F9 SEMA Build

[Erik W. Treves]

Hello all.

Just wanted to let everyone know I got the call from Stewart just now and it looks like the "Eagle" will land tomorrow morning around 8-9am CST. I will be documenting the build with pictures and video; both here and on FB. Some live videos. I think the plan is pretty well laid out (I think) so hopefully this should go pretty smooth (for a new design) - updates will happen in the evening mainly. I will plan on answering as many questions as I see. Only thing I would ask is that if you are going to ask a question please post it here in the thread NOT as a PM. This will keep the same question from be asked by multiple people - filling up my inbox.

There will be a planned pause in the build update in a few weeks when the Rolling Chassis and Body go to paint.... much like where my GTM is right now.

Hang on - this is gonna go like crazy.

Thanks again to Dave and Jim for trusting me with this project!

here we go.........................................

[65 Cobra Dude]

Awesome Erik! Can’t wait to watch your progress. FFR chose the right beta builder!

Henry

[Erik W. Treves]

Got the 30 minutes out call! pit crew is ready - of course we are unloading in the RAIN.....Army of ONE! ...lol

[jbs72697]

But it wouldn’t be a true kit build if everything went perfectly

[Erik W. Treves]

OK - well we are off and running. Everything went pretty well as planned - goal was to get the car into a roller with the brakes installed and on the ground so I can get the body on and start working the doors and set the gaps on everything. I am trying to get this over to the paint guy who happens to be my Powdercoat guy too - very cool... this way he can finalize everything and we can figure out the paint... once he is happy with that we will rip the body off and I will bring the chassis back and start putting everything together for good.

AL the new Stewart Drive was awesome - nice guy. There was a lot of work to do since a guy cxl'd his delivery after the truck was load and his stuff was in front of mine.... so that was some work :)

Anyway - was moving pretty good so I didn't get some of the detail picks - but there will be plenty of those after the chassis comes back from dropping the body off...

all in all not a bad day and the rain even stopped after we got everything in the garage --- of course...


https://youtu.be/3YvK2sfPzmk

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146039&d=1618104430

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146042&d=1618104472

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146040&d=1618104440

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146041&d=1618104451

[Erik W. Treves]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146043&d=1618104488

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146044&d=1618104503

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146045&d=1618104519

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146051&d=1618105042

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146047&d=1618104540

[Erik W. Treves]

Got a little more done today.. got the back all installed and gapped.. fitted the hood to match the door... Installed driver's side hinge mount assy... Looks like door will take a minute to fit but waiting on some bushings.. but it does fit real well in the hole.. will start on the passenger door tomorrow after work... Oh .. installed the rack and steering column so I can roll it around now without issue

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146086&d=1618182765

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146085&d=1618182757

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146084&d=1618182749

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146083&d=1618182740

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146082&d=1618182728

[HerculezJT]

So as of right now, whats your impression of the body? Any irregularities in the form? Any concerning flex with the large body piece? Im happy to hear the doors seem to fit well so far, i know that is somewhat an endeavor on some of the kits.

[Erik W. Treves]

THe body is very rigid and light... So far the body looks quite good.. which means you have to be extra careful handling it, which is new to me since I always paint my cars. But so far so good... will be glad to have the doors and windows behind me :)

[merim123]

This looks better than I thought it would so far. Will be curious on your feedback on fit inside for tall people as well. I'm 6'3"

[Erik W. Treves]

The fit inside is the same as the Gen 3 coupe which I am happy to report is HUGE. I would make the observation that tall is relative to whether you are long legged or long in the upper body... myself I am 5'6" with 31inch inseam and I have the seat as high up as I can get it (Kirkey) and I am sitting on a one inch cushion as well as having the seat moved forward :) - If you go on the Coupe forum and ask the question you will find your answer I believe. I haven't check myself side by side ( i have a coupe as well) - but the A-pillar roll bar is more forward so I think this will help with the entry as well.

my .02

[merim123]

thanks for this, my inseam is 33" so I'd say I lean toward torso tall vs. leg tall. How is the footbox for a size 13 shoe?

[smithtlw]

Wow- just the other day I read you were going to be building this and come back to check the forum to find out I almost missed the entire build! Awesome progress and it looks great. Thanks for sharing so many pictures along the way.

-Todd

[Erik W. Treves]

thanks for this, my inseam is 33" so I'd say I lean toward torso tall vs. leg tall. How is the footbox for a size 13 shoe?

I would recommend looking in the Coupe Forum - the F9 is dimensionally the same inside

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?39162-Will-i-physically-fit-in-a-type-65&highlight=size

[Erik W. Treves]

Wow- just the other day I read you were going to be building this and come back to check the forum to find out I almost missed the entire build! Awesome progress and it looks great. Thanks for sharing so many pictures along the way.

-Todd

Yeah - rolling pretty good - knocking out the stuff that I know how goes together - since I get these without directions; Everything looks pretty good so far and no surprises.. just trying to document everything and find parts. Stay tuned!

[David Hodgkins]

Public Apologies to Erik! I forgot to add this new forum to the home page latest threads list!

I personally have been looking forward to this thread for years now!

:)

[Papa]

Does the body have some kind of protective wrap on it? Is it all carbon fiber like the first prototype?

[David Hodgkins]

Does the body have some kind of protective wrap on it? Is it all carbon fiber like the first prototype?

I'm thinking the doors are from the 1st car body and the rest of the car is one of the mat finish 2nd batch.

:)

[Erik W. Treves]

DAve you are correct.

[crash]

Does the body have some kind of protective wrap on it? Is it all carbon fiber like the first prototype?

My question exactly. I don't really care since I will likely paint the one we get, but I too noticed that it doesn't look like the pictures from when the body was fresh out of the molds? The door looks like maybe what I was expecting, but the hood and tail look different. What is the reason for this?

EDIT: Um..."mat finish"? Please explain.

[Erik W. Treves]

THe doors are gloss over carbon... the rest of the car is matte...all part of the plan

[David Hodgkins]

Sorry for the typo crash. As Erik says, matte finish - as opposed to gloss or flat, eggshell, etc.

:)

[crash]

Sorry. Wasn't ribbing anyone over "mat" vs "matte", I was just wanting to know...

I had heard "through the grapevine" that there were some changes being made to one or more of the original beta bodies and I was thinking that the "matte/mat" finish was as a result of those "adjustments" maybe? Just probing for info. Wondering if your body was "updated"? Also, I assume you will be painting the body since the mismatch of finishes?

[Erik W. Treves]

All will be revealed at SEMA :) For now just doing the all the panel fitting - then I will put the rest of the drivetrain in.

