Factory Five build cars
Factory Five build cars
I am considering dorking around with a GTM or a MK4 or maybe the 818. Anyone on the forum actually build one, used one or driven one? Not sure a BH would ever argue that a supercar is frugal, but, if you were to actually get one and be a BH, this seems like the most frugal way of doing it. Anyway, anyone know anything about them or have any real experience?
Thanks!
Bampf
Thanks!
Bampf
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
Do you want to build one? Have the mechanical skill to do so? The space? The time?
If you’re simply trying to save my money, this is the wrong approach. You can buy an assembled FF car for far less than the time/money you’ll spend on building yourself. You do it yourself because that’s your passion.
If you’re simply trying to save my money, this is the wrong approach. You can buy an assembled FF car for far less than the time/money you’ll spend on building yourself. You do it yourself because that’s your passion.
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Re: Factory Five build cars
Have you considered Caterham 7? The former hosts of Top Gear assembled a running example in less than a day.
Understand that choosing an HDHP is very much a "red pill" approach. Most would rather pay higher premiums for a $20 copay per visit. They will think you weird for choosing an HSA.
- lthenderson
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Re: Factory Five build cars
Never built one... yet but I have watched many videos of others doing so on Youtube. Here is one for the GTM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSHwaxRIfuA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSHwaxRIfuA
Re: Factory Five build cars
There was (maybe still is) a fellow in South Florida who copied the Lotus Super 7 blueprints and built a tube frame knock-off using Chevy 150 pickup running gear throughout. Said he could buy spare parts at any junk yard for pennies. The ones he built were used for autocross events so not street legal and I'd be a bit reluctant to drive one on the street here, too many street crazies in a hard to see car.motorcyclesarecool wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 5:41 am Have you considered Caterham 7? The former hosts of Top Gear assembled a running example in less than a day.
Re: Factory Five build cars
Not trying to save money. I have the space. I don't know if I have the skills to assemble it, but, I would imagine I do. Will go to their build school first if I decide to do it. The time? Meh. It can take a year or two. Yes, I could buy a gtm assembled for $100K or more. But, I don't want to spend that kind of money on it. If I do the GTM it is about $50K all in and probably a year of nights and weekends and it would be fun. Probably. Done one? Or something like one?strafe wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 5:18 am Do you want to build one? Have the mechanical skill to do so? The space? The time?
If you’re simply trying to save my money, this is the wrong approach. You can buy an assembled FF car for far less than the time/money you’ll spend on building yourself. You do it yourself because that’s your passion.
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
Watched it about a dozen times. It looks like fun but there is only one (or two) of me. Little worried about the amount of bodywork (totally not interested in that). The mechanicals however look super fun.lthenderson wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 10:41 am Never built one... yet but I have watched many videos of others doing so on Youtube. Here is one for the GTM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSHwaxRIfuA
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
bampf wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 11:04 amNot trying to save money. I have the space. I don't know if I have the skills to assemble it, but, I would imagine I do. Will go to their build school first if I decide to do it. The time? Meh. It can take a year or two. Yes, I could buy a gtm assembled for $100K or more. But, I don't want to spend that kind of money on it. If I do the GTM it is about $50K all in and probably a year of nights and weekends and it would be fun. Probably. Done one? Or something like one?strafe wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 5:18 am Do you want to build one? Have the mechanical skill to do so? The space? The time?
If you’re simply trying to save my money, this is the wrong approach. You can buy an assembled FF car for far less than the time/money you’ll spend on building yourself. You do it yourself because that’s your passion.
I have built two 'homebuilt' kit cars over the years (neither FF cars) - they take longer than you think and cost about twice as much as the initial budget.
Being a corvette enthusiast as well I have been in a few GTM's and here are some thoughts....
- if you are at or over 6'2" it will be very tight
- if you atre of generous proportions it will be too tight
- they can typically be bought used between $40K and $60K if you are a bit patient
- the body and finish/detail work is more than 50% of the build on kit cars
- evaluate your states rules and costs on homebuilts before you engage in a project (NY was not friendly or easy)
Good luck and have fun if you take this road...
Re: Factory Five build cars
I was afraid of that. The web says 6'3 (I am 6'4). I am not overly generously proportioned but, I am definitely tall. Which leads me to the 818 or the mk4. WRT body work. Sigh. That would be the thing that prevents me from doing it. OK. Good tips and I really appreciate the response. Very helpful.
Thanks!
