Introduction John Pflug from Michigan plus some questions

[JohnP]

Posted this on the introduction intro forum but wanted to include in my first post as well.

Hi, Just wanted to take a minute and introduce myself. I am John Pflug from Michigan, lifelong car enthusiast, racer, woodworker, maker, father, and Husband. I worked as an Aerospace Engineer for almost 40 years and am now retired from that profession and own a 60 acre farm and woodworking business. I have a wife and 4 children (3 girls, and 1 boy). Have been following factory 5 almost from there earliest beginning and have always wanted to build a Cobra and a GT40. I hope to order my Kit and start my build in about a year and would like to start participating in the forum to prepare and get educated.

Will be using my Cobra to participate in Michigan Cobra events, as well as some limited use for Autocross and track days... plus just the adventure of building it. My current thoughts are to build a Cobra to the following Spec

1. Complete Kit
2. Coyote Gen 3 Motor
3. Manual Transmission TBD
4. IRS rear end with TBD final drive ratio
5. Willwood Brakes option


am looking for feedback and suggestions on my build options based on my intended usage. Could be just pointers to good similar threads to read to get educated. Am starting to search previous threads for information but some pointers to applicable ones would help.

Thanks
John P

[Sdonnel]

Welcome John. You need to look up Great Lakes Cobra Club. We do a lot of great stuff throughout the year. Woodward is always a blast (when they have it).

Scott

[Bob Cowan]

Will be using my Cobra to participate in Michigan Cobra events, as well as some limited use for Autocross and track days... plus just the adventure of building it. My current thoughts are to build a Cobra to the following Spec

1. Complete Kit
2. Coyote Gen 3 Motor
3. Manual Transmission TBD
4. IRS rear end with TBD final drive ratio
5. Willwood Brakes option

John P

I think you pretty well nailed it. Simple, easy, powerful, and economical. Should meet all your needs easily.

Since you have IRS, I would recommend a 6 speed trans. And either a 3.55 or 3.73 rear gear.

[ggunter]

Sounds like a wonderful dream to be able to retire on 60 farm and do wood working. I can just picture it. As far as your kit goes you have a good spec there and bing an engineer you will love building this car. It is well thought out and goes together very well. There will be many opinions on here to spend your money for you, but like i was told when I first got on here, just figure out what you want to do with the car and build it to suit you. Good luck and enjoy it most of all.

[JohnP]

Thanks all for your kind responses, I was planning to join the great lakes club for Michigan... looks like a neat group. Thanks for the build thread to look at... all review it. I was unaware there was a six speed option... but I assume it is the stock transmission that comes with the Coyote in the mustang?

Thanks
John P

[edwardb]

Hi John. Where in Michigan are you located? I'll second Scott's recommendation for the Great Lakes Cobra Club if you're anywhere close. Bunch of Factory Five enthusiasts in that group. Along with most other brands... You were were already directed to my Roadster build thread which has some similarities to what you're planning. One big difference is the Gen 3 Coyote you're planning. Many similarities but also a few differences. I have one in my Coupe build. Build thread link in my sig line below. When going six speed, mostly that's using a Tremec T56. Fits in an IRS Roadster, but it's a little tight with a couple minor mods required. Six speed is nice, but in this light of a car and with the HP, torque, and RPM range of the Coyote, a five speed really does work great. If I were building a Roadster today, I'd be looking at the recently released Tremec TKX. Would fit perfectly. Same as a TKO with many improvements. There have been several that have built with the Mustang Getrag MT82 six speed. But he shifter is in the wrong place, so requires a mod for relocation. Also requires a different driveshaft adapter. Plus the gear ratios are not quite as ideal as the Tremec options. But it can work if you're determined.

I know you said you're ordering in the future. Just a heads up, I'm seeing multiple comments that Factory Five is quoting six month lead times these days. Only takes a deposit to hold a production date. Something to be aware of. Good luck and (again) welcome.