[Chadillac]

Brembo brakes?

[Erik W. Treves]

Yes

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146048&d=1618104553

[Erik W. Treves]

So I apologize - I meant to share some close up shots from yesterday and I must of been too tired or something but I am not seeing them above. The rear of the car does not come attached to the car - tail section. So the tail section gets bonded on the rear lip and sides can be bonded or bolted... I took these shots on both sides which show the consistent body lines and tight fit. It didn't take very long - the hardest part was trying to balance the entire rear clip by myself was a task as wide as the car is....lol... don't mind all the shop dust on it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146114&d=1618256552

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146113&d=1618256543

[David Hodgkins]

Erik not to get too far ahead but some basic questions you might know the answer to:


Is the bottom going to be tubbed?
Do you know where the exhaust will route and exit?
Do you have any idea what the finished dash/interior will look like?
Has the interior fit and finish been finalized by the factory?
Will this be a "stock" build in that regard, or are you going to add custom bits?


:)

[Erik W. Treves]

Dave I will answer what I can.

Is the bottom going to be tubbed? - not sure what this means? are you asking if the bottom is going to flat bottom like the GTM? Not sure I haven't gotten through that part - but it looks like at the very least the back of the car is flat bottomed and continues to the rear diffuser.

Do you know where the exhaust will route and exit? Around the sides and out the back just like the other pics .. 4 pipe tips just above the diffuser

Do you have any idea what the finished dash/interior will look like? No

Has the interior fit and finish been finalized by the factory? I do don't know - I don't have it yet.

Will this be a "stock" build in that regard, or are you going to add custom bits? - should be "stock" - the LS V12 is pretty much over the top for power.. .. The main goal is to provide FFR feedback on the kit and its assembly as well as making it presentable at SEMA... hopefully I do it justice and it is received well.

[merim123]

So I apologize - I meant to share some close up shots from yesterday and I must of been too tired or something but I am not seeing them above. The rear of the car does not come attached to the car - tail section. So the tail section gets bonded on the rear lip and sides can be bonded or bolted... I took these shots on both sides which show the consistent body lines and tight fit. It didn't take very long - the hardest part was trying to balance the entire rear clip by myself was a task as wide as the car is....lol... don't mind all the shop dust on it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146114&d=1618256552

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146113&d=1618256543

Is this car going to be painted? maybe one piece of feedback to the factory is to have the carbon layed in the same direction so if someone did not want to paint the car, the carbon direction would flow the same way. Right now they run into each other.

[Erik W. Treves]

with all the addition aero that gets placed on the car I am not sure this can be helped...imo...at least at the price point that it makes it reasonable....my observation is that while obvious at 10 inches away - it really isn't noticeable ... again just my observation. My only point in the picture was to show how tight the fit is and how the lines flow consistently across the body...since the carbon is ultra stiff there is no hiding or cheating this if it's wrong.

[Papa]

with all the addition aero that gets placed on the car I am not sure this can be helped...imo...at least at the price point that it makes it reasonable....my observation is that while obvious at 10 inches away - it really isn't noticeable ... again just my observation. My only point in the picture was to show how tight the fit is and how the lines flow consistently across the body...since the carbon is ultra stiff there is no hiding or cheating this if it's wrong.

Like this?

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146115&d=1618263771

Lower trim to body looks out of whack if you just look at the area behind the rear wheel opening, but look how the direction starts at the center of the rear panels and aligns with the parts there.

Similar on the front:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146116&d=1618264326

Looks pretty intricate to get the weave to flow over all parts of the car. I wonder what the Porsche body costs?

[Erik W. Treves]

I am sure that is a pretty penny but looking at that right rear fender and bumper - even that is off as is the area where the license plate is....meh...

[GoDadGo]

Papa Dave,

This is a Family Friendly Forum so showing Carbon Fiber Porn is prohibited.

Steve

[Papa]

Papa Dave,

This is a Family Friendly Forum so showing Carbon Fiber Porn is prohibited.

Steve

Okay -- How about the PG-13 version? Here's my $800 sliver of carbon fiber I added to my BMW:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142693&d=1613345931

[q4stix]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146048&d=1618104553

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146114&d=1618256552


These look an awful lot like the Brembo brakes and rotors on the GT350.
Any idea if that's planned for the F9 or just for SEMA with the standard being the Wilwood setup Factory Five offers as an options tons of people go with?

[Erik W. Treves]

Not sure.. sorry

[stack]

These look an awful lot like the Brembo brakes and rotors on the GT350.
Any idea if that's planned for the F9 or just for SEMA with the standard being the Wilwood setup Factory Five offers as an options tons of people go with?

I believe that F5 has made brackets to connect the GT350 brake kit to the F5 spindles. Those are indeed GT350

stack

[q4stix]

I believe that F5 has made brackets to connect the GT350 brake kit to the F5 spindles. Those are indeed GT350

stack

Interesting. Seems like a lot of options are not well publicized or not shown either on the order page or the parts website. They're doing better listing things but not there yet.


Now back to the build.... it's been 24 hours an no new progress pictures. What's happened to Erik? Someone needs to check on him ;)

[Erik W. Treves]

Ha... Check the build forum.. I didn't post last night - had to work until 6pm - and then went out to the garage to attempt to hang a door....lol.... more to follow.

[Erik W. Treves]

Missed a day - sorry -

I did manage to get the doors hung - with all the lines and curves it took a bit to get the first door done... and in complete confession I have to go back and adjust the gap a bit on the driver's side - but they are hung and they swing out quite a bit which should make getting into and out of way easier! I will get it out in the sun this weekend and get some proper shots - i have to get the door catches installed next and install the side windows - lock everything down screw down the body so it doesn't move and then we are off to do the exterior treatment.

anyway - it's a CAR.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146201&d=1618365359

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146200&d=1618365335

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146199&d=1618365327


https://youtu.be/FYVHsoiT74Q

[crash]

Interesting. Seems like a lot of options are not well publicized or not shown either on the order page or the parts website. They're doing better listing things but not there yet.


Now back to the build.... it's been 24 hours an no new progress pictures. What's happened to Erik? Someone needs to check on him ;)

I think, to be fair, this is a Beta car and Beta #1 build. All the options, and even some of the parts shown here, are likely not going to be what the finished offered product is in MANY respects.

We are fortunate that FFR is allowing us all to follow along in the Beta Build. IIRC most of these are done behind the scenes and we only get to see the finished product, usually at an event like SEMA.

If something you see in this build thread is or isn't to your liking, comment on it and I am sure "The Big Guy" will see it and consider it.

