New member

[Steve in Snohomish]

Good morning all.
Just registered on the forum yesterday, but was a member on the old forum back in 2005ish.
Planning to purchase a MK IV complete kit, probably late fall as I need to have my shop remodeled first.
I've followed the forums off and on over the years, and since I retired this January, I'll now have all the time needed to build her right.
I've got a .060 over 351W(in work), 8.8 Ford Posi and C-4 tranny so far.
Once the shop is finished, I'll have all the space needed(3 stalls) to build.

Steve

[Straversi]

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Welcome back.
-Steve

[GoDadGo]

Welcome Home Fellow Stevester!

When folks rib you about the C4 Auto-Tranny, remind them that Mr. Shelby's two Super Snakes sported automatics too (C6 Version).
His personal car (CSX 3178) also sported a 3 speed automatic.
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/m...sx-3178/380123

Sounds Like A Cool Build!

Steve

[initiator]

Hi Steve - love to hear about another (upcoming) local builder!

[Steve in Snohomish]

Thanks,
Not going to be too concerned if I get a little ribbing from having a C-4 as I will be driving a Cobra that I have built��

[GoDadGo]

Thanks,
Not going to be too concerned if I get a little ribbing from having a C-4 as I will be driving a Cobra that I have built��

I've already cleared the way for you.
My ride is from the Dark Side!
Welcome Home!

[Steve in Snohomish]

I've already cleared the way for you.
My ride is from the Dark Side!
Welcome Home!

��������

[GoDadGo]

��������

Dart 383 Small Block Chevy, ZF 6-Speed & Dana-44 Rear.

https://youtu.be/ELFJDOVKb4g

[initiator]

You'll become very familiar with GoDadGo's journey to the Chevy dark side, if you monitor the forums. Honestly, I probably would have done an LS3 if the headers were available back then. Very happy with my Coyote, though.

[Steve in Snohomish]

It's interesting about a Chevy motor in the cobra. I remember a post, long time back, concerning kit builds at a car show. A hot rodder was dissing the cobra builder because it was a kit. Course, his 23' T-bucket was better(even though he had a Chevy 350 in it).
I've always felt that anyone who built, restored or such any car, truck, bike, you name it, was to me, gifted.

[GoDadGo]

I probably would have done an LS3 if the headers were available back then. Very happy with my Coyote, though.

Part number 161-33LS1 would have worked.

https://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/im...modified4.html

The engine just needed to move up to the point where the centerline of the motor was in line with the exit holes in the body.

[GoDadGo]

It's interesting about a Chevy motor in the cobra. I remember a post, long time back, concerning kit builds at a car show. A hot rodder was dissing the cobra builder because it was a kit. Course, his 23' T-bucket was better(even though he had a Chevy 350 in it).
I've always felt that anyone who built, restored or such any car, truck, bike, you name it, was to me, gifted.

Cobra Replicas get an unusual amount of attention I must admit.

At car shows that I attended last summer (Gel Coat Cobra) some folks that sneered at my "Kit Kar" then I simply asked to show me the car that they completely built by hand.
T-Buckets are cool as is every other Hot Rod, but a nicely done Factory Five really is what we are all about.
Yes we like other cars, but these things are special as you will soon find!

Also, be sure to check out Edwardb's two MK-4 builds because they are so well documented that they supplement the heck out of the manual.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...rogress-Update

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...iversary-Build

[Steve in Snohomish]

I had a friend that has built a couple of T-buckets. These look to be rather simple($3000 T-bucket) and basic builds, and to me, not nearly as well designed. I did have a blast when we drove into work in his(blown 350), though I felt that my knees were about shoulder high��.

[Sdonnel]

Having driven both a T-bucket and a cobra, I can say they are two different monsters. The T had a fiberglass body bonded to a piece of plywood. The body was held to the frame with 4 expanding rubber grommets. No side bars, no frame to protect you. It was 350 hp and 1200 lbs. was always nervous driving it. If you think a cobra swaps ends fast, this was worse. Did it twice in traffic. Now, the cobra is much more refined and safe in my opinion. While it will still swap ends if abused, you get a slightly better idea it’s about to happen in the cobra. You picked the right car to build and I look forward to following your build thread. You live in a beautiful part of the country. You’ll be tearing up the roads in no one at all.