Paul B.
Lake Orion, MI

[JohnP]

Paul... Really appreciate the advise and insight from all your builds. I already started reviewing your build posts with much interest. I live in Alto MI which is in the Grand Rapids MI area. Is the Tremec TKX a drop in fit or does it also have to be modified? Appreciate the heads up all factor in six months in to my time line... was hopping to hit one of there sales events... sounds like with high demand may not have a sale in the near future though?

Thanks
John P

[JohnP]

Was considering a factory visit to actually place my order in the spring/summer once we can start traveling again. Have always wanted to make a visit and take a tour... would be great to combine it with getting my order at the factory and some advise from them as part of the process.

Thanks
JP

[edwardb]

Paul... Really appreciate the advise and insight from all your builds. I already started reviewing your build posts with much interest. I live in Alto MI which is in the Grand Rapids MI area. Is the Tremec TKX a drop in fit or does it also have to be modified? Appreciate the heads up all factor in six months in to my time line... was hopping to hit one of there sales events... sounds like with high demand may not have a sale in the near future though?

Thanks
John P

The TKX was recently announced and I don't know if anyone has actually seen one in person. I certainly haven't. Should be available in the timeframe you're planning. It's replacing the TKO which I understand is no longer being produced. The TKO has been the most popular trans for these builds. I've done several. Everything I've read and viewed has been on-line. Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUDDYWDi7yY&ab_channel=BowlerPerformanceTransmissions. Lots of others with searching. While slimmer, the bolt pattern, length, and input/output spline counts are all the same as TKO. So should be an easy install with no mods required.

I agree. With orders at their current peak, I wouldn't expect sales at Factory Five any time soon. But that's purely a guess. Who knows what Dave will come up with?


Was considering a factory visit to actually place my order in the spring/summer once we can start traveling again. Have always wanted to make a visit and take a tour... would be great to combine it with getting my order at the factory and some advise from them as part of the process.

Thanks
JP

The factory is an interesting visit, and in a good location for sightseeing, great seafood, etc. We enjoy going there. Their annual open house is scheduled for June 12. It was cancelled last year along with everything else. Hopefully it can happen this year. We've gone a couple times, and will go this year if they have it. Great chance to see a bunch of cars, take a tour, etc.

[JohnP]

Paul... OK I went and looked at some of the information... again thanks!!! Hopefully things will open back up by June and I can do the open house!!

[Jim1855]

John,
I'm in Cascade and sorta building a Challenge Car. Progress is slow.
I've seen the TKX, didn't appear to be any larger than the TKO-5/600 but didn't measure it. Don't see any reason that it wouldn't fit, a T56 can fit and it's a lot smaller than that. I have a 600 and it's in place behind my 351W.
PM sent.
Jim

[Jim1855]

John,
I'm in Cascade and sorta building a Challenge Car. Progress is slow.
I've seen the TKX, didn't appear to be any larger than the TKO-5/600 but didn't measure it. Don't see any reason that it wouldn't fit, a T56 can fit and it's a lot smaller than that. I have a 600 and it's in place behind my 351W.
PM sent.
Jim

[JohnP]

Jim

I did go look the TKX online an it looks like a good option for the car!

[Jim1855]

John,

The TKX might be your only option, current supplies dependent as I believe that Tremec is discontinuing the TKO-5/600 series. Or that's what I think I've read. I can't see any reason for them to build both.

Not sure where they are building it, I'd guess Mexico, fairly certain it's not Novi. I'll try to find out.

Jim

[edwardb]

John,

The TKX might be your only option, current supplies dependent as I believe that Tremec is discontinuing the TKO-5/600 series. Or that's what I think I've read. I can't see any reason for them to build both.

Not sure where they are building it, I'd guess Mexico, fairly certain it's not Novi. I'll try to find out.

Jim

Hey Jim. On Tremec's website FAQ: "TREMEC transmissions are designed and manufactured in Queretaro, Mexico. Marketing, sales, and customer support are located in Wixom, Michigan..." Strange since the address listed is Novi for Michigan. But that's close to Wixom... Pretty sure I had seen "Made in Mexico" on every Tremec I've had.

[JohnP]

Looks like it would be the right choice if it is the most direct fit and best ergonomics... placement and shifting?