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
It is also how you are built rather than just your height - if you have more of your height from the soles of your feet to the back of your 'rear' while sitting down you will have more problems at 6'2" then others - let alone 6'4".bampf wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 11:54 amI was afraid of that. The web says 6'3 (I am 6'4). I am not overly generously proportioned but, I am definitely tall. Which leads me to the 818 or the mk4. WRT body work. Sigh. That would be the thing that prevents me from doing it. OK. Good tips and I really appreciate the response. Very helpful.
Thanks!
Kinda like if you go to Univeral studios and ride the Gringotts ride at Harry Potter - there are test seats you can test with outside the ride. You will fit into the test seats but if you get on the ride at 6'4" your knees will kill you - bareky tolerable. On that ride you can fix that by requesting the last rows of each car there is more room. No such option on the GTM though.
Anyway - sit in a few and see if you can access the clutch pedal before making any purchases.
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Re: Factory Five build cars
I'll give you a hint. Look at my screen name. My kit number was 1846k and I picked it up in September of 99.
A Cobra is the simplest to build and I'd say that if you've got tools and a floor jack, you can probably build one. The manual alone is all I had when I started building. Now, you've got both the FFR forums and FFCars.com.
If you have any questions, I had mine for 11 years and the only things I didn't do myself was to shorten the driveshaft and lengthen the steering shaft.
I looked into doing a GTM and looked at one of the first builds. I decided against it because the roll cage was just too close to my head over the driver's door. I'm 5' 9". The GTM would take about 1.5 times the work of a Cobra.
It is absolutely possible to build on a budget if you do everything yourself and use the donor car concept. I did this and built using $17k from stock options sold. This included absolutely every penny into the car. You WILL see huge dollar builds from guys who either just wanted something or couldn't control themselves. You can also buy a completed car for low $20k numbers. I sold my car for exactly $20k.
Mine used a 5k mile Explorer 302 with the early (GT-40, non-p) heads. I put in an E303 cam, bigger mass air and the car put out about 300hp/tq. For a car that weighs 2300 pounds, it's on par with a supercar. Acceleration 0-60 in the very high "2's" is quite reasonable to attain.
If you have little kids, the car with its side pipes just under the rear of the doors will absolutely get them to sleep in 5 minutes.
Factory Five has an open house next month. If you want to see over 100 customer built cars and have a great time, get to Wareham for it. You will absolutely be able to talk with Dave Smith (owner of FFR) and the engineers, employees and of course any customer with a car will want to talk.
So what's the advantage of FFR over other kits? Besides the support of the FFR community, you CAN buy the kit, buy a donor car and have everything you need to build. When I considered building, ERA was the other considered kit. Besides costs of more than double for the kit, I have no idea how to locate a Jag rear end or FE engine or a compatible transmission.
A Cobra is the simplest to build and I'd say that if you've got tools and a floor jack, you can probably build one. The manual alone is all I had when I started building. Now, you've got both the FFR forums and FFCars.com.
If you have any questions, I had mine for 11 years and the only things I didn't do myself was to shorten the driveshaft and lengthen the steering shaft.
I looked into doing a GTM and looked at one of the first builds. I decided against it because the roll cage was just too close to my head over the driver's door. I'm 5' 9". The GTM would take about 1.5 times the work of a Cobra.
It is absolutely possible to build on a budget if you do everything yourself and use the donor car concept. I did this and built using $17k from stock options sold. This included absolutely every penny into the car. You WILL see huge dollar builds from guys who either just wanted something or couldn't control themselves. You can also buy a completed car for low $20k numbers. I sold my car for exactly $20k.
Mine used a 5k mile Explorer 302 with the early (GT-40, non-p) heads. I put in an E303 cam, bigger mass air and the car put out about 300hp/tq. For a car that weighs 2300 pounds, it's on par with a supercar. Acceleration 0-60 in the very high "2's" is quite reasonable to attain.
If you have little kids, the car with its side pipes just under the rear of the doors will absolutely get them to sleep in 5 minutes.
Factory Five has an open house next month. If you want to see over 100 customer built cars and have a great time, get to Wareham for it. You will absolutely be able to talk with Dave Smith (owner of FFR) and the engineers, employees and of course any customer with a car will want to talk.
So what's the advantage of FFR over other kits? Besides the support of the FFR community, you CAN buy the kit, buy a donor car and have everything you need to build. When I considered building, ERA was the other considered kit. Besides costs of more than double for the kit, I have no idea how to locate a Jag rear end or FE engine or a compatible transmission.
