After lurking for a couple years, I figured it was time to introduce myself. My name is Lars, I'm a Seattle native, I turned 50 this year and I've been dreaming of a Cobra for roughly 38 years. Unlike many Cobra lovers, I fell in love with the 289 FIA/USRRC rather than the 427. Back in the days before the internet, I discovered Cobras and became obsessed. Finding reading material was difficult with only a few random sources and often the articles were only a page or two. On a road trip to Disneyland with my family, we had stopped for fuel and I was browsing a magazine rack looking for something to read when I found a special edition 217 page magazine/book titled Carroll Shelby's Racing Cobra. I read it cover to cover a couple times on that trip and still have it today. Learning about the development and race history, I latched onto the notion that the 289 was a better balanced car than the 427. Right or wrong, it had made an impression on 14 year old me and I've always gravitated towards the 289's and Daytona's. I liked the look of the flared fenders and the oil cooler opening of the 427 which the FIA had as well. I remember first seeing a FFR advertisement in a magazine sometime in the '90s and it seemed like a great idea. When I started to get serious and saw that FFR had a FIA body, it was a no brainer.

After waffling about the decision for a few years and hoping in vain for a pre-pandemic type sale to come around again, I placed my order back in January and took delivery a couple weeks ago. At the time I was preparing to order I asked about the feasibility of installing a Coyote engine rather than a Windsor. I was told that they didn't know if anyone had done it yet but it should work fine with some custom work done to adapt the exhaust. To be clear, I absolutely love the look of Webers on a traditional small block and find the Coyote seriously lacking in the looks department. The 3rd Gen is particularly difficult to look at. I've owned many Fords over the years and have a 1967 Galaxie XL with a 390 FE that will forever have a place in my heart since buying it in high school. I have no fear of carburetors and love the simplicity after living with them since childhood. What complicated my decision was my opportunity to drive a 2020 F150 for work. I was immediately in love with the way that engine made power. So, I've decided to do something a little controversial but also unique (maybe a 1st). I view the Coyote as what might unfortunately be the final evolution of the V8 engine. The technology is incredible as is the power, drivability and economy for what it is. Also breaking with the period correct theme, I became frustrated while researching tires for 15" rims. I like seeing some side wall on my tire and have always run BFG Radials on my Galaxie. I like the look and have always been satisfied with the performance of the tire. That being said, they really aren't up to the challenge that a Cobra with 460 HP can present. After agonizing about it for 10 months, I broke down and changed my order to include 17" wheels. Using the same logic, with that kind of power, brakes should match the performance. Changing the wheel size allowed me to go with Wilwoods which I'm sure I won't regret.

The kit I spec'd out is as follows:
289 Complete Kit
USRRC Trunk
Coyote Headers
Power Steering
289 Gauges
IRS
17" Halibrands
Competition Low Back Seats
Heater
Windshield Wipers
Delete front Brakes

The order was finalized in Mid-October for a 10/28 completion. I then gave Mike Forte a call to get a Coyote TKX package ordered. You cannot say enough good things about the service he provides. Mike is truly a pleasure to deal with. While talking to Mike, he mentioned that he had Wilwood brakes in stock. After being quoted 25+ weeks by FFR, this was a pleasant surprise. I ordered my IRS through him as well.

Additional parts/upgrades:

Breeze: Trunk Storage Cubby, Front Battery Relocate, Radiator Shroud and Mount Kit
FFMetals: Firewall forward kit, Transmission Tunnel Cover
RT Turn Signal and Drop Trunk.
Assorted Finish Line Accessories
Mid Shift Kit for TKX
Line lock (My thought on this is to use as a hill hold since reaching the E-brake with the seat belts snug will be a challenge. We have a lot of hills here in Seattle.)

All new parts and definitely not a low budget build. I have a realistic budget that I'm confident that I can stay within. I've been looking forward to this for too long to cut corners now.

The delivery process was great. Stewart Transport picked up the order on 10/31 and had it to my door on 11/12. I've been dreading what would be on the POL list and it wasn't unwarranted. I'm missing quite a bit. Like others have found, there were several significant items that weren't on the inventory BOL or POL list. I had a few odd items like a dash panel that has the bend on the bottom bent outwards rather than under the dash. Not sure if this was for a right hand drive option or just a mistake. Had some damage to items and incorrect parts as well. I don't want this to turn into a bash FFR post because I have confidence that they will get it right. If not, I'll discuss it eventually.

My plan for this build was and still is to take a two month sabbatical from work and spend the time in my garage building the car. My window of time is January and February and I've been trying to stay away from the project until then. I haven't received any subsequent parts shipments from FFR yet but I'm hoping I'll see something significant before too long. From what I have on hand now, I can assemble cockpit aluminum and run brake lines and perhaps start the wiring harness. I'm seriously considering starting with body work since I plan to do this and paint it myself. (Spoiler alert, it will be black with blacked out rims like CSX2001) I'm confident that if I have the parts, I should be able to have a car on the road next spring. I'm having serious doubts about the parts at this point.

As far as how much I will post, it remains to be seen. I typically don't spend much time journaling or posting on forums. I'm primarily a consumer and have been very impressed with the community here. So much wisdom freely shared and efforts made to answer questions. I don't think I can realistically improve upon some of the impressive builds and innovations I have read but I can certainly document my progress and share lessons learned.

Wow. That was a much longer post than I had intended. I'll try to keep it more succinct in the future.
-Lars