Thanks
JohnP

[JohnP]

Paul

I read your build thread.... very impressive ...nice work!! I was wondering if you have a parts list for the items you needed to get outside of the kit plus the ones you upgraded because you preferred a different brand/type. My build will be very close to yours so the list would be great if you have one?

Thanks
JohnP

[JohnP]

Ok I am struggling with the private message system ... newbie problem.... I was able to figure out that I had private messages and find them… And I just responded to them and sent them… But I can’t see the response that I sent?

[MSumners]

On the left of the messages screen there should be a “sent” folder that shows responses.


Ok I am struggling with the private message system ... newbie problem.... I was able to figure out that I had private messages and find them… And I just responded to them and sent them… But I can’t see the response that I sent?

[edwardb]

Paul

I read your build thread.... very impressive ...nice work!! I was wondering if you have a parts list for the items you needed to get outside of the kit plus the ones you upgraded because you preferred a different brand/type. My build will be very close to yours so the list would be great if you have one?

Thanks
JohnP

Thanks. I have an Excel spreadsheet with all the details from that build. PM your email and I'd be happy to send a copy.

[JohnP]

Thanks all send it to you

John P

[austingoblue]

Hi John! I am also in Grand Rapids, built two of these with my brothers and Father. Getting ready to do another one in the next year! Would love to stay in touch and see your car when you get going! Doug

[CaptB]

John,

The TKX might be your only option, current supplies dependent as I believe that Tremec is discontinuing the TKO-5/600 series. Or that's what I think I've read. I can't see any reason for them to build both.

Not sure where they are building it, I'd guess Mexico, fairly certain it's not Novi. I'll try to find out.

Jim

I just ordered a 347 w/TKX, I was advised that the TKO is not available any longer through Blueprint Engines.

[Hacksaw84]

My number one suggestion is to try and see, sit in, or even ride in some completed cars. Talk to those owners for hands on feedback. That is for sure the best way to help you plan out your order. If you can go to one of the big shows (San Marcos, London, or Huntington Beach) but if not then join that local club and meet up with them. Here is some of my opinions on your questions, whatever that is worth:

I will agree with others on the TKX/TKO. Two reasons. I believe its easier (mostly bolts right in) and more importantly is that its very common so you can find lots of posts/help on that combo.
Might consider changing the seats if you want to autocross it. The low backs are not great for that kind of driving. Also look up the rules for any racing events you might want to participate in. Make sure your build plan aligns with those rules.
The wilwoods are great but just make sure you get wheels that match up. FFR has a couple good options with just the right spacing.
I think the most common answer on rear end ratio is 3.55. Having said that, I have a IRS performance pack rear end with the 3.73s.

Also, I like just about everything Breeze sells. All kinds of little bits to spend your money on.

[JohnP]

Hi John! I am also in Grand Rapids, built two of these with my brothers and Father. Getting ready to do another one in the next year! Would love to stay in touch and see your car when you get going! Doug

Thanks Doug... all be posting lots of questions an plan to have a build post

JohnP

[JohnP]

Thanks Michael... some good advise.... I have some i’ll go people who are already offered to let me see their cars and spend some time talking.

JohnP

[GTBradley]

Welcome, John. I would advise that you think about wheel size now. If you’re interested in only the 17” or 18” no biggie, but if you think you might want 15s you need to do research on suspension and brakes now.

[JohnP]

Not sure on wheel size yet but was leaning toward 17 or 18's. Not sure what the trade off are for the various sizes... was going to look for threads on it.

Thanks
John P

[Jim1855]

John,
I started with 15s in 2004, ran them for 5-6 weeks until I got the 17s. After that used the 15s for a few winter runs and storage.
I'm planning on 17s or 18s for this build. I've run 4 different sets of 17s.
Other than the "look" I greatly prefer the newer sizes.
We can discuss over coffee.
Jim

[Hacksaw84]

Not sure on wheel size yet but was leaning toward 17 or 18's. Not sure what the trade off are for the various sizes... was going to look for threads on it.

Thanks
John P

I like the look of the 18s (what I have) but there are a lot more tire options in the 17s.