Absolutely!!! THE reason I sold my FFR was because my state kept changing the rules and made it impossible for me to keep it legally on the road, even though I complied with the rules when I first titled it. I live in Mass, where FFR is.
Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid
- lthenderson
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Re: Factory Five build cars
Coincidentally, Youtube spooled another video after the one I linked above by someone at Factory Five Racing talking about the new and improved GTM which has all new molds since the biggest complaint with the old one was the amount of bodywork. The new GTM is supposed to have minimal bodywork requirements.bampf wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 11:13 amWatched it about a dozen times. It looks like fun but there is only one (or two) of me. Little worried about the amount of bodywork (totally not interested in that). The mechanicals however look super fun.lthenderson wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 10:41 am Never built one... yet but I have watched many videos of others doing so on Youtube. Here is one for the GTM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSHwaxRIfuA
Re: Factory Five build cars
I really miss my Cobra kit and the days that went with it - for the most part it sucks getting older.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm I'll give you a hint. Look at my screen name. My kit number was 1846k and I picked it up in September of 99.
A Cobra is the simplest to build and I'd say that if you've got tools and a floor jack, you can probably build one. The manual alone is all I had when I started building. Now, you've got both the FFR forums and FFCars.com.
If you have any questions, I had mine for 11 years and the only things I didn't do myself was to shorten the driveshaft and lengthen the steering shaft.
I looked into doing a GTM and looked at one of the first builds. I decided against it because the roll cage was just too close to my head over the driver's door. I'm 5' 9". The GTM would take about 1.5 times the work of a Cobra.
It is absolutely possible to build on a budget if you do everything yourself and use the donor car concept. I did this and built using $17k from stock options sold. This included absolutely every penny into the car. You WILL see huge dollar builds from guys who either just wanted something or couldn't control themselves. You can also buy a completed car for low $20k numbers. I sold my car for exactly $20k.
Mine used a 5k mile Explorer 302 with the early (GT-40, non-p) heads. I put in an E303 cam, bigger mass air and the car put out about 300hp/tq. For a car that weighs 2300 pounds, it's on par with a supercar. Acceleration 0-60 in the very high "2's" is quite reasonable to attain.
If you have little kids, the car with its side pipes just under the rear of the doors will absolutely get them to sleep in 5 minutes.
Factory Five has an open house next month. If you want to see over 100 customer built cars and have a great time, get to Wareham for it. You will absolutely be able to talk with Dave Smith (owner of FFR) and the engineers, employees and of course any customer with a car will want to talk.
So what's the advantage of FFR over other kits? Besides the support of the FFR community, you CAN buy the kit, buy a donor car and have everything you need to build. When I considered building, ERA was the other considered kit. Besides costs of more than double for the kit, I have no idea how to locate a Jag rear end or FE engine or a compatible transmission.
Absolutely!!! THE reason I sold my FFR was because my state kept changing the rules and made it impossible for me to keep it legally on the road, even though I complied with the rules when I first titled it. I live in Mass, where FFR is.
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Re: Factory Five build cars
They probably could have built it a lot faster if they'd banned Jeremy from the shop....motorcyclesarecool wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 5:41 am Have you considered Caterham 7? The former hosts of Top Gear assembled a running example in less than a day.
Re: Factory Five build cars
I have a lift in my garage and a stupid amount of tools.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm I'll give you a hint. Look at my screen name. My kit number was 1846k and I picked it up in September of 99.
A Cobra is the simplest to build and I'd say that if you've got tools and a floor jack, you can probably build one.
Awesome, thank you. Part of the fun would be having my 15 year old daughter do it with me. She likes fast cars. Go figure.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm The manual alone is all I had when I started building. Now, you've got both the FFR forums and FFCars.com.
If you have any questions, I had mine for 11 years and the only things I didn't do myself was to shorten the driveshaft and lengthen the steering shaft.
This sounds like a lot of fun. I don't know that I can fit into it, so I will go sit in a couple. The open top 818 might be good. Kit is 10K and it needs a subaru wrx donor. Very fun. At least for the first one.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm
So what's the advantage of FFR over other kits? Besides the support of the FFR community, you CAN buy the kit, buy a donor car and have everything you need to build. When I considered building, ERA was the other considered kit. Besides costs of more than double for the kit, I have no idea how to locate a Jag rear end or FE engine or a compatible transmission.
Absolutely!!! THE reason I sold my FFR was because my state kept changing the rules and made it impossible for me to keep it legally on the road, even though I complied with the rules when I first titled it. I live in Mass, where FFR is.