[Cobradavid]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146086&d=1618182765

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146083&d=1618182740

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146082&d=1618182728


The styling on this car is crazy gorgeous!

I can't wait to see more updates and the finished car.

David

[dlud]

I think, to be fair, this is a Beta car and Beta #1 build. All the options, and even some of the parts shown here, are likely not going to be what the finished offered product is in MANY respects.

We are fortunate that FFR is allowing us all to follow along in the Beta Build. IIRC most of these are done behind the scenes and we only get to see the finished product, usually at an event like SEMA.

If something you see in this build thread is or isn't to your liking, comment on it and I am sure "The Big Guy" will see it and consider it.

Agree. Love the look of the car and am anxiously watching the build...just finished my GTM and pondering the next project.

[ProJoe]

you know I wasn't really sold on this thing originally but holy **** it looks good more "in the flesh"

really excited to see how this thing turns out. I know it's just a SEMA build but will you be doing any performance benchmarks like 0-60, braking, 1/4, skidpad g-force, etc. ?

[Erik W. Treves]

No - I will probably go-cart it a bit - but even on my personal cars - I don't mess with them until after SEMA.... there is just too much work in the car at that point to risk it.. one paint chip and we have an emergency on our hands.

[crash]

you know I wasn't really sold on this thing originally but holy **** it looks good more "in the flesh"

really excited to see how this thing turns out. I know it's just a SEMA build but will you be doing any performance benchmarks like 0-60, braking, 1/4, skidpad g-force, etc. ?

Dave's plan, as he announced on the FB Live presentations previously, is to also turn a couple of these over to two race teams for extreme stress testing. I am happy to say that my team has been chosen to be one of those groups to stress test the F9R under the most brutal conditions we can come up with...endurance auto racing events. No event is less than 3 hours and the longest event is 25 hours so we are sure to get TONS of performance info for this community. Dave has promised us a car by the 4th quarter of this year. Delays are common in these types of developments so we will see, but we plan, at this point, to be fielding the car in Trans Am and Western Endurance Racing Championship events for next season.

[DSR-3]

What is the "donor parts" vs kit situation for the F9?

[Erik W. Treves]

Not sure on the final configuration of the Kit. But I am assuming it's in line with the Coupe - It is still using Mustang IRS and hot rod spindles - wilwood pedal box.. I am not expecting that solid axle would be available option.... given what I am looking at.... but I am out of my lane in drawing this conclusion....

[Ajzride]

The Type 3 coupe is a 95" wheelbase, does the F9 look the same or has it possibly been stretched any? I would prefer something closer to 105" for a nice grand tourer car.

[David Hodgkins]

The Type 3 coupe is a 95" wheelbase, does the F9 look the same or has it possibly been stretched any? I would prefer something closer to 105" for a nice grand tourer car.

I believe I've heard before that it was stretched 9" along the rails behind the driver so that would make it 104"

:)

[Ajzride]

I believe I've heard before that it was stretched 9" along the rails behind the driver so that would make it 104"

:)

That would be awesome if true.

[dukegrad98]

This is the most interested and excited I've been about a car forum thread / build in years. Awesome to see Erik working on it.

Question -- am I suffering some optical illusion looking at the photos, or does this wheel/tire combo stick out what looks like a full inch beyond the rear body / wheel arches?

Cheers, John

[David Hodgkins]

This is the most interested and excited I've been about a car forum thread / build in years. Awesome to see Erik working on it.

Question -- am I suffering some optical illusion looking at the photos, or does this wheel/tire combo stick out what looks like a full inch beyond the rear body / wheel arches?

Cheers, John

Most likely due to not being aligned.

:)

[Just puttering]

thanks for this, my inseam is 33" so I'd say I lean toward torso tall vs. leg tall. How is the footbox for a size 13 shoe?

F9 footbox with my size11 wide shoes! 146360

[Erik W. Treves]

This is the most interested and excited I've been about a car forum thread / build in years. Awesome to see Erik working on it.

Question -- am I suffering some optical illusion looking at the photos, or does this wheel/tire combo stick out what looks like a full inch beyond the rear body / wheel arches?

Cheers, John

So these are not the final wheels for the car - they have the wrong offset to clear the big a$$ brakes - so there are 1 1/2 spacers in there - cause that's all I had... I would not draw any conclusions on the final look during this stage of the build - the proportions should be all be correct. There is a feature of the way the doors work that the gap in the front of the door will be more than rear - at least for this build. There is an angle at the bottom of the door and body which overlaps when you open the door that requires this ... it's not a huge deal - just something to be aware of...

Anyway I had to take both doors off again and re-adjust the body - a few steps backward - so now I have to reset the doors - once I am happy with the repeatability of installing all the body panels and no surprises - everything will get marked and I will rip the body off again and start the fun stuff and get this thing into gocart mode.

[Erik W. Treves]

So quick update - I will get pictures tomorrow - I basically spent the week - a few hours each night trying to get the all the gaps right and repeatable - it seemed like I am going around in circles... you really need 2 or 3 people to hang the doors to not damage anything - The carbon is nice - but when you scratch it there isn't an easy way to come back from that. The big "a ha" moment is when I was talking with the engineers after I noticed some dimples in the body which seemed like they were close to matching some holes in the chassis - they are the holes that locate the hood latches - so I drilled 4 of them out and look at that the bolts dropped right in and the body is now located on the frame - now how slick is that - even better the little bit of the door gaps that I could get a handle on - welp - the door was actually already in the spot and boom - it just lined up! nice.... so when I go back together I know which 4 bolts go in FIRST! It also appears no that the body is lined up that the door post are lined up with the pilot holes - dead center.... I am liking where this headed.... tomorrow should have fully functioning doors that latch... waiting on some hood latch parts so that will happen next week along with some more aero parts. I am glad I did the assy this way vs trying to figure all this out with the aluminum all riveted in and motor and wiring all in ... installing the drivers side door with the pedal box in ....looks like it will be "fun"... I do have something funky going on in the rear of the car with wheel track - I am hoping it's how I put the rear control arms together - since the driver's side is sticking out quite a bit more that the pass side... but I don't even have it aligned either, but it is wrecking my OSD...lol...

Not much else - to report - just slow and steady. Will get some picture tomorrow and this week and maybe a walk around video in the sun.... no promises but I will try :)

[dukegrad98]

Thanks, Erik -- that all makes perfect sense. The question wasn't intended as a criticism so much as an, "are my eyes playing tricks on me, or is something up here?" I did consider that these might not be the final wheels, but I didn't think about the brake kit and some temporary wheel spacers. Actually, I was wondering if there were some wheel arch extensions or something like that...but even in a track/race configuration, that didn't necessarily make sense on an all-carbon body. I figured instead of wild-guessing I'd just ask someone who actually knows -- thanks for responding!

