Factory Five Racing / Superformance - Cobras

The FF build wasn't mine - it was a friends, but I just helped a lot along the way.

I will say, driving my buddies Superformance was insane. I think a used Superformance can be purchased, according to BAT, for 60-80. That's the way to go, if you ask me.

 

I have built and still have a Factory Five MK4 roadster. Project was started about 4 years ago, and was completed in 2 years. I had many distractions during that time, so I would say it can be done WAY faster. At the time of purchase, it was clear to me that FFR was the best kit on the market.

Few notes:
1. Sign up to their forum. Lots of information, and people willing to help with the build.
2. Engine and transmission is a big factor in cost. I bought a low mileage salvaged Mustang GT, and parted out a bunch of parts. Nearly free engine and tranny. Or you can spend about 20K on a crate motor/tranny.
3. Little things do add up, there are lots of small upgrades from aftermarket that are worth it.

Budget-wise, I didn't really count exactly all the totals, but the kit cost $29K, paint and bodywork cost $11K, and various expenses probably cost $10K.

Overall, I would probably not do it again, since I have one and no way in hell I am selling it. Hate all the attention when driving, definitely not a sleeper car.

Had a Ford performance shop tune the fueling. About 475hp at the crank, 405 at the wheels. It's the craziest car I have ever driven. Spins the tires in the first three gears.

Good luck! It's worth it.

 

I did the independent rear suspension, big brakes, and performance tires. Lots of options to choose from. I wanted all the modern performance in a vintage shell. Picking what paint was by far the hardest step.

 

That's a very nice looking color combo. Two thumbs up! My brother built an Everett-Morrison years ago with a 429 from an old Thunderbird.
He only used the heads, block, crankshaft and main caps for his build, everything else was new. That kit had a Corvette suspension package in it.
335 tires on the rear.... ridiculously fast..... stupid fast..... I need to build one fast.

http://www.absolutepace.com/ These guys build interesting chassis for their cobra's and GT40's

 

That's a fantastic looking car.

 

I wish I had gone independent rear and bigger brakes but as I've mentioned before, I was simply more cost-sensitive at the time.

My biggest complaint after all these years is the terrible bump steer. I spent a bunch of time minimizing it but I don't think it's truly fixable without replacing the steering rack and that never makes it on my TODO list.

 

Good to know Mike. Big brakes are def on the list, but I wasn't sure how important the steering rack (or power steering) was in a car like this.

Small disclaimer I guess I should've put in the first post that I did get a chance to push a kit Cobra around Streets of Willow out here many years ago. I forget the car track day org, but it was Cobras and Corvettes that they ran and I chose the Cobra. I don't remember any of the specs of the car though. Maybe 2007-ish?

 

If my memory is accurate, power steering rack on FFR kit allows for better camber numbers. Mine drives almost like a normal sports car, just high on coke when you press the go pedal.

My only regret, is not adding power brakes. It wasn't available at a time. I think that is an option now. You can still lock up the brakes, but it takes foot power.

Adding a remote brake bias adjuster was a great thing.

But if you are actually serious, sign up to their forum. Lots of information. I started my experience with posting a thread - what didn't work and you regret during your build. Saved me from trying to add a stereo system to mine. lol

 

Well, dad vetoed the project before it went anywhere. Fair enough he's in his 70s now, health isn't amazing, and he has a few projects he wants to complete still.

 

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?48342-GTM-30-Build-thread

a local guy sent me this... seller is asking $35k.

 

What would a non-sanded, non-primered Cobra replica raw fiberglass body be worth? You know, in case I know where to get one...

 

looks like anywhere from $2000-$5000. A detailer friend of mine just did a full body polish on an aluminum panel roadster... holy mirror finish. He had something like 100+ hours in the job.