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
I am not sure of the FF Cobras as I built ours quite a while back but I could not get into any of the cars with a 90" wheelbase - just not enough room for me at a bit over 6'2" and for my legs and a clutch pedal. I ended up with a slightly lengthened Cobra wheelbase kit (with appropriate scaling in track etc) and that was good as it helped to control the LS6 454 at 0.60 over that I put into it. We had no manual at all so building was more of a project where I did just about everyything myself - no wire harness, no interior, no anything really.bampf wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 2:18 pmI have a lift in my garage and a stupid amount of tools.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm I'll give you a hint. Look at my screen name. My kit number was 1846k and I picked it up in September of 99.
A Cobra is the simplest to build and I'd say that if you've got tools and a floor jack, you can probably build one.
Awesome, thank you. Part of the fun would be having my 15 year old daughter do it with me. She likes fast cars. Go figure.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm The manual alone is all I had when I started building. Now, you've got both the FFR forums and FFCars.com.
If you have any questions, I had mine for 11 years and the only things I didn't do myself was to shorten the driveshaft and lengthen the steering shaft.This sounds like a lot of fun. I don't know that I can fit into it, so I will go sit in a couple. The open top 818 might be good. Kit is 10K and it needs a subaru wrx donor. Very fun. At least for the first one.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 12:21 pm
So what's the advantage of FFR over other kits? Besides the support of the FFR community, you CAN buy the kit, buy a donor car and have everything you need to build. When I considered building, ERA was the other considered kit. Besides costs of more than double for the kit, I have no idea how to locate a Jag rear end or FE engine or a compatible transmission.
Absolutely!!! THE reason I sold my FFR was because my state kept changing the rules and made it impossible for me to keep it legally on the road, even though I complied with the rules when I first titled it. I live in Mass, where FFR is.
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Re: Factory Five build cars
Getting in/out of any Cobra (even a real one) takes some skill and care. I sort of naturally put my legs farther out than "normal" people did, so never once burned my legs on the side pipes. Compared with a Lotus Elise (what I replaced the Cobra with), the Cobra was a piece of cake. I'm 5'9" with a roadrace background, so tend to be closer to the wheel than most people. I mounted the driver seat where I had probably 10-12 inches behind the seat.....so could have put the seat much farther back. Kits without dropped foot boxes (FFR before the end of 99 and other kits) would make leg room suck. The foot boxes were about 4 inches below the tops of the frame rails (the frame tubes are 4" round). The guy I bought my Elise from is a friend who is 6' 4" and we swapped cars going to the FFR open house some years ago. He fit fine in it and found it was way easier getting in/out.smitcat wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 3:43 pm
I am not sure of the FF Cobras as I built ours quite a while back but I could not get into any of the cars with a 90" wheelbase - just not enough room for me at a bit over 6'2" and for my legs and a clutch pedal. I ended up with a slightly lengthened Cobra wheelbase kit (with appropriate scaling in track etc) and that was good as it helped to control the LS6 454 at 0.60 over that I put into it. We had no manual at all so building was more of a project where I did just about everyything myself - no wire harness, no interior, no anything really.
Scratch all that for a GTM as it's a very different car with a roof. With a Cobra, and I imagine the 818 spider, you can sort of walk one leg into the car, then drop into the seat. Can't do that with a closed roof car.
Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid
Re: Factory Five build cars
I've considering building a FFR Cobra, and hope to do it one day. The one thing that scares me a bit is the bodywork. I think the mechanical piece of it would be fun, but the bodywork is not really something I'm interested in. Maybe when my son gets a bit bigger -- I've got the space and most of the necessary tools. OP -- I'd go for it if I were you. Try to keep things reasonable in terms of parts and upgrades, and realize you're not likely to break even on this, but it's definitely a passion project.
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Re: Factory Five build cars
Building a kit car is one of my bucket items (unfortunately one that will have to wait a while). Only real downside is that you can generally buy them for less than it would cost to build, but then I suppose you lose a big part of the experience.
I'd be a lot more interested in the SLC Superlight instead of the GTM: http://www.superlitecars.com/slc/
Perhaps the revised GTM will fix the bodywork aspect, but the SLC supposedly is essentially zero bodywork to worry about. I think both the GTM and SLC are in a bit of a different league cost-wise than the Cobra/818 kit. There are plenty of $100k+ builds out there if you are going high end.
I'd be a lot more interested in the SLC Superlight instead of the GTM: http://www.superlitecars.com/slc/
Perhaps the revised GTM will fix the bodywork aspect, but the SLC supposedly is essentially zero bodywork to worry about. I think both the GTM and SLC are in a bit of a different league cost-wise than the Cobra/818 kit. There are plenty of $100k+ builds out there if you are going high end.