I'm quite impressed with the panel fit and gaps even at this stage, on a beta build with a mish-mash of body panels from obviously separate runs. That suggests tight tolerances and great repeatability straight out of the molds. I will be curious to see how things wind up with the body. This car is going to paint for reasons already discussed, but I know one of Dave's top priorities has always been a no-paint-necessary carbon body. I'll be curious to see if that is in the mix if/when this car makes it to production. I hope so for a number of reasons, cost not least among them.

Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing progress details and pics here. As I said earlier, this is the most excited I've been about anything car-related on the interwebs in a very long time.

Cheers, John

[Erik W. Treves]

well - the trek continues.... got up this morning and doing the once over and looking at the rear since the tire on the left was sticking out more than the right .... measured everything twice with the IRS links - they were all correct.... called for help - Jim at Factory Five to the rescue! we walked through where to measure to determine if there was a jig problem or an "Erik" problem..... well turns out it was an Erik problem - when installing the body, because the carbon is soooooo stiff you really need to pay attention to how the body lays on the chassis. The two pick up points that pin the hood latch are dimpled and are generally where the holes need to be - I drilled the holes exactly... all I need to do is drill them up one size and give the whole body in the rear a big shove and vola! the rear moved enough to make the tires stick out evenly... this actually completely fix an issue I was fighting with on the pass side door... I actually didn't even need to touch it after I repositioned the body.... the driver's side needed to be reset.. but I am getting really good at that now so that was nice and easy... I am also only using 2 of the 4 bolts to secure the doors at this point (pro tip)...so adjustments are made easy.... so happy with the door fit after the adjustment of the body, I put the door latch posts in... here again the body was pre marked and I could tell I was close since when I drilled the hole I was in the middle of the mount plate hole!.... nice.... dropped in the post - needed one spacer washer.....done - opens and closes like butter.. ... pretty happy all around...the clouds came in so no pics of the car - I did lower the while thing to get idea what it will look like with the engine in at ride height - so tune in tomorrow!

Anyway - here is the pass side door in action!


https://youtu.be/QT79bjhUcUQ

[GoDadGo]

Erik,

All I can say is I wish I had 1/2 of your mechanical skills.
Heck, 1/4 would put me way ahead of where I am today.

Steve

[fletch]

I’m not looking forward to mounting the body & doors on my 818. I know it won’t be as easy as you’re making this look, Erik.

[first time builder]

Are the doors electric operated ?

[Erik W. Treves]

Are the doors electric operated ?

no - not as of yet

[Erik W. Treves]

Body is all done and trial run complete... not bad at all - I basically 1 week to the day and I am really happy with the fit - a little learning going on - overall I think we are on track


https://youtu.be/L5LaybbV0h4

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146447&d=1618693645

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146448&d=1618693672

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146446&d=1618693634

[Jetfuel]

A master piece in a week’s time....amazing

Jet

[Ajzride]

Will you be fitting the side windows on this car or will that wait until after SEMA?

[Erik W. Treves]

Yes side window will be in

[Erik W. Treves]

Played around with rear backspace... 22mm seems ok.. I am going with 15mm I think... Also have the V12 all prepped to go in... Motec EFI at the controls.... Need to paint the valve covers still.. good productive day...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146544&d=1618831857

These are nice to look at ....In confession I did make some vroom vroom sounds....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146543&d=1618831846

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146542&d=1618831837

[David Hodgkins]

It's interesting when you see the Type 65 and F9 side by side. The familial lineage is apparent, almost like you would see if you were looking at a '65 Mustang sitting next to it's present-day sibling.

I'm sure the two race teams that will be campaigning F9's next year are frothing at the bit. I know I would be!

:)

[HotrodMike]

That sounds great I can't wait to see how this build progresses, I think they chose the right builder for the job.

[Al_C]

Somewhere, I thought I had read that one of the goals of the F9 was for a body that didn't need to be painted. Obviously, you're planning to paint this car. Is that part of the overall plan, or just your plan? Thanks, Erik!

[Erik W. Treves]

Painting the car was just part of the SEMA plan is all... The shape and elegance of the body I think is lost in a "dark" coloring.... there is a lot of styling details in the shape that you don't see in the pictures and I feel that's because of the dark color.

[HotrodMike]

All of this in one weeks speaks volumes for the skill of the builder and the attention to detail of the mold makers. I can't wait till this gets into production. You have done an amazing job they chose the right man for the job!!

[cob427sc]

It's great to see the body go together with little or no bodywork. After struggling with an early Type 65 and an early GTM this looks like a huge improvement. Can't wait to see how it finishes!

[crash]

I don't know what effect the two different gel coat finishes will have, but remember, if you like the look of the carbon fiber and you scratch something during assembly, or even after for that matter, you can always shoot it with a layer of clear and buff it out. I would think that for those that leave the body in CF finish that a clear "bra" would be almost mandatory. Use the 3M stuff. It is well worth the extra cost.

[dlud]

I always thought that carbon really needs a clear coat anyway for uv protection. That thinking may be dated however.

[crash]

I always thought that carbon really needs a clear coat anyway for uv protection. That thinking may be dated however.

I think it really depends upon what manufacturing process is used and what gel coat is used.

If pre-preg CF is used then the finish can come out very flat and somewhat pitted. Obviously not the procedure used so far in the FFR F9 body shown here so it would come down to what anti-UV agents are used in the gel coat. I wouldn't imagine that there would be many manufacturers that would go to the expense of using CF and not have an anti-UV agent in the gel coat itself, but probably a question for FFR/Dave.

You are right though, clearing with an anti-UV product would likely be a good thing.

[Erik W. Treves]

Still messing with back space with FFR... Settled on these 15mm spacers then lowered the car down to 4 inch ride height... This should be the final stance.. still have some more aero part to put on the side as well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146882&d=1619298182

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146883&d=1619298188

Back wheels are sucked in much more and I still dont have alignment so it should only get better from here.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146884&d=1619298195

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146885&d=1619298200

[wallace18]

Looking Good!:cool:

[John Dol]

Way to go Erik your making short work of it as usual.
Nice enough car but am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Mustang on steroids?

John

[Papa]

Way to go Erik your making short work of it as usual.
Nice enough car but am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Mustang on steroids?

John

I see more Ferrari influences than Mustang.

