. Doing it again I would have definitely gone to a Tormach 1100M or MX which is their largest machine. Not that the 770M is not good but once you start machining you will always want to go bigger work and faster speeds. The 1100MX is really the last stop of " prosumer" machines before you get into things like needing 3 phase current, etc. I am very interested in the Langmuir MR1 (I also have their small plasma table) but it is very new to the market where as tormach has been around for a while. If you have 3 phase power and space it also might be worth looking into a used industrial cnc as they have a lot more ridgitiy, power, features etc.

[@depthsounderdave]

Agree! I have a 440 and after all the tooling, tool changer, etc the incremental cost for a 1100MX wouldn't be that painful.

[@Staffma]

@@depthsounderdave Agreed, the tooling always gets you! Not to mention a toolchanger is 5K for the tormach!

[@Journey_Awaits]

It’s good to hear the original parts were sold on instead of getting dumped, it’s one thing to modify a car but to throw parts away would be true disrespect.

[@kclewell]

Godspeed in Australia Mike.

[@hotrodporsche996]

Can't wait to see more!

[@ccarmichael]

one of, if not the nicest and creative build on YT in the past few years. congrats and good luck! respect from Toronto CDN.

[@therealzitrus]

that is genuinely one of the cleanest looking cars I think I've ever seen

[@Billyspacerocket]

So happy for you!!! Have fun down under 😎😎

[@ericjohnson2335]

Have a great time down under! Stay safe. Good luck!

[@rjung_ch]

Have a ton of fun! Love to hear how the AUS folks love it. 👍💪✌

[@MattClare1]

Huge fan of @stanceWorks and this build AND @StuffMadeHere. Great to hear the 10:55 shoutout!

[@properteaproperty]

The car looks incredible.. Respect to you talent and vision

[@mikestevens3695]

u do it with a passion, that's the best.

[@rroche0123]

Can't wait to see this awesome car in the flesh, see you in Aus Mike! Well done!

[@stevenhunter5799]

A good man creating great projects! Bravo!!

[@thenotsonicecanuck]

Tormach CNC mills are super user friendly and easy for beginners. I’m a supervisor in the machine shop of a local college and we have 2 of them and I love using them. Now that being said, they’re not the biggest baddest machines ever made and you’ve got to help them out every once in awhile by taking smaller cuts than what you would need to do on an old school Bridgeport manual machine. But for the price point and ease of use, you can’t beat it for a CNC machine.

[@joshdarnell6207]

I'd say that your car is worth more than the 400k ...just my opinion...your build quality is top notch!!!

[@tollefreyerson6710]

Awesome episode!!! WTA is going to be epic for you and the SW 308! Good luck!! Be safe!!!

[@ECitta]

I'll be at WTAC next week bright and early for bump in with my car. After watching the Ferrari build for so many years, I'm keen to see it in person and hopefully meet you as well.

[@lanceward540]

Send cut send is shaking in its boots seeing you wanting a cnc lmao

[@bamboosho0t]

While not nearly on the same level, I have a project car I've developed for 10 years. They're getting to be hard to find, but around $5k. But I was offered $60k for mine and also said no. I worked too hard on that car, thousands of hours and rare parts I could never source again without spending 3-5x what I originally paid. Sometimes things don't have a price. Kudos.

[@NathanaelNaused]

What kind of car?

[@longjohn77]

​@@NathanaelNaused1991 ford tempo gl

[@geoffwatches]

Loved the q&a mate, good luck down under!

[@4230Steef]

Amazing build!

[@shawncoetzee2431]

See you next weekend dude! Best of luck!

[@toastrecon]

I may be the only one, but I wouldn't have been mad at all if you'd have sold it. I know you'd take that money and start or build something different or better. Having restored a few old cars, I know for me, the restoration is the most fun part. The driving of the car is great and all, but the build is what is the puzzle and the challenge.

[@coolissimo69]

Good luck Bro, for the race.

[@collinwiedel]

Turned a turd into a diamond. Honestly, I’m a new viewer. Seeing you work is genuinely like watching a ballet. Your videos have given me huge inspiration to make strides on my boosted rx-8. I can barley make a basic drop bracket for an oil thermostat, but seeing you create seat brackets and sway bar adjustment lever mounts is truly BEAUTIFUL. I hope that one day I can shake your hand and show you what I’ve made, although it will probably never compare to anything you’ve laid hands on :)

[@adrianreyno1]

I have watched the 244 GTK build from day one when you aired it on KZbin. You did an amazing, solid build. I have my fingers crossed that you will do great at the time attack and that you, plus the Ferrari will make it back safely home. I hope to see the Audi build episode soon. God bless.

[@user-wl7xi3ej9h]

Completely hand built and one of a kind car for $400k? Hell of a steal for the buyer.

[@cameroncmuller]

Mate! Can't wait to see the car next weekend!

[@coryholbrook4643]

He forgot a very important bit of advice. Don’t try to do it on the cheap. You WILL be buying again, probably the expensive part you wanted first. Buy once, cry once. Buy the good stuff the first time

[@NathanaelNaused]

*This* I can't tell you how much this helped in my own projects

[@benzina5917]

The livery should add at least 100K :)

[@kevincrocker8206]

Hope the trip is successful

[@QuickQuips]

Doing another one may be a good idea now you've gotten the experience and process down. But knowing your labor is worth so much must give you satisfaction.

[@eagle4226]

that was very motivating thank you man

[@maxanstine1139]

Good luck at WTAT! Kick some butt!

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I think that this is an example of you gaining value by putting miles on it, given how those miles are going to be driven. I hope that when you do sell it, it will be to someone who'll race it!

[@jforden78]

Good luck in Australia!

[@j.d.8593]

Mike with a CNC machine and a Plasma Table at his shop would be a force to be reckoned with! Can't even imagine all the wild stuff he wold create! 😂

[@155stw]

Fantastic driving. Would love. 2L but the 1750 is ok for me now! Is the 156 a 2L turbo? I reckon he has nothing less than 350 bhp.

[@timmason5230]

Thanks Mike! Looking forward to seeing the ferrari ripping around SMSP

[@HanKamiBeats]

Damn, I miss just looking at the 244... Absolutely love this thing!

[@channghiem5012]

Hey Big guy, what are you gonna use to data log your laps? brake force applied? supension travel per lap ? look forward to your input!

[@airgunningyup]

since you can already draw, CNC work would come pretty easy for you.. CAM takes a minute to learn , but its a lot of common sense for 3 axis work. Were it me , id get something with an ATC , changing tools manually gets old fast because you cannot multitask while the parts are running.

[@ERICK4431]

You are an artist my friend and there is no price or amount of money to your work, at least not now maybe in a few years after you enjoyed it enough, love you work brother!!! 🙌