my_cobra_build Graduation - A more modern take

[Hacksaw84]

Now that I am home from a 98% successful London Cobra Show I figured it was time to make an official Graduation post. I received my title/registration/tag on Monday and left for Columbus on Wednesday. The car had about 75 miles on it (mostly in my neighborhood) and now I have about 350 miles. Not only was it an awesome first LCS with my car but I was honored to have had the opportunity to park my car in the Factory Five Booth this year!

Back when I started this journey I decided not to create a build thread. There are already so many great ones on here that I have learned so much from over the last 4 years. I did choose to document my progress using Instagram (aka my_cobra_build). Mostly because it was the easiest way for me to share with my family and friends but also just to reach a slightly different audience. Here is the one page overview of my build but I could go into more details on any of it.

My kit started as MKIV base kit ($9,999 special). I pulled the trigger on Thanksgiving Day 2017 and #9772 was delivered March 29th 2018.

Exterior
• Body – Lamborghini Grigio Lynx Metallic
• Stripes – Audi Vesuvius Gray Metallic
• Painter – Spotlight Customs in Georgia
• Misc. Paint – Trim and panels powder coated satin black, U-pol Raptor on underside of body and some exterior facing aluminum panels, several POR-15 painted parts
• Wheels – FFR 25th anniversary 18x 9 front and 18 x 11 rear
• Tires – Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 265/35/18 front and 315/30/18 rear

Drivetrain
• Engine – Gen 1 Coyote NMRA sealed crate motor (barely used), Comp stage 3 cams, billet OPG and crank sprocket, Moroso oil pan/pickup
• Intake – Cobra Jet intake manifold, VMP 67 mm throttle body, Performance MRP MAF housing/velocity stack, 6" K&N air filter
• Exhaust – FFR stainless headers wrapped in heatshield armor, Gas-N-Pipes stainless side pipes ceramic coated black
• Fuel System – Fuel Safe, Quantum Pro-M hanger, -8 supply and -6 return AN braided lines and fittings, Aeromotive pump and regulator, Fore innovations rails, 47 lb injectors
• Tune – Lund Racing 93 and E85
• Transmission – Tremec TKO 600 rebuilt by Hanlon Motorsports, Silver Sport Transmissions Midshift kit, McLeod RST clutch and flywheel, Quicktime bellhousing, Forte external hydraulic/slave clutch kit
• Differential – Mustang S550 Performance Pack Torsen 3:73

Interior
• Dash – Speedhut gauges, Billet Automotive Buttons, Alex’s slim glovebox, dash plates, 60s mustang headlight and ignition switch
• Wheel – Ford Cobra Jet steering wheel, Russ Thompson turn signal/hub
• Carpet – Lizardskin heat/sound insulation, ‘Bentley’ black carpet
• Upholstery – Stoneligh seats (heated), transmission tunnel, doors, shifter and e-brake boots all by Intatrim
• Audio – Kenwood Bluetooth amp, Fusion marine co-axial 4” & 6” speakers

Other
• Suspension – 2015+ IRS, Koni coilovers, FFR anti-sway bars, FFR control arms, 94/95 spindles
• Brakes – Hydroboost, GT500 ABS, Mustang Cobra front with EBC red stuff pads & 2015 rear brakes, Scotts hotrods triple reservoir, Lokar universal e-brake
• Electrical – Optima yellow top battery, Boss alternator, Ron Francis harness, Ford control pack, Joes Racing master cutoff, 12v/USB ports under dash and in trunk, hella horn
• Lighting – Rigid Trucklite headlights, red and amber LED bulbs for brake and turn signals, red LED bolt bulbs in the roll bar, LED bolt lights for the license plate, under dash and trunk LED light strips
• Additions – KRC power steering, dual 2” roll bars, FFR wings and visors with new tinted plexiglass, Wilwood pedal box, H3R fire extinguisher, PS cooler, UPR catch can, Moroso coolant tank, oil cooler, and a bunch of Breeze parts
• Modifications – Shortened roll bars (2 inches), 3rd brake light in roll bars, drop trunk/storage/access, relocated e-brake, fresh air footbox vents with fans, remote oil filter, carpeted trunk, widened driver footbox, full under dash support, tinted windshield, coyote gas pedal/pad mods, several fabricated aluminum panels.

I have met so many wonderful people throughout this process but I especially want to thank Sten (my cobra Godfather as I started calling him last week), Craig, Dan, Jeff and Henry. Mostly for the two million texts of them making fun of me while pushing me to get this done but also for the 12 times you guys actually helped me solve my issue. :)

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[Hacksaw84]

Some interior and Engine pics as well.