Dave

[Bill_VA]

Nice enough car but am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Mustang on steroids?


You might be the only one. I see no Mustang influences. I do however wish the car had the same clearcoat, it's really throwing me off. I look forward to it being painted or wrapped.

[Presto51]

I see more Ferrari influences than Mustang.

Dave

Maybe more Aston Martin ?

146910 146911

Ron

[Ajzride]

The headlights scream 2020 Camaro to me, the rest of it looks very Aston like in my eyes. Don't see a lot of mustang myself.

[Erik W. Treves]

Last bit of Aero installed on the car this weekend - also put the hood latches in ... literally took 15 minutes per side... installed the hardware in the pre-dimpled holes and the hood just shut and latched!!! The car is definitely low at this height - will need to bring it up to load into the trailer. I may move the front wheels out another 1/4 inch or so... but that can be done later.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146975&d=1619464790

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146974&d=1619464782

[David Hodgkins]

Wow that is low.

You said the ride height was at 4.5"? is that measuring from the side skirts down?

What is the overall height of the car? And how <w - i - d - e> is that sucker?

:)

[RoadRacer]

Wow that is low. What is the overall height of the car? And how <w - i - d - e> is that sucker?

:)

Curious how the dimensions compare to the GT40 (~40" high, 70" wide, 160" long) .. that roofline does look low

[Erik W. Treves]

Wow that is low.

You said the ride height was at 4.5"? is that measuring from the side skirts down?

What is the overall height of the car? And how <w - i - d - e> is that sucker?

:)

This is at 3 7/8 ride height in the front and 4 inch in the rear - about what the R height should be i believe... so street height will be about 4 1/2 or so... which is measured from the frame.

[crash]

This is at 3 7/8 ride height in the front and 4 inch in the rear - about what the R height should be i believe... so street height will be about 4 1/2 or so... which is measured from the frame.

I like to run a race car down at about 2.5 inches, so we will try and get the F9R to that spec. Can you tell me if the body is flat with the floor or does it hang down lower than the floor?

[Erik W. Treves]

the side skirts hang lower than the frame - I can get you some measurements if you need them

[Blitzboy54]

If that was my car I would fit it with air bags. That's amazing for the track but real world roads would be a problem I would think.

[crash]

the side skirts hang lower than the frame - I can get you some measurements if you need them

That's not needed. Just trying to figure out what may pop up as a potential challenge once we receive a car. An estimate would be good though. Does it hang lower by less than an inch or is it more on the couple inch+ side?

[Erik W. Treves]

THe side skirts hang one inch lower than the frame.

[David Hodgkins]

Erik what's the latest?

:)

[Erik W. Treves]

got a piece of metal in my eye this weekend so I am moving slow - kinda miserable... I have the chassis back and I am about to get all the aluminum set in the front and start running brake lines and all the electrical. - just hit a little low spot in my progress since Sat Night....end of this week hope will be making my normal progress.

[wallace18]

I hope and pray you heal well. That is more important than the car.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hate to hear that Erik. Been there; pretty unpleasant :( Heal quickly Buddy.

Jeff

[Tuftster]

Good luck with the eye. Been there as well and made the mistake of not going to the doctor and it rusted then had to have it "drilled" out, twice. I feel for you.

[FFRWRX]

Nice enough car but am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Mustang on steroids?

John

No, you're not the only one. This is nothing against the build in this thread, in fact it is a great opportunity to see what the car looks like in the real world. To me it looks..........OK. If you saw it pass on the street would you think "wow, what is that?!", or "is that a body kit on a Mustang?".

Rick

[Erik W. Treves]

Good luck with the eye. Been there as well and made the mistake of not going to the doctor and it rusted then had to have it "drilled" out, twice. I feel for you.

that was the last time I had this :) got that t-shirt... this time I jumped right on it... way better today! SHould be 100% tomorrow I am hoping. Turns out when the doc looked in there the debris was already gone - but it did a number on the coating of the eye.... so lots of eye drops and dark rooms for a day....

[Erik W. Treves]

Well started to feel better this afternoon so took a few minutes here and there.... doing my best to do my one-eyed pirate "capt jack sparrow" impersonation .... arrrrrrrrr!

Anyway - got the body back off the car and over to paint... after proving that the CAD design of the body is close enough for the gaps to be correct without the need for body work this was a plus in my book. FOr the coupe builders out there you know what I am talking about when getting the nose to align with the pontoons and getting the gaps dialed in. In this case all the pre-dimpled holes for the chassis pickup point lined right up and the gaps were consistent. On top of that the body is so stiff that I left the hood latches on the body and was able to latch the good to the body - realigned everything and it basically looked just like it did on the chassis... nice time saver right there....

Anyway - ripped off all the aluminum today, all drilled, scuffed, marked and in the truck for powder coat; gas tank re-mounted; front suspension disassembled since the chassis is matte black powder as are the control arms - well... me being OCD... that won't pass for the SEMA lighting ... so the front half of the chassis that will show all got basecoat clearcoat glossy black.... and since I have the guns out ... all the aluminum that will be in the engine bay got painted... they will also get the gold heat barrier treatment - in the areas that I learned from the coupe.. went ahead and hung the pedal box, master cylinders and go fast pedal.... not bad for one eyed "jack"... anyway here a few messy pictures, but I was running around between breaks at work and then only a couple hours after...I started to hurt so just dropped everything... tomorrow should be better I hope... for sure this weekend I should get some better production going...

Naked:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147359&d=1620170502

This panel is actually black: full disclosure - most of these will be really hard to see after the body is on - but at least we know they look good going in :)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147360&d=1620170510

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147361&d=1620170519

off angle:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147362&d=1620170528

right on it:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147363&d=1620170536

[65 Cobra Dude]

Arrrr! Good work Chief!!!

[Chadillac]

What kind of gas tank is that? New FFR design?

[David Hodgkins]

What kind of gas tank is that? New FFR design?

Something tells me that is due to the rear suspension moving back 9" compared to the Type 65 frame...

Erik, sorry to hear about your eye issue and hope it is healing up ok!

:)

[Erik W. Treves]

yes this is the F9 gas tank... standard issue

[John Dol]

Looking good as usual Erik, glad the eye is better.

John

[first time builder]

Exact thing happened to me, when DR said have to drill it out, I was expecting a 1/2Black and Decker LOL. The drill was like a pen size..

[first time builder]

Those front Calipers look HUGE !