Scott

[D Stand]

Welcome Steve. I am in Bothell working one myself. Wish I could say that I am retired.... sounds like you are off to a great retirement start.

[Steve in Snohomish]

Latest update!
Found out awhile back that the "C4" was actually an "FMX" transmission. Not sure if that will be an issue in the build or not.
Do have the shop mostly completed. Still needs siding, paint and gutters, but very functional at this time.
Here are a couple pics of the shop.Shop 3.jpgShop 1.jpgShop 2.jpg

[hineas]

The shop looks great! Man, I'm jealous of the lift.

[Steve in Snohomish]

Thanks. I'm getting too old to crawl around under cars anymore.

[marshc56]

Hi Steve, Congrats on the retirement and the retirement project. Grest job on the shop, too.

I'm just up the road in the Silver Lake area. There are a couple other guys no more than a "stone's throw" that have MkIVs, too. I brought my kit home one year ago this month (an unstarted basic kit with parts) and slowly putting things together. I'm going with the 8.8, but I'm working on a 427cid (b&s'd 351W) and a TKX. Things are a little slower as I'm still doing my time "in the struggle for the legal tender". I am getting close to pulling the trigger on retirement myself.

If you ever need a hand or have questions, always willing to lend a hand... send a PM or email ([email protected])

Marshall
marshc56

[marshc56]

Hi Steve, Congrats on the retirement and the retirement project. Grest job on the shop, too.

I'm just up the road in the Silver Lake area. There are a couple other guys no more than a "stone's throw" that have MkIVs, too. I brought my kit home one year ago this month (an unstarted basic kit with parts) and slowly putting things together. I'm going with the 8.8, but I'm working on a 427cid (b&s'd 351W) and a TKX. Things are a little slower as I'm still doing my time "in the struggle for the legal tender". I am getting close to pulling the trigger on retirement myself.

If you ever need a hand or have questions, always willing to lend a hand... send a PM or email ([email protected])

Marshall
marshc56

[Steve in Snohomish]

Hi Marshall,
Thanks, I had fun doing the shop(big remodel starting with 2 sides and the back)
Would love to meet up sometime and see your progress.
My wife really started to like the idea of a cobra build when we followed a silver one around Lake Stevens about 10 years ago.

Steve

[Steve in Snohomish]

OK, 10 months later and it's done!
I sent in the order and put down the deposit
Made a few changes from last years plan. Picked up a AOD to rebuild as the FMX was almost impossible to find kits/parts for. going to change out the 4 lug drum system to a 5 lug disk for the rear end.
Looking forward to the wiring portion as I recently finished a total rewire on my 67 Firebird convertible(dash portion should be a whole lot simpler to do than laying on my back looking up or reaching around the steering wheel)

Steve

[Barwickad]

Congratulations on the kit order! Now the wait begins, but it goes by quicker than you think. Good to see another build in the PNW. I’m in Puyallup, my kit arrives next week. 😀 Love the Firebird, I had a 68 many years ago.

[Jim Frahm]

Welcome to the FFR builders family. My MK4 arrived early March and it’s been a blast to build. There are enough kit builders in WA to support a get together at some point.

Jim

[Steve in Snohomish]

Just received my order confirmation email this morning. Expected completion date is April 15th, 2023!

Steve

[CaptB]

Just received my order confirmation email this morning. Expected completion date is April 15th, 2023!

Steve

Congrats. I started this process a year ago January, kit arrived in September started in November. The holdup has been the engine. Been waiting on it since January but should arrive in the next few weeks. It's a long process but I have enjoyed it.

[Steve in Snohomish]

Engine is next, after I finish the AOD rebuild and putting 5lug axles on the rear end.

[Steve in Snohomish]

Order update!
Just got off the phone with Jeff a FFR. Added the 15" Hailibrand wheels and passenger roll bar to the kit order. Still on track for 4/15/23 completion. Should know within the next month when the expected delivery date(s) will be.
AOD rebuild took a slight turn to the south as the one I have came from a V6 Mustang. Going to get one from a wrecking yard this Saturday(not looking forward to wallowing in the mud, but it is what it is).
Engine build is a little slow as I'm waiting on a roller cam retro kit(back ordered) from Comp Cams.
Once I get the call for delivery, I'll start a build thread
Steve