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[Hacksaw84]

A few more pics from my house.

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[edwardb]

Congratulations! Looked at your build at London. Lots of really cool features and great build choices. Different but tasteful. I liked it a lot. You made it yours which is the whole idea. Now go have a blast with it.

[Hacksaw84]

Congratulations! Looked at your build at London. Lots of really cool features and great build choices. Different but tasteful. I liked it a lot. You made it yours which is the whole idea. Now go have a blast with it.

Thank you Paul, your coupe looked amazing (as expected). Your 20th anniversary build thread was probably my most used reference point. You really do a killer job with the writeups. So thank you for that as well.

[Railroad]

Beautiful car! How do you like those 3.73 gears? I am running 3.55s and my engine is not quite as radical as yours, but it really soft below 2800 rpm. I am close to getting it painted and have about 1500 miles on it.
I think I will start shopping for a complete rear with Torsen & 3.73s.

[Blitzboy54]

Wow! So we’ll done. I have some very similar themes in mind for mine. I’m glad I’m in the right track because your car is stunning.

Congratulations

I currently have the kirkey comp seats and I think I want something in between a road seat and a full comp seat. I really like yours and may switch to something similar now that I’ve seen how good they look.

Again just beautiful.

[Jeff Kleiner]

We actually helped 12 times over 2 million texts? I think you’re being too generous with that figure :p

Great job Michael; now go enjoy the hell out of it :cool:

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Wow!
Wow!
...&
Wow!

[Hacksaw84]

Beautiful car! How do you like those 3.73 gears? I am running 3.55s and my engine is not quite as radical as yours, but it really soft below 2800 rpm. I am close to getting it painted and have about 1500 miles on it.
I think I will start shopping for a complete rear with Torsen & 3.73s.

I like them and they seem to be working out. Its not too much gear off the line or anything, for me the power really hits hard above 6k. I actually lose traction in 1st from 7-8k and can get off the line ok but I have not launched the car.

On the interstate at 80 mph you are right on the line, just a flick of the throttle and the sound comes in strong. I forget what it was RPM wise but it was not annoying. I think the pipes matter more than the gears. The Gas N really make it not so bad until you give it gas.

In my limited 350 miles on the car I'm happy with them. I wouldn't go more and there are plenty who swear by the 3.55. I regularly see the torsen diff on Facebook for sale in the mustang classified groups. That's actually where I found a lot of my parts.

[65 Cobra Dude]

Beautiful build Michael but you neglected to mention Jeff and my pickup for your “ride of shame” in a trailer only to find out it was a simple issue that was not so simple to diagnose and fix. If it hasn’t happened to someone reading this, it will!

Thanks,

Henry

P.S. Michael, I couldn’t keep it in anymore. ��

[Hacksaw84]

Wow! So we’ll done. I have some very similar themes in mind for mine. I’m glad I’m in the right track because your car is stunning.

Congratulations

I currently have the kirkey comp seats and I think I want something in between a road seat and a full comp seat. I really like yours and may switch to something similar now that I’ve seen how good they look.

Again just beautiful.

Thank you so much. I am really happy with how it turned out. I know the modern style isn't for everyone but its what I envisioned.

I really like the seats, they are the slimmest I could find that still fit ok and didn't make me feel squished. The company is in the UK so shipping is a bit of $$. I paid just over $1500 for just the seats, shipped to my house. You get to pick a bunch of options from a style/design perspective. Mine included adding heat and the cobra logo which added a couple bucks. I think their prices have gone up since then. The seats have bolstering up near your back/shoulders but very little if any around your waist area. Not the best for racing but a good mix for spirited driving and that's also what makes them be so narrow and still fit.

[Hacksaw84]

We actually helped 12 times over 2 million texts? I think you’re being too generous with that figure :p

Great job Michael; now go enjoy the hell out of it :cool:

Jeff

I may have rounded up! I am counting the trailer ride in there (like Henry mentioned) and the fix. So that's 2 right off the top.

I would love to be out in it right now but this Florida rain refuses to play nice...

[Hacksaw84]

Beautiful build Michael but you neglected to mention Jeff and my pickup for your “ride of shame” in a trailer only to find out it was a simple issue that was not so simple to diagnose and fix. If it hasn’t happened to someone reading this, it will!

Thanks,

Henry

P.S. Michael, I couldn’t keep it in anymore. ��

That's the 2% missing from my LCS success.

