2 years keeping up with your posts

[Davkel]

Hey guys,
Been lurking for two years and am jumping in now. Retired this past February, worked on a list of projects to do at new house. With that mostly behind me I ordered complete MK4 kit on 6.9.21with a completion date of 11/27/21. So I have a few months to get my shop built in the backyard . ordered complete kit with the following:
Powder coated chassis
Stainless steel headers
Hydraulic clutch
Body cutouts
Vinyl seats
Power steering
3-link w/3.55 gears and traction lock
GPS gauge set for original look
Wind wings,sun visors
Passenger roll bar chromed
Wilwood brakes front and rear.
Plans are for Blueprint 427 small block
5 speed Tremec TKX. Not settled on overdrive ratio.
Maybe someone can steer me in right direction.
Anything that I am missing, please let me know.
Going to build with help from my son and grandkids.
Can't wait to get started and talk to you guys

[RoadRacer]

Welcome to the club, and congratulations! Gonna be fun :D

[Jeff Kleiner]

Welcome and congrats!


...5 speed Tremec TKX. Not settled on overdrive ratio.
Maybe someone can steer me in right direction...


Considering your 427W and 3.55 rear end if you use the TKX model TCET17765 with the 2.87 first gear and .68 fifth gear you'll be in a good range on both ends.

Good luck!

Jeff

[Davkel]

Thanks Jeff,
Any idea what rpm engine will be spinning at say 70mph?

[Davkel]

Thanks James.
I had the opportunity to visit the factory before covid.
Although I did not get a chance to meet Dave, I was thoroughly impressed with the staff and the operation. Toward the end of the tour I got to talk with one of the guys in the assembly area(shame I forgot his name) he was very friendly, knowledgeable and you could see he loved his job. He spent time with me on details and questions I had. I left there knowing exactly what I was going to order. So now it begins.

[hineas]

Thanks Jeff,
Any idea what rpm engine will be spinning at say 70mph?

I had the same question about the overdrive as you. I made a spread sheet that had engine RPMs with resultant speed in every gear and with different rear end ratios. If you want it I can send it your way. Just shoot me a pm. My spread sheet is for the TKO-600 and I don't know if the gear ratios are the same, but that can be changed quickly.

I also asked on the forum and more people recommended the 0.64 (or 0.68) over the 0.82 since the speed limit in my area is 80 mph. The general consensus of those that have the 0.64 or 0.68 is that even at 70 mph a 347 (that is what I have) still has enough power with the higher 5th gear that hills aren't an issue. The 427 should have no problems with the 0.68. However, I can't speak from experience yet since we haven't finished the build.

But back to your question. I calculate the 0.68 5th gear with 3.55 rear end will be at 2200 rpm at 70 mph. The 0.82 will be at 2475 at 70 mph. Either is drivable, but I think I would prefer the 2200 rpm.

I also agree with Jeff to go with the 2.87 first gear. I have the 347 and the 2.87 first gear. I chirped the tires with perhaps 30% throttle and a moderately aggressive clutch release while go-karting. I can't even begin to imagine how easy it would be to break traction with a 427 and a the 3.27 first gear! I felt like the 2.87 was the right gearing for first and wasn't too low.

Welcome to the forum! It is a good group of folks here!

[hineas]

Here is a view-only link to my spreadsheet (sorry, I didn't want to allow editing to avoid having edits that mess up the calcuations). You can download the spreadsheet so you can edit it on your own computer. To download, just go to "File" then "Download" and it should give you the option to download into whichever format you want.

When you download it, there are places for you to input your gear ratios, tire size, engine redline, engine idle, etc. I have them all labeled. If you find any of the calculations are wrong or the formatting is off, let me know and I will fix it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VIN3zz-FdNCmVZ_C-H9acPCs9xWbjlF09GpOqppd-BE/edit?usp=sharing

[chmhasy]

Welcome

[GoDadGo]

I was fortunate to meet Dave and his lovely wife earlier today.

They came by Camp Go-Dad to check out REDBONE and for David to take a short ride.
Because he is a Professional Diesel Mechanic, I am 100% sure that building a MK-4 Roadster will be Easy-Peasy for him.
As for me, it was a thrill to meet another enthusiast, especially a fellow who will be building a Factory Five.

Welcome Aboard David!

PS:...If you want to save some money, the BLP 408 would likely perform very similarly to my 383, but with even more low-end grunt because of the 4.0" stroke & dual-plane intake.
......https://blueprintengines.com/products/408-ci-stroker-crate-engine-small-block-ford-longblock-carburetor-bpf4088ctc

[Davkel]

Thanks for the kind words Steve. It was a pleasure meeting you and you wife. I certainly enjoyed the ride. Never been in anything so fast in my life. I told my son all about the experience. The first thing he asked was "where are the pictures of his car?" I was embarrassed to tell him I was so excited I forgot. Maybe I can bring him out next time?
.

[GoDadGo]

You've got my number so call me so we can arrange some time for him to experience a Factory Five.
If it is on the weekend, I may be able to get Jerry C. to bring his Daytona & David E. to bring his 33 HR.
Jerry is running a 392 SBF with a 5-Speed while Dave has a 400 SBC with a T-700 Automatic.

[Davkel]

My son would love that. I'll get in touch after this weather passes. Thx Steve.

[Davkel]

Heads up guys. One of the items on my backordered parts list were the bare steel side exhaust. Apparently FFR was having supply issues with the vendor. So how did they address the issue? Factory Five sent me stainless steel side exhaust at no additional charge! This ordinarily is $1000.00 up charge that they gave me free of charge. Who does this?! Factory Five, satisfaction guaranteed. Thanks Dave, great company...

[Jrmotorsports55]

Very nice!