Re: Factory Five build cars
Sounds like the FF Cobra may have the room one needs if they are a bit tall. I had the same cramped problem with my 62' Vette that had a 102" wheelbase I think. I learned that what I really needed was a longer space between those larger wheels and tires - especially with independent suspensions. I also tend to sit very close to the wheel and more upright then most do.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Wed May 23, 2018 1:13 pmGetting in/out of any Cobra (even a real one) takes some skill and care. I sort of naturally put my legs farther out than "normal" people did, so never once burned my legs on the side pipes. Compared with a Lotus Elise (what I replaced the Cobra with), the Cobra was a piece of cake. I'm 5'9" with a roadrace background, so tend to be closer to the wheel than most people. I mounted the driver seat where I had probably 10-12 inches behind the seat.....so could have put the seat much farther back. Kits without dropped foot boxes (FFR before the end of 99 and other kits) would make leg room suck. The foot boxes were about 4 inches below the tops of the frame rails (the frame tubes are 4" round). The guy I bought my Elise from is a friend who is 6' 4" and we swapped cars going to the FFR open house some years ago. He fit fine in it and found it was way easier getting in/out.smitcat wrote: ↑Tue May 22, 2018 3:43 pm
I am not sure of the FF Cobras as I built ours quite a while back but I could not get into any of the cars with a 90" wheelbase - just not enough room for me at a bit over 6'2" and for my legs and a clutch pedal. I ended up with a slightly lengthened Cobra wheelbase kit (with appropriate scaling in track etc) and that was good as it helped to control the LS6 454 at 0.60 over that I put into it. We had no manual at all so building was more of a project where I did just about everyything myself - no wire harness, no interior, no anything really.
Scratch all that for a GTM as it's a very different car with a roof. With a Cobra, and I imagine the 818 spider, you can sort of walk one leg into the car, then drop into the seat. Can't do that with a closed roof car.
The large sidepipes on the Cobra would surely burn you if you forgot how you needed to enter and exit.
Re: Factory Five build cars
I had no idea of these guys. Interesting, but, I cant really tell what the build process looks like. I will explore a bit. Thanks!alfaspider wrote: ↑Wed May 23, 2018 2:09 pm Building a kit car is one of my bucket items (unfortunately one that will have to wait a while). Only real downside is that you can generally buy them for less than it would cost to build, but then I suppose you lose a big part of the experience.
I'd be a lot more interested in the SLC Superlight instead of the GTM: http://www.superlitecars.com/slc/
Perhaps the revised GTM will fix the bodywork aspect, but the SLC supposedly is essentially zero bodywork to worry about. I think both the GTM and SLC are in a bit of a different league cost-wise than the Cobra/818 kit. There are plenty of $100k+ builds out there if you are going high end.
Nescio
- lthenderson
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Re: Factory Five build cars
I wish FF (or someone else) would do some more truck kits than the one they offer. Being well over six feet tall, I would prefer something with a little more room that sits up a bit higher.
Re: Factory Five build cars
I am building a FFR now with a Coyote/Tremec combination. The mechanicals are done and I am doing the body work now. There are many hours of massaging the body to make the doors/hood/trunk lid fit properly and look good.
As mentioned (and maybe it's the width of the Coyote) the cockpit and pedal box is a tight fit. Much tighter than my Corvettes. And I am only 5'8" and 160lbs.
As mentioned (and maybe it's the width of the Coyote) the cockpit and pedal box is a tight fit. Much tighter than my Corvettes. And I am only 5'8" and 160lbs.
Re: Factory Five build cars
Reviving a necro thread. I pulled the trigger and I am building a cobra super snake. Should have it in May of 23 and I will enjoy that experience. I honestly don't know that I will fit all that well in it, and I don't know that I care. My kids will help me and I will putter around in the garage and build a super snake and that will be at least 50% of the fun. Driving it will be nice. I will share what I learn as I learn it for those that are interested.
First thing:
Crate engines are a year out. (I expect mine in September 23).
Getting the BOM right requires a stupid amount of work and knowledge, but, the build community is super gracious.
In any respect, it should be a fun ride.
First thing:
Crate engines are a year out. (I expect mine in September 23).
Getting the BOM right requires a stupid amount of work and knowledge, but, the build community is super gracious.
In any respect, it should be a fun ride.