No shame here, I have told the story many times. Plus both Jimmie and Dan have videos to remind me.

[Fman]

Beautiful car, so unique and tastefully done. Lots of custom touches you added. Thumbs up on those wheels and great car color choice! Have fun with it...hope you have many smiles per gallon!

[RJD]

Nailed it!

[toadster]

awesome!!! you've been my beacon for the ABS setup! :)

looks phenomenal!

[hineas]

This is beautiful. I love the color scheme. I love how the stripes melt away from certain angles. This is perfection!

[Hacksaw84]

Beautiful car, so unique and tastefully done. Lots of custom touches you added. Thumbs up on those wheels and great car color choice! Have fun with it...hope you have many smiles per gallon!

Thank you very much. I tried to add some custom and modern elements without crossing the line.

What's funny about the wheels is that they ONLY come in that color and I thought for so long I would paint them but they grew on me.

[Hacksaw84]

awesome!!! you've been my beacon for the ABS setup! :)

looks phenomenal!

Thanks. Yeah we are a couple of the crazies who are doing that. Although I tested it in a parking lot in London and no ABS.

Need to dig into it...

[Hacksaw84]

This is beautiful. I love the color scheme. I love how the stripes melt away from certain angles. This is perfection!

Yeah this is what I had in my head but it was so hard to pick actual colors that made it work. I wanted something more than ghost stripes but not as harsh of a contrast as a true black would give.

Really happy with the way it turned out.

[Papa]

Just down right mean looking! Beautiful job and definitely a car to be proud of.

Dave

[Straversi]

Congratulations! Great build plan and execution. Love your personal touches. This was a fun build to follow along on Instagram. Glad you were able to get to OH to show it off.
-Steve.

[460.465USMC]

Congrats, Michael! I also really like your color scheme. What a fantastic looking build! Great inspiration for me.

Question: did you have Gas-n-Pipes do the ceramic coating on your side exhaust?

[wareaglescott]

Great job and congrats. Enjoyed watching the entire build on insta. Enjoy many happy miles!

[Jeff Kleiner]

...you neglected to mention Jeff and my pickup for your “ride of shame” ...

Well, I wasn't going to mention that part but leave it to Henry :)

No way we'd leave a soldier in the field and thanks to the poor service at the restaurant I had time to take your call, meet up with Henry, get my truck and trailer, drive to you, load up, drive back to the hotel, unload you, park the truck and trailer, wash up and STILL didn't have my burger when I got back to the table! It turned out to be an easy fix but like I told you in text message 2,000,002 even if it hadn't been the whole group of us were going to do whatever we could to make sure you got to drive in to London on Saturday morning. It's all part of the experience and brotherhood my friend!

Jeff

[nucjd19]

Just beautiful!!!! That machine looks sinister.. Your vision for your build is unique and turned out spectacular. Congrats. Great idea about cutting down the roll bar. Was that particularly difficult since I am assuming the third mounting point would not line up?

[Hacksaw84]

Just down right mean looking! Beautiful job and definitely a car to be proud of.

Dave

Thank you so much Dave.

[Hacksaw84]

Congrats, Michael! I also really like your color scheme. What a fantastic looking build! Great inspiration for me.

Question: did you have Gas-n-Pipes do the ceramic coating on your side exhaust?

Thank you, colors were so hard to pick for me. Literally thought about it the entire build.

No Gas-n-pipes doesn't coat them, I had a local shop do it. I think it was about $425? Quality is 8/10 ish.

[Hacksaw84]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate you following along, I enjoy your cars/builds on there as well.

[Hacksaw84]

Well, I wasn't going to mention that part but leave it to Henry :)

No way we'd leave a soldier in the field and thanks to the poor service at the restaurant I had time to take your call, meet up with Henry, get my truck and trailer, drive to you, load up, drive back to the hotel, unload you, park the truck and trailer, wash up and STILL didn't have my burger when I got back to the table! It turned out to be an easy fix but like I told you in text message 2,000,002 even if it hadn't been the whole group of us were going to do whatever we could to make sure you got to drive in to London on Saturday morning. It's all part of the experience and brotherhood my friend!

Jeff

Henry has earned the right to bring it up.

Yeah you guys are the best. I knew exactly who to call. I wear the tow of shame as a badge of honor. Looking forward to many more get togethers where conversations start with "Remember the time Michaels car broke 2 min into his first LCS..."

Thanks again for everything. Both Jakki and I had a great time.

