FFR Pre-Runner Truck Build *** SEMA 2023 Mission Complete ***

[Erik W. Treves]

Well looks like we need a new category? So I will park this one here until there is one......?

How about a Factory Five towing a Factory Five !!



https://youtu.be/D7Yr5u2SFVQ

[i.e.427]

Nice brother........... and Happy Birthday to you.

Coil overs usually aren't good for towing or cargo payload. You plan on adding supplemental bags to the back?

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks! Not sure yet on the tow setup

[J R Jones]

I question if this utilization was part of the design intent. The Pre-Runner looks like a play truck, not utility. I see no cargo area and in the photo from early cab fitment, the tube frame does not look suitable for Class III or IV hitch.
Class III 300-800lb TW, 3500-8000lb GTW
Class IV 500-1200lb TW, 5000-12000 GTW

The plan to run lower ride height is appropriate in this regard.

[Erik W. Treves]

The truck design has an integral tow hitch already as part
of the Factory Five design.. regardless of pic, the
truck has a bed. Should work just fine.

[Jim Frahm]

I was intrigued by this truck when I first heard about it earlier this year. Looking forward to your build.

[Indy Shu]

Erik,
Is this a beta build? What are their plans for release? Cost?
Looks like fun!

[Erik W. Treves]

Short Block - confirmed and 5-6 week delivery time expected..... should be a great foundation! Only correction to this is that I upgraded to the GEN 3 block

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=175260&d=1669056691

[Erik W. Treves]

Working on upgrades to the interior - I really like these Katzkin covers


https://youtu.be/sZ8g7yev7Zk

[Erik W. Treves]

Front seats done - mission complete - still some other upgrades I want to do - but this was well worth the effort!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=175953&d=1669595470

[dukegrad98]

Erik, did you install new foam under the seat skins, or just reuse what was already there? (If that's in the video, I missed it...just skimmed through it quickly here at the office.) Just curious -- I've been thinking about re-covering the seats in my 12-year-old daily driver truck, which are just starting to crack, but I wonder whether new covers will look property taut / stretched if I don't replace the seat foam as well. I very much like your choice of actual new upholstery, rather than all the cheesy slipcover solutions out there. Katzkin is nice stuff, and priced accordingly!

Look forward to more updates on your XT1 build -- for those of us with family and kids to haul around, it's the most exciting kit idea to come out of FFR in a decade or two!

Cheers, John

[Erik W. Treves]

John

I used the foam that was in the seat... the only one that was damaged was the driver's side but on the inboard side? the outboard side was actually fine.

The other thing to consider about the foam. The F150 doesn't use hog rings - there are plastic rods in the cover and plastic clips in the foam - some of these broke while releasing the OEM covers from the foam.... the back was the worst.. almost all of them were broken... so I used black zip ties to pull the plastic rods into the foam... the fronts again strange, were fine - I think I only used like 2 zip ties there...

I almost did do the slip on covers - I am so glad I didn't now... drove it last night and the over driving experience is just "nicer".... and when you open the door it looks really good and not stock.

I did have to ice my hands after 2 days of installing it though...lol...I would not be excited to do this again... maybe invite friends next time.

[Erik W. Treves]

Taking advantage of Cyber Monday - order these guys and save 400 bucks!

12's in the back and 9.5's in the front

plan on running

325/55/22's scorpions

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=176082&d=1669673966

[Jeff Kleiner]

Those will work great with the Gray body color! :cool:

Jeff

[Papa]

It'll be interesting to see what a staggered wheel setup looks like on a pre-runner style truck. I like the wheel choice.

[Erik W. Treves]

if you look real close at the FFR from SEMA it has a staggered setup - but I think mine is more staggered.

[Erik W. Treves]

Quick update as parts slowing start to flow in


https://youtu.be/v-1cwJeYZHU

[Erik W. Treves]

Just a quick update - been a very busy Holiday so this one will be quick - but just wanted to share what I have to this point.


https://youtu.be/IgjCyXyO__o

[Jeff Kleiner]

E,
I'm calling the heat from the duct a non issue for the gauge---my recollection from way, way back when I was doing OEM automotive cooling system work with Schwitzer Corp. is that heater discharge temps run 120-130F. You and the gauge will see more than that inside the cab when the truck is closed up on a sunny summer day.

Keep the updates coming!

Cheers,
Jeff

[Erik W. Treves]

Boost has arrived - unpacking the turbo kit


https://youtu.be/mRyhwyf6xIM

[Erik W. Treves]

Turbo system cold mock up


https://youtu.be/qYsbNHfd3ww

[Erik W. Treves]

Small update.... the foundation of the build is
finally making progress...
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180211&d=1676857933

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180212&d=1676857933

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180213&d=1676857933

[Erik W. Treves]

mores stuff getting prep'd - block should ship next week.... then all that is left is the actual kit and to get the transmission upgraded - will do that after teardown....

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180817&d=1677418956

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180818&d=1677418956

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180819&d=1677418956

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180812&d=1677418925

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180814&d=1677418925

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180815&d=1677418925

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180816&d=1677418925

[Erik W. Treves]

I AM BACK!

