FFR-7859

Build site for Factory Five Racing roadster #7859

I bought this kit from another builder who got it not quite halfway to the running stage and then had other priorities take over. It is a Mk IV kit, the latest revision of FFR's roadster kit. My previous builds have both been on the Mk II version (FFR-4760 and FFR-3144), so this one has all the latest updates to the frame and other components. The Mk IV's also have a slightly reshaped body that is much closer to the original Cobras, especially in the curves and stance of the rear half of the body and the shape of the trunk.

I'm making a few changes to the options for the kit. Most importantly, I'm removing the solid axle and having FFR's independent rear suspension cage welded to the frame. The 3-link solid axle setup is not bad, it's what I had in my first build, but the IRS is much better for ride quality and more precise and stable handling, particularly on less-than-perfect roads.

I'll stick with the motor the previous owner had and see if I can get it to work with the factory harness and computer. It's a 4.6L 3-valve motor out of a 2005 Mustang GT. It has upgraded cams so should pull well north of 300hp, plenty of grunt for a car this light.

I picked up the car Oct. 18 down in Utah with a friend using his truck and trailer and brought it up here to start disassembling and checking things out. We just set the body in place on the rolling chassis temporarily. The motor was installed but not hooked up, and it was rolling around on donut spare tires. It came with several other boxes of parts, wheels, etc.

And here is is in the garage, with the body sitting on a buck while I work on disassembling the chassis.