[Hacksaw84]

Just beautiful!!!! That machine looks sinister.. Your vision for your build is unique and turned out spectacular. Congrats. Great idea about cutting down the roll bar. Was that particularly difficult since I am assuming the third mounting point would not line up?

Thank you, sinister is exactly how I would describe how it all turned out.

Yes its a bit of working cutting down the bars. You have to address the rear mounting point welded to the frame. Some make an offset coupler of sorts. I cut mine off and moved it in. It was a little more complicated for me because I used 2 inch roll bars instead of the 1.5 inch they come with. I had to make "adaptors" for each of the posts too. The 3rd leg hole in the body moves in a little too so that has to be accommodated. I actually ordered my kit without the 3rd hole cut in the body but it showed up with one side already done so the painter had to fix that one hole. I also further complicated it all with the 3rd brake light LEDs.
I think its worth it though and I really like the look. The other option is to buy the 1.75" breeze bars, they look really good too. They come un-welded so you can manipulate them without impacting the body or frame.

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[Jeff Kleiner]

They come un-welded so you can manipulate them without impacting the body or frame.



Best laugh I've had all week Michael :)

Jeff

[Hacksaw84]

Best laugh I've had all week Michael :)

Jeff

Ok, ok... less body work required? I obviously have no experience with them but just assume that they are easier than what I did.

But I am always up for providing a good laugh.

[mosh1999]

Big thumbs up on the 2" roll bars, they look perfect.

[gbranham]

Beautiful build, and timely that I discovered this thread today. I just joined the forum yesterday. I was a member of ffcobra.com years ago when I built an early MkIII. I'm ready to build a MkIV, and was thinking of a very similar theme....dark gray with all chrome blacked out....even the windshield frame all LED lighting, etc. Now I know what it would look like! If you see a graduation thread in a few years that looks similar to yours, just know that I drew creative inspiration from your build.

Congrats!

[Hacksaw84]

Big thumbs up on the 2" roll bars, they look perfect.

Thank you.

Yeah I really prefer them over the 1.5". Just seem to be a better proportion to me.

[Hacksaw84]

Beautiful build, and timely that I discovered this thread today. I just joined the forum yesterday. I was a member of ffcobra.com years ago when I built an early MkIII. I'm ready to build a MkIV, and was thinking of a very similar theme....dark gray with all chrome blacked out....even the windshield frame all LED lighting, etc. Now I know what it would look like! If you see a graduation thread in a few years that looks similar to yours, just know that I drew creative inspiration from your build.

Congrats!

I would consider it an honor. I know everyone doesn't dig the modern look but it just does it for me.

And yeah that is some good timing, glad you found it.

[flip1216]

Great minds must think alike. I just completed my car in February and was shocked to see yours when I logged in. Nice looking ride.
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[Hacksaw84]

Great minds must think alike. I just completed my car in February and was shocked to see yours when I logged in. Nice looking ride.

Appreciate the kind words, and yeah that's a really good looking car. Well done.

[Chilly]

Great build, love the colors. I am in Tampa and my car is at paint now and my painter just bought to my attention the fact that the trunk handle and the plate holder are not exactly centered, did not know if you had the same problem. Tried to look at your photos to determine if the trunk handle does not line up with the stripe. Just curious.
Congratulations on the build.

[Hacksaw84]

Great build, love the colors. I am in Tampa and my car is at paint now and my painter just bought to my attention the fact that the trunk handle and the plate holder are not exactly centered, did not know if you had the same problem. Tried to look at your photos to determine if the trunk handle does not line up with the stripe. Just curious.
Congratulations on the build.

Yeah from what I have read that is common to be off center mine is too.

I actually grew up in Land O Lakes and moved to the Orlando area for work. When is your car going to be back from paint?

[Chilly]

Michael,

Hopefully back by the middle of August, finishing some minor gapping then paint. Maybe catch up to you one day when I am in Orlando.

Thanks,
Colin

[Chilly]

Michael,

Who blacked out your windshield frame. Do you know the process they used, painted, powder-coated? If you have a number I could call to enquire I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Chilly

[Blitzboy54]

Michael,

Who blacked out your windshield frame. Do you know the process they used, painted, powder-coated? If you have a number I could call to enquire I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Chilly

There are people that will do it. I separated the windshield frame from the glass and sent it out. It's documented in my build thread.

[cgundermann]

Very, very cool! Love your theme and happy to see your tastes and uniqueness. My build was different when completed and I truly enjoy seeing everyone’s own specific take on this magnificent motoring beast. Enjoy - it NEVER gets old!