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
How is you build going?bigdav160 wrote: ↑Fri May 25, 2018 9:01 am I am building a FFR now with a Coyote/Tremec combination. The mechanicals are done and I am doing the body work now. There are many hours of massaging the body to make the doors/hood/trunk lid fit properly and look good.
As mentioned (and maybe it's the width of the Coyote) the cockpit and pedal box is a tight fit. Much tighter than my Corvettes. And I am only 5'8" and 160lbs.
Nescio
- lthenderson
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Re: Factory Five build cars
You can outsource the bodywork. (I intend to). Check out this build thread:lthenderson wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:36 amHope your build goes well and please do share the process somehow. I've always been scared to tackle something like that just because I don't have the capacity to do much bodywork.
Build a cobra
This guy is a legend in the community.
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
Sorry to be so late to this thread but I've been very inactive on this forum for some time...
I am on the finishing touches of my Factory Five Mk4 build (Mk4, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS). It's been a 2 year project for me given busy work schedules and family properties. I've done every part of the build myself except body work and paint (goes to my painter this winter).
I have loved every minute of the build. One of my kids in particular helped a lot along the way and I'll cherish those memories forever.
These cars are beautiful to look at and incredible to drive - you just can't get into one without smiling and once you fire up the engine the smile morphs into a crazy-eyed maniacal grin... FYI - I'm 6'2 and fit comfortably. There are many things you can do to accommodate taller people.
The ffr forums are a great resource and the community is very active. Let me know if you have any questions.
Jason
I am on the finishing touches of my Factory Five Mk4 build (Mk4, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS). It's been a 2 year project for me given busy work schedules and family properties. I've done every part of the build myself except body work and paint (goes to my painter this winter).
I have loved every minute of the build. One of my kids in particular helped a lot along the way and I'll cherish those memories forever.
These cars are beautiful to look at and incredible to drive - you just can't get into one without smiling and once you fire up the engine the smile morphs into a crazy-eyed maniacal grin... FYI - I'm 6'2 and fit comfortably. There are many things you can do to accommodate taller people.
The ffr forums are a great resource and the community is very active. Let me know if you have any questions.
Jason
Re: Factory Five build cars
Sorry, you can't really just do that. A picture is required. Why the coyote as opposed to a ford crate engine? Color? C'mon, don't leave a gear head hanging.Traveller wrote: ↑Mon Oct 31, 2022 10:30 am Sorry to be so late to this thread but I've been very inactive on this forum for some time...
I am on the finishing touches of my Factory Five Mk4 build (Mk4, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS). It's been a 2 year project for me given busy work schedules and family properties. I've done every part of the build myself except body work and paint (goes to my painter this winter).
I have loved every minute of the build. One of my kids in particular helped a lot along the way and I'll cherish those memories forever.
These cars are beautiful to look at and incredible to drive - you just can't get into one without smiling and once you fire up the engine the smile morphs into a crazy-eyed maniacal grin... FYI - I'm 6'2 and fit comfortably. There are many things you can do to accommodate taller people.
The ffr forums are a great resource and the community is very active. Let me know if you have any questions.
Jason
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
Hmmm. I don't have many recent photos but have some from a few months ago. Not sure how to post images on this forum but I will PM you some links to Google photos. Hope that works.
(Edit: I figured out how to post pics)
The Coyote is a Ford crate motor. No donor parts used. A LOT of guys are going Coyote if using a crate engine. That's a lot of bang for the buck and is very streetable. The Coyote is a great motor, but man is that a tight fit.
As for color, that is a hotly debated topic in my house. Leaning towards a deep rich red with silver stripes.
Re: Factory Five build cars
That looks like so much fun. Your dash looks super clean and while I went with the 427, that coyote looks nice. I am learning that you can build these pretty cheaply or you can drop a bunch of dough on them. I will likely go high end and try and avoid a lot of fabrication for this one as I am looking more for a lego like experience on my first one.
Did you go with the full kit or do you have a donor car?
Did you go with the full kit or do you have a donor car?
Nescio
Re: Factory Five build cars
Nice read, good luck everyone.
I read a book about building a Caterham 7. Made me want to do this.
I've thought about a kit plane, so far have not found one that will fit. Then again, the 12x12 building I just built is not square, not sure I would fly what I built.
I read a book about building a Caterham 7. Made me want to do this.
I've thought about a kit plane, so far have not found one that will fit. Then again, the 12x12 building I just built is not square, not sure I would fly what I built.
Pale Blue Dot
Re: Factory Five build cars
I hope you have as much fun building these are we did about 40 years back...