Most all the 17s and 18s clear the wilwoods, just make sure you are double checking for your plan.

[GFX2043mtu]

I'm in the Walker/Standale area if you want to check out a complete MK4 car let me know. If it weren't the dead of winter I would offer a ride (your always welcome for one in the spring). PM me if interested

[JohnP]

Will the 17 offered by factory 5 accommodate the wilwood brakes?

John P

[JohnP]

Would love to check out your car in the spring.

JohnP

[JohnP]

This is what I have for my build plan so far ... most of the mods beyond what comes in the complete complete kit are from reviewing Paul builds

1. Complete Kit
2. Coyote Gen 3 Motor
3. Manual Transmission TBD
4. IRS rear end with TBD final drive ratio
5. Willwood Brakes option

Howe Racing 22320S upper ball joints as #8674

Energy Suspension 5.13102G boots on the upper ball joints

Moog ES2150RL tie rod ends

Breeze Fan Shroud

Moroso 63806 coolant expansion tank

Russ Thompson column mounted turn signal switch (already received) with the momentary stalk button used for low/high beams and flash to pass. American Autowire electronic module

keyless pushbutton start setup. Digital Guard Dawg PBS-I.

GPS speedo’s ... I think this is just an option on the complete kit.

17 inch wheels from factory 5... not sure what type yet.


I am continuing to look at build threads but this is what I have so far.... comments ... additional suggestions?

[edwardb]

Will the 17 offered by factory 5 accommodate the wilwood brakes?

John P

I know the Wilwood 6-piston front and 4-piston rear option (upgrade for IRS) fits the 17" Halibrand style wheels. From personal experience. 18's obviously too. You would need to check with Factory Five on any others. Probably yes but I'd confirm.

For your list of options -- if you do the Vintage gauge set (Speedhut) GPS is standard. Nice gauges. The Autometer set Factory Five sells is not GPS. Requires the speed sensor in the trans to be connected and and then the gauge calibrated. No big deal, but GPS is just so easy... Plus it has some cool features like timers, etc. Another thing to be aware of is the Speedhut tach will connect directly to the Coyote. The Autometer gauges require an additional tach adapter to work with the Coyote.

[JohnP]

Thanks Paul.... this answers a couple different questions

JohnP

[JohnP]

Has there been a build with the 5.2L ALUMINATOR 5.2 XS CRATE ENGINE? Is this to much motor for the car? I do have about 10 years of autocross and road race experience but some times there is to much of a good thing?

Johnp

[CraigS]

I don't think I have seen one yet. I was going to say something about how can there be too much HP but then I did a quick search. Dang, 580hp and 445tq, wow. Not too much but maybe more than can be gotten to the ground in 2nd.

[Jim1855]

As Craig indicated, getting to the ground might be the issue. But then easing into the throttle really helps as does gearing, tires and suspension setups.

Building a throttle stop to restrict full throttle can help as you learn the car. Training wheels for big boys.

It's a lot easier to not use what you have than use what you don't.

Jim

[Railroad]

Has there been a build with the 5.2L ALUMINATOR 5.2 XS CRATE ENGINE? Is this to much motor for the car? I do have about 10 years of autocross and road race experience but some times there is to much of a good thing?

Johnp

I have the 5.0 Aluminator in my Mk IV. It is advertised over 500 hp and 8K rpm redline. I have 3.55 IRS.
I wish I had put 3.73 gears in, but not a big issue as I do not race, only brisk pulls in the lower gears.
I have not compared the dyno charts between the 5.0 and the 5.2, but remember the larger engine does step up the power, as expected.
My engine's forte is the rpm acceleration from 3 to 3.5K to 7 or 8K.
I actually think most of the performance pushrod engines would pull me slightly out of the lower rpm range.
I would have no problem using the 5.2 in the roadster. Mine idles like any modern auto, has no hesitation or flat spots.
I started it yesterday, outside temp about 30* F. Fired right up and computer added cold start rpm, very nice, just like Mama's Lincoln.
Would love to drive a 5.2. My opinion, go for it, cannot foresee any issues.