[BLUE KNIGHT]

yes this is the F9 gas tank... standard issue

Give some thought to making an " access " panel for the Fuel pump.( if FFR hasn't already done so ) .... I just had to pull my gas tank to replace the pump :mad::mad: .... and nice work on this build..... Mike :D

[Erik W. Treves]

Give some thought to making an " access " panel for the Fuel pump.( if FFR hasn't already done so ) .... I just had to pull my gas tank to replace the pump :mad::mad: .... and nice work on this build..... Mike :D

The panels in the rear of the FFR's all have access panels... I did have to open the holes up a bit for the new style tank though.

[dukegrad98]

Speaking of access, this may be a premature design question -- but is there any access planned for the rear "hatch" area, like hinging the glass, or is it basically sealed in? (I realize there's not going to be an SUV's-worth of cargo space between the aluminum sheet metal and the body/glass, but I was just curious if there was going to be any way to get something like a briefcase or a soft-sided duffel back there, other than passing it through the roll structure between the two seats.)

Great progress, thanks again for the posts -- and glad to hear your eye is recovering!

Cheers, John

[Erik W. Treves]

The rear has a glass hatch like the coupe - not the same shape obviously - but there the whole rear of the car like the coupe is storage.

[RF RIDER]

How is the interior fitment? I built, drove and then sold my GTM. I found the view out the windshield very limited and when looking out drivers window your head is pretty much touching the rollbar. Will this one be any different? side windows look smaller in height then the GTM. Car is amazing looking, but I feel they are missing the viewing out the car for the driver again. foot box and basically the drivers area seem small like the GTM.
have you had a chance to sit and get a perspective how much you are seeing out the front windshield and side windows.

[crash]

How is the interior fitment? I built, drove and then sold my GTM. I found the view out the windshield very limited and when looking out drivers window your head is pretty much touching the rollbar. Will this one be any different? side windows look smaller in height then the GTM. Car is amazing looking, but I feel they are missing the viewing out the car for the driver again. foot box and basically the drivers area seem small like the GTM.
have you had a chance to sit and get a perspective how much you are seeing out the front windshield and side windows.

While I have not sat in a bodied F9, I can tell you that there is a TON more room in the F9 compared to the GTM as far as space between driver and chassis bars. As you may or may not know, we "raised the roof" on the FFR PDG GTM because we have drivers that are 6'+ and with a helmet on it pretty much would not work as we also needed some "wiggle room". I do not see this same issue with the F9 happening...at least not if the SEMA prototype chassis arrangement is kept in place during production, which is what I sat in at SEMA and I am over 6'.

As to the GTM visibility? I guess I am just used to it, but unless you are the first car at a stop light, which makes seeing the signals difficult, I have not had many issues with visibility out of the GTM. Is it far different than a run of the mill SUV? Yep. Does it take some getting used to? Yep.

[AC Bill]

Maybe more Aston Martin ? Ron

I agree that it has some of the Aston Martin's, Vulcan characteristics..But hopefully less expensive..lol
https://images.cdn.circlesix.co/image/2/1200/700/5/uploads/articles/aston-martin-vulcan_01-copy-54ecb96e55832.jpg

[BLUE KNIGHT]

I haven't seen whether the side windows of the F-9 are moveable ( ie. roll-up roll-down ) or not ??? .... if so will will they be manual or electric ..... Thanks .... Mike :)

[Erik W. Treves]

The side windows are powered

[Erik W. Treves]

Well obviously a slow week - I did manage to get all the aluminum back from the coater yesterday so that was fast but at least I won't be waiting on all that... seems the old eyeball is back to normal so I got up early today - got 6 hours of good rest - which isn't normal for those who know me :) - anyway, I did manage to work on the car about 30 minutes here and there in my monocular state.... mounted all the engine aluminum (this pic below was mid progress) - The reflection of the painted panels is funny in the picture, almost looks like the panels are transparent to me. Anyway - also not pictured is the front brake lines and the coil packs are installed... I will get updates on these areas today... Hopefully with a full press today I should have some big pieces put in the car and get some progress made since I slowed down a bit and it's pissing me off... anyway - here is a pic to show the theme of the interior engine bay.... should set the engine off pretty well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147514&d=1620471644

[Erik W. Treves]

Well got a little more done... engine and tranny are in ... brakes front and rear are run, fuel system is in, ECU is in, radiator is in, power steering all done... headers still need to be tightened..... pretty productive day - 12 hours. The Red valve covers days are numbered.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147532&d=1620520357

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147531&d=1620520330

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147530&d=1620520323

[narkosys]

what components are you using for the power steering?

[Erik W. Treves]

The front dress came with motor..
Looks like a standard LS piece

[Erik W. Treves]

I will let the video make the point :) .....


https://youtu.be/UygC3YLirC0

[Geoff H]

Fantastic work! Sounds awesome!

[metros]

Wow, just wow.

[Erik W. Treves]

rolling under its own power


https://youtu.be/KKb15KAhorU

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hey! I've used that exact same seat in a bunch of 'em! Great job E :) Love the sound!

Jeff

[Erik W. Treves]

Lol.. thanks Jeff.. the seat is pretty cozy for sure

[1965daytona]

Hola Eric,
What a Thrill! That engine sounds mighty fine! Thanks for sharing and keeping us up to date on the F9 Project.
Herb

[thebicman]

I love your neighbor. Looks up for 2 seconds and continues with yard work. You have officially done it. No one on your street is surprised by you. You have built so many cars nothing tweeks there interest. Good for you. Keep up the good work.

[GoDadGo]

Hola Eric,
What a Thrill! That engine sounds mighty fine! Thanks for sharing and keeping us up to date on the F9 Project.
Herb

I just wish I had 1/4 of Erik's abilities!
....Thanks for taking us along for the build.

[Bob-STL]

Oh Man! What a ride !

[RoadRacer]

I love your neighbor. Looks up for 2 seconds and continues with yard work. You have officially done it. No one on your street is surprised by you. You have built so many cars nothing tweeks there interest. Good for you. Keep up the good work.

Almost the best part of this video!

[i.e.427]

Awesome job brother!

[crash]

Amazing to see that V12 actually power the new car. Huge milestone!

Congrats!

[JohnK]

Where's the massive burnout?! You can't go-cart a V12 and leave us hanging like that! ;)

[Alan_C]

Wow, that was fast, not the go kart but getting to this milestone. The engine sounds awesome. I wonder how the cost of the V12 LS compares to the Falconer V12? Keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing the car with the body fitted.

[J R Jones]

Erik, Side exhaust for aesthetics can compromise exhaust tuning. In my experience a V12 is exhaust tuned as two inline sixes, which are (180 degree) tuned as two inline threes. Do the math, four inline threes. The result can be very distinctive and functional.
jim

[johnnybgoode]

That LS based V12 sounds nice. Much better than the usual "Twin Six" sound of some V12's.