Chris

[Hacksaw84]

Michael,

Who blacked out your windshield frame. Do you know the process they used, painted, powder-coated? If you have a number I could call to enquire I would appreciate it.

I disassembled the windshield. Then took all the parts to a local powder coater. He sand blasted the chrome to rough it up and then powder coated it. Afterwards I reassembled it.

[Hacksaw84]

Very, very cool! Love your theme and happy to see your tastes and uniqueness. My build was different when completed and I truly enjoy seeing everyone’s own specific take on this magnificent motoring beast. Enjoy - it NEVER gets old!

Thank Chris, I really appreciate it.

[TBull]

Like so many others, I love the build and the fact that you made the idea in your head come to reality. Beautiful build and yes, stunning and sinister. Have fun with it now and take your time getting to know her quirks. She'll put a smile on your face every time you turn her on.

[abdw-wcw]

Hey Michael
Nice looking build! I really like all the details you incorporated.
I especially like the color scheme. I too went with a dark color where the stripes blend in more than contrast.
Even the windshield frame (although I disassembled and vinyl wrapped each piece before reassembly...but its basically the same end result.)
Plus the lowered/cut-down 2" roll bars. It's like we are twins!
I believe I may have parked next to you in London. I parked here to show the similarities. Was this you? I found this picture in my phone.
Again, I like the look. (obviously since mine looks similar).
Craig

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[Hacksaw84]

Hey Michael
Nice looking build! I really like all the details you incorporated.
I especially like the color scheme. I too went with a dark color where the stripes blend in more than contrast.
Even the windshield frame (although I disassembled and vinyl wrapped each piece before reassembly...but its basically the same end result.)
Plus the lowered/cut-down 2" roll bars. It's like we are twins!
I believe I may have parked next to you in London. I parked here to show the similarities. Was this you? I found this picture in my phone.
Again, I like the look. (obviously since mine looks similar).
Craig

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I mean Stacey David did NOT ask to sit in my car and take a picture...

[abdw-wcw]

I mean Stacey David did NOT ask to sit in my car and take a picture...


That is true.........
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[Hacksaw84]

That is true.........

That's a damn good picture there. Plus its not upside down.

Twinning and winning.

[j32driver]

I saw a link to this grad post on the FF Facebook group. I'm absolutely blown away by this build. The concept of a totally modern take on it is exactly what I'm planning. I've been lurking here for a decade and dreaming of the day I start my own project. That day is rapidly approaching and I'm going to copy a lot of what you did!

I'm frequently in Orlando for work. I'd love to get a look at your car and pick your brain a bit. Do you take visitors? My wife and I are probably placing an order next spring for our kit... provided the world doesn't get any dumber.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The twins are nice and all but my eye is kind of drawn to that #28 off in the distance.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152387&d=1629392858

Jeff

152387

[BadAsp427]

Mike, your build is awesome. I had the chance to see it before the paint went on it and was really impressed with all the "cool" stuff.... It looks fantastic with all that shiny paint on it...

[Hacksaw84]

I saw a link to this grad post on the FF Facebook group. I'm absolutely blown away by this build. The concept of a totally modern take on it is exactly what I'm planning. I've been lurking here for a decade and dreaming of the day I start my own project. That day is rapidly approaching and I'm going to copy a lot of what you did!

I'm frequently in Orlando for work. I'd love to get a look at your car and pick your brain a bit. Do you take visitors? My wife and I are probably placing an order next spring for our kit... provided the world doesn't get any dumber.


Thank you. Yeah I am open to visitors. We would just have to figure out a date/time that works. I'm actually in Oviedo, over close to UCF.

BTW, I would say 96% chance the world gets dumber.

[Hacksaw84]

The twins are nice and all but my eye is kind of drawn to that #28 off in the distance.

I am a fan of #28's style, but.... Why don't you get around to a shiny paint job and make it triplets??? That or rub a scotch-brite pad all over Craig's car and you guys can be twins.

[Hacksaw84]

Mike, your build is awesome. I had the chance to see it before the paint went on it and was really impressed with all the "cool" stuff.... It looks fantastic with all that shiny paint on it...

Thank you. Yeah you have been by there a few times it sounds like.

Now I need to get on the cool list of being selected as the picture of the month like you!

[Hacksaw84]

Like so many others, I love the build and the fact that you made the idea in your head come to reality. Beautiful build and yes, stunning and sinister. Have fun with it now and take your time getting to know her quirks. She'll put a smile on your face every time you turn her on.

Thank you. I have been trying to. Its been a good little errand runner and attended a couple local car events.

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