Transmissions & Pedal Box space

[RocketF85]

I've been digging through threads here researching the best options while ordering a Type 65.

I am not dead-set on any specific engine/trans combo yet, so more doing research into the best options.

I am not a small guy (235lb) and wear size 15 shoes. I was already thinking maybe an Auto would be a good option, but after reading about the pedal box being pretty tight for guys with bigger feet, it seems I might really want to go auto to remove a pedal. If I do that, I really think I'd like to get a sequential paddle-shift setup for the fun factor over just a typical automatic. I also was planning on a quick-release wheel, so doing both of those might be a bit tricky. I'm not sure if anyone has ventured into that customization or knows of setups that do work.

I'm open to LS# Engines, the Coyote, or even any engine the Type 65 works with as a base assuming it matches a trans that "fits" in Type 65, and could run with paddle-shifters.

Looking for help and thoughts, from "suck it up, get a manual, and don't wear shoes" to details about any customizations needed for any combos that might work.

[David Williamson]

Size 15 is going to be tight in any car and narrow driving shoes help. I find even size 11 running shoes are too wide with the standard pedal location. I have Piloti driving shoes that are narrower. If you go with a Windsor block based engine or LS with a manual the foot box can be modified to give more room because they are smaller than the Coyote. The Wilwood pedal pads can also be moved to the left giving more room arround the accelerator. Really suggest you try to find a local builder that will let you sit in a car so you can see how it fits and look at how it can be modifed to fit you. My son who is 6-3 and has size 12's fits easily but he is also thin and 32 years old.
Good luck and I hope you can figure it out.
David W

[Alphamacaroon]

Personally I think height is your biggest enemy in the Coupe. Yes the footbox is small compared to a regular car, but I think there is still lots of room to play— and yes, as mentioned earlier, you can adjust the placement of the pedal pads with the Wilwood to some extent to accommodate shoe size and width. I'm 6'1", 11W shoes, and weigh a fair amount more than 235lb and have never felt uncomfortable. Yes it's a tight fit compared to a street car, but compared to many race and exotic cars, it's downright spacious. The only thing that is close to being a problem for me is the roof height, but I also could move my seat lower if I had to.

But as David mentioned, best bet is to find a builder who will let you sit in one, or take a trip to the factory. I definitely wouldn't base your entire transmission decision for the sake of removing a pedal without trying one on for size first.

[RocketF85]

Thanks guys, that does make sense. In my intro thread, member Namsrup graciously offered to let me take a peek at his if I'm ever in the capital region of NY, which is only ~3 hours away. I also was already thinking of contacting Factory Five to schedule a tour shortly.

I don't know of any other Coupes up here in Rochester/Buffalo, but it's definitely possible I just haven't seen them.

[burchfieldb]

I was able to widen the footbox and that made a huge difference.

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[marshallmosty]

I was able to widen the footbox and that made a huge difference.

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Do you have any other pics of how you modified the Forte throttle pedal assembly to accept the FF pedal? I'm looking at doing the same thing and if I don't have to reinvent the wheel, that would awesome!

[burchfieldb]

Yeah, I can send a picture when I get back home on Sunday. I cut off the pedal pad, drilled a hole for the pivot through the arm, and hooked the spring around the pedal arm.

[neilkuy]

I have an LS going in and modified both footboxes to take advantage of the narrow engine. I am a size 11 shoe and the width was a bigger concern for me. The widened foot box makes a big difference. I assume you would have a similar chance to widen the footbox with most smaller push rod engines. I did notice that the FFR headers must be hand built as they are not perfectly symmetrical. I had to remake my passenger foot box as it had less room than the driver side.

[burchfieldb]

I have an LS going in and modified both footboxes to take advantage of the narrow engine. I am a size 11 shoe and the width was a bigger concern for me. The widened foot box makes a big difference. I assume you would have a similar chance to widen the footbox with most smaller push rod engines. I did notice that the FFR headers must be hand built as they are not perfectly symmetrical. I had to remake my passenger foot box as it had less room than the driver side.

I wear a size 12 and it was really tight with the standard footbox. The added space is a night and day difference. I also widen the passenger side, but used the space to relocate the heater bypass valve. I am running a 351 Cleveland, so will also be making custom headers, since they are not supported by FFR.

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[burchfieldb]

Do you have any other pics of how you modified the Forte throttle pedal assembly to accept the FF pedal? I'm looking at doing the same thing and if I don't have to reinvent the wheel, that would awesome!

Here are some pictures of what I did to modify the Forte accelerator pedal.
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