[crash]

Where's the massive burnout?! You can't go-cart a V12 and leave us hanging like that! ;)

IIRC this is something like a 10 liter V12. The gas tank, FULL, probably has three burnouts worth in it! LOL!

Seriously though, after noticing the kids in the neighborhood I was very glad there was no burnout. It was the responsible thing to do.

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks guys... was a pretty productive weekend :)

[Erik W. Treves]

So just ran out to the garage and ride height ; 4 inch front.. 4 3/8 rear.. set the alignment up for street duty.. nothing overly aggressive... I still need to check caster before locking down... Rolls nice and easy though. .. moving along

[John Dol]

Erik,

Rolling through it swiftly as usual.
In your experience is the gold reflective liner on the foot box as effective as an actual off set heat shield?

Thanks,

John

[Erik W. Treves]

In my turbo coupe - I was only running DEI heat wrap and I was still getting some heat transfer to the box... so as an experiment I put some gold liner in there - it wasn't night and day but it absolutely helped.... noticed it right away.... in this case it's more for show :) I don't think a lot of miles will be done on this car :)

[Erik W. Treves]

finishing up details - I had to remount the radiator; I had it mounted like the SEMA chassis, but found out it it goes like the coupe - so a little backwards work....I never like the "viper" valve covers - so I went ahead and addressed those. - Put some clamps on and started to button up everything up. THe ECU is now completed mounted as well... mounted all the reservoirs. pretty happy with how this looks..A lot of these details will be covered up but that's fine...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148375&d=1621856483

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148376&d=1621856483

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148377&d=1621856483

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148378&d=1621856483

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148379&d=1621856483

[crash]

Just maybe a heads up? In my experience with ECUs and especially PDUs, a bit of air circulation for cooling purposes is very helpful if not required. I assume that these won't be out in the open mounted on the dash? I assume there will be a covering "dash console" that goes over those units? If this is the case I think I would put some sort of forced air flow to those units.

[cob427sc]

Looks great so far! Doesn't appear that any provision at this time for power steering or brakes? Should I start spending time at the gym to be ready?

[Erik W. Treves]

The V12 has power steering

[Erik W. Treves]

Just maybe a heads up? In my experience with ECUs and especially PDUs, a bit of air circulation for cooling purposes is very helpful if not required. I assume that these won't be out in the open mounted on the dash? I assume there will be a covering "dash console" that goes over those units? If this is the case I think I would put some sort of forced air flow to those units.

I have run several ECU's under the dash without issues - having said that I don't have the interior yet but the position and placement of THIS is ECU was coordinated with FFR - given that this is a SEMA car I am not sure any lap records will be set in the paddock :)

[BLUE KNIGHT]

Just maybe a heads up? In my experience with ECUs and especially PDUs, a bit of air circulation for cooling purposes is very helpful if not required. I assume that these won't be out in the open mounted on the dash? I assume there will be a covering "dash console" that goes over those units? If this is the case I think I would put some sort of forced air flow to those units.

If it needs fan/s I have had good luck using very small fans used to cool " computer's " .... quite inexpensive - bought mine on E-bay ..... good luck ... Mike :)

[toadster]

I will let the video make the point :) .....


https://youtu.be/UygC3YLirC0


dang it sounds MEAN!

it could probably do with a larger 6:1 header setup though :)

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - I thought I would post somewhat of an update - The chassis is pretty much all done and I have started putting the carpet in - so at this point in the build the pics will pretty much have to wait until SEMA... sorry guys - Over the next few months will be doing odds and ends and detail clean up work, so you wouldn't really see much difference from pic to pic anyway - I will post updates - just not pictures .

Thanks to all that have shown interest - I am obviously not going anywhere - so I will still monitor the build page... will be nice to be able to get back to the GTM build as well -

thanks

E

[Erik W. Treves]

Was cleared show this "spy shot" - still some work to be done but it's going well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=151286&d=1627306865

[WIS89]

Erik-

That looks amazing!! She looks crazy fast just sitting there!

I am really looking forward to seeing the full unveiling, although I hate that we have to wait until SEMA...

Thanks for showing us what you can, and thanks for your hard work on this beautiful car!!

Regards,

Steve

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks Steve !

[cob427sc]

Looks really mean, in lots of good ways! Can't wait to see the finished project. I'm sitting on a Shelby 500 engine that I hope will fit under the hood.

[Erik W. Treves]

It will fit fine!

[Rsnake]

I will be at Sema and look forward to seeing it! Looks amazing from what little we can see!

[progmgr1]

Wow! That paint is beautiful! Are you allowed to share the color / paint code? I searched the thread but came up empty.
Anyone have any spare passes to SEMA?
Keith HR #894

[GoDadGo]

I know the goal was to do this car 100% in unpainted Carbon Fiber, but darn it looks good colorized.
To say the least, I think this one is going to be a totally insane show stopper at SEMA.
100% New Concept, 100% New Engine, 100% Over The Top Execution!
Thank You Sir Erik For Volunteering To Take On This Project!

NOTE:.. It took me 5 years to build The Redbone Roadster and you'll be pulling off a 100% New Concept Beta Build in less than 5 months.

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks all - I will share all the details on the paint and anything else - after SEMA :) The car look really good in person in my opinion.... definitely cool that I get to put it together for FFR.... humbled that they trust me with it... hope it is well received...always nerve-racking to have something I touched at SEMA.

[cob427sc]

Anyone have any insight as to when/if FFR will start accepting orders? Fingers are getting itchy.

[crash]

Looking good.

Interestingly, I saw almost that exact same shot of the car but at, what appears to be, the FFR building?

[Erik W. Treves]

It was at the painters not FFR

[Jeff Kleiner]

Looking sharp Erik!

Much better with color. Carbon fiber is kind of cool once but after that they'd all look alike---kind of like Deloreans where you can't tell one from another (see, I was nice and didn't use the blue&white Cobra example :p)

Jeff

[Chadillac]

Can't wait to see it finished!


Looking sharp Erik!

Much better with color. Carbon fiber is kind of cool once but after that they'd all look alike---kind of like Deloreans where you can't tell one from another (see, I was nice and didn't use the blue&white Cobra example :p)

Jeff

Little known fact that I recently learned... There are a couple gold Deloreans. Not very popular since the option more than doubled the price of the car.

[Erik W. Treves]

Factory Five F9....D..O..N..E..
Received March.. complete August.... Get out there and finish yours.... See ya at SEMA

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152117&d=1629031111

[FFRWRX]

Was cleared show this "spy shot" - still some work to be done but it's going well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=151286&d=1627306865

To me, that looks too busy. Diffusers are all the rage, but for the street (and lets be honest, 99% of these will never see the track) maybe it's a little too much?

[Papa]

Factory Five F9....D..O..N..E..
Received March.. complete August.... Get out there and finish yours.... See ya at SEMA

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152117&d=1629031111

Hey Chief -- Where's the typical SEMA drama? Aren't you supposed be bolting on the last parts in the parking lot in Vegas the day before the show? Great work and I can't wait to see it unveiled.

Dave

[Erik W. Treves]

Yeah .. I try to not have that happen...lol... It's already a stressful time building these to be displayed in that venue in the first place.��

[Erik W. Treves]

To me, that looks too busy. Diffusers are all the rage, but for the street (and lets be honest, 99% of these will never see the track) maybe it's a little too much?

Well it's part of the design... Without it there there is nothing around the tail pipes or behind the rear tires ... It looks unfinished...in the end it looks really good in my opinion...and the 850hp motor is also unnecessary... But it sure does make all the right noises ����

[GoDadGo]

I'm sure this will be "Just" another of your Spectacular Builds!
Looking forward to seeing it unveiled.
Can't Wait To See It!

[Harmacist]

To me, that looks too busy. Diffusers are all the rage, but for the street (and lets be honest, 99% of these will never see the track) maybe it's a little too much?

Love the diffuser - My concern is more the rear...spats? Most outboard sections covering partial rear of the tire - how are those going to hold up to debris being thrown at them?

[fletch]

D..A..M..N..
Simply incredible.
Much want (as the millenials say)
Beautiful

[crash]

So what is happening with this car? I heard Dave announced that SEMA is off for FFR for 2021 and I was wondering what is going to happen with this car? Will it be "crated" until 2022 SEMA?

[Presto51]

So what is happening with this car? I heard Dave announced that SEMA is off for FFR for 2021 and I was wondering what is going to happen with this car? Will it be "crated" until 2022 SEMA?

Dave Jim, and Jesper are not getting good vibes from the front end, so their getting with the designer, and redoing the front clip, which means more cad, new molds for the front, which might include reshaping the outer door skins. The process might take a year or two, but I wouldn't think it is going to be shelved, or anything like that, just delayed.

I believe Dave wants to make sure FFR hits a grand slam, out of the park, hit with the official unveiling .

Ron

[crash]

Sorry, I didn't mean with the F9 in general, I was asking about this specific car. I was wondering what it will do for a year until the 2022 SEMA show? Will it be stored somewhere until 2022 SEMA? Will it be driven around for R&D work? Will it be cut up and modified? Just wondering if anyone knows what the plans are for this car that was supposed to be for SEMA 2021 and was specifically built for that event? My suggestion would be to put new car model "camouflage" on it drive it around and see what people say. Might even get in the car mags as a "spy" shot of some interesting new car. Would be fun to hear the journalists speculate on whose OEM it might be!

[JohnK]

Putting some camouflage on it and taking it out to the Nurburgring would be epic! Peoples' heads would explode trying to figure out what it was.

[J R Jones]

Putting some camouflage on it and taking it out to the Nurburgring would be epic! Peoples' heads would explode trying to figure out what it was.

Nurburgring would be a very costly exercise where everything is objectively compared to those which have laid-down extraordinary numbers previously. Porsche, Mercedes, Chevrolet hedge their bets, with performance data bases, so the risk comes down to a professional running at ten tenths without a crash or self destruct. No FFR is not in that league. Introspection, when the green flag drops, the BS stops.
jim

[JohnK]

Nurburgring would be a very costly exercise where everything is objectively compared to those which have laid-down extraordinary numbers previously. Porsche, Mercedes, Chevrolet hedge their bets, with performance data bases, so the risk comes down to a professional running at ten tenths without a crash or self destruct. No FFR is not in that league. Introspection, when the green flag drops, the BS stops.
jim

Agreed. Was commenting solely on the ensuing speculation regarding manufacturer. Would definitely give the paparazzi something to occupy themselves with for a moment.

[crash]

Actually, the FFR PDG GTM #4 race team has on it one of the drivers that piloted the Tesla recently on their record breaking runs at the Nurburgring. If the F9 were up to it, FFR has the driver available to them. But yes, it would be an extraordinarily expensive endeavor, and I don't believe that SEMA car is ready for that type of "testing". At least not yet.

[J R Jones]

Cart before horse?
As I see it FFR has not identified manufacturability, ability to assemble, bill of material, or the cost, let alone durability, supply chain, or the price.
What is the power and TFF (time to first failure)?
Will this product require financing?
Styling has not been determined.

Maybe JohnK's idea is backwards. The media is not stationed at Nurburgring, but they are fixtures around GM's development center in Warren MI. So take an unmarked F9 to Warren MI and drive around for an hour per day for two or three days. The media would be all over it, pictures on the internet and in magazines, and resulting reader responses. If it is a hit, take that as a positive sign. If it bombs, let GM take the hit.
jim

[Cobradavid]

Cart before horse?
As I see it FFR is not identified manufacturability ability to assemble bill of material, or the cost, let alone durability, supply chain or the price.
What is the power or TFF (time to first failure)?
Will this product require financing?
Styling has not been determined.

Maybe JohnK's idea is backwards. The media is not stationed at Nurburgring, but they are fixtures around GM's development center in Warren MI. So take an unmarked F9 to Warren MI and drive around for an hour per day for two or three days. The media would be all over it, pictures on the internet and in magazines, and resulting reader responses. If it is a hit, take that as a positive sign. If it bombs, let GM take the hit.
jim


Do it at GM proving grounds and watch the media speculate about GM "reverting back" to a front engine architecture for the Corvette! :cool:

David

[Sgt.Gator]

How does the F9 headroom compare to the Gen 3 Coupe headroom? Did they cut down the top from the Gen 3 to get the swoopy look and aero?

[Erik W. Treves]

It has a LITTLE less head room ... maybe an inch in height

[cob427sc]

had a Gen I coupe and with the stock seats the headroom was tight (along with the closeness to the roll cage). Hope there is more wiggle room in this car.

[Fat Larrys Garage]

Erik I have to ask how did you acquire the F9 to build just curious I awesome Dave asked you to build it for SEMA

[Erik W. Treves]

Factory Five approached me as one of their BETA builders. The car is back with Factory Five in the their R & D shop.