Got the call from Stewart Transportation this week that the BETA XT1 Truck would ship next week - so the teardown begins TODAY..... will be another full video documenting the build as well as pictures along the way. Here are some already - I only spent about 4.5 hours on it today - It really came apart a little easier than I had expected - but so far so good.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185297&d=1685735511

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185298&d=1685735511

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185299&d=1685735511

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185300&d=1685735511

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185302&d=1685735548

[Erik W. Treves]

https://youtu.be/VAfQ6_iLrzQ

[Erik W. Treves]

WOW - all day on the teardown - I am absolutely beat - but you can pull the chassis off the cab in the garage and you don't need a lift.... lol . Will be pulling the engine and transmission out tomorrow -

Here is some day light:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185348&d=1685839547

The Sled -

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185350&d=1685839587

I used 3 harbor freight chassis dollies .. the 3rd one is under the spare tire.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185352&d=1685839587

back on the wheels and in the garage

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185353&d=1685839587

Cab all done and outside...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185354&d=1685839609

[Erik W. Treves]

https://youtu.be/HOlAfmmoFws

[Erik W. Treves]

Quick day of it - got the transmission out which was the main goal for this part of the build - anyway cleaned some more but at least we have most of it all torn down and ready for the kit arrival next week.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185381&d=1685905363

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185382&d=1685905363

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=185383&d=1685905363


https://youtu.be/iYkjUjCukNY

[GoDadGo]

You're A Better Man Then Me Sir Erik!
Way, Way, Way Better!
Good Luck!

[dukegrad98]

Erik, just curious -- if it's in the videos, I apologize. Once the passenger cab is ready to be lifted off the chassis, how much would you estimate the cab weighs? I saw you mentioned removing it without a car lift. Thanks!

I remain anxious to see the beta chassis and kit arrive for your assembly, and I'm glad that the XT1 project hasn't lost traction. I'm really hoping they revive work on the F9 at some point, too.

Cheers, John

[Erik W. Treves]

I am not sure how much the cab weighs - it has to be at least 1000 lbs I would think if not more.

[Erik W. Treves]

We are officially a Factory Five XT1 owner! This truck is massive!! The unloading went very well- no issues at all. The packing job was fantastic and easy to manage and follow - still have to unpack some more this weekend - but I need to get the body and chassis put back together first.... This will be the priority this weekend.

Anyway - tried to capture everything in the video from today - it's a long one - but all in all I spent about 1 hour and half unloading and another 3.5 just exploring :)

Here we go folks!


https://youtu.be/E-rQr98mxtk

[Geoff H]

Thanks for the effort with the video and documenting the build! Following along with keen interest.

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 1 of honest assembly - got quite a but done. Mainly and up front I got the body and the chassis back together and moved back into garage (out of the sun). After that got the good on so I could get that thing out of the way! It fit perfect!

Next on the list was to prep the gas tank with all the go fast stuff.... I also got all the suspension components out of their respective boxes and ready for powder coating next week.... more to come tomorrow .... I broke my own rule today and only planned one thing today.... so I wasn't as productive as I could have been..... tomorrow we have a LOT lined up. Stay tuned!!


https://youtu.be/ORUW-mUCPCo

[Al_C]

Wow! Erik, you make it look so easy! This is fascinating. I look forward to the next installment!

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 2 of assembly - got almost everything I wanted done this weekend - but ran into a snag - so I will regroup a little this week... just part of it a guess.


https://youtu.be/zZTTZ20l8lc

[Higgybulin]

Wow, you keep busy! When is the fence getting re done? Lol
Higgy

[Erik W. Treves]

A few more parts on the truck after work; Main and Rear Electrical harness in as well as the gas tank.


https://youtu.be/nCbsYKwsJRE

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 3 had just a little progress - had to work most of the day but did manage to get the brake system moved over and install half of the timing chain guides.... but it is progress nonetheless !!


https://youtu.be/GqzX96wM6EI

[dukegrad98]

"I have to have a plan before I get started -- otherwise, I just walk around and waste time." A truer statement about garage time has never been made!! It's awesome following your build process. Thanks again for these posts.

Cheers, John

[Erik W. Treves]

Yep still at it - Day 4 is done - rear end is in and mostly tight....long day... pretty happy with the progress.


https://youtu.be/zFIV17xhgys

[Erik W. Treves]

Making the most of this weekend - most of this is all mockup - but I needed a little motivation, so I threw the front tires on and one of the fenders and just made vroom vroom sounds while I wait for parts to arrive - transmission should be here on the 21st so we can get serious!


https://youtu.be/CnaDTxfeskc

[ydousurf]

Erik, it amazes me at the speed in which you can work and operate when you are building, whatever kit it is! It just shows that - You Got This! Awesome work! I'll keep following/watching your progress...

Doug

[Erik W. Treves]

Thanks! It's all about having a plan and work with the parts you have on hand

[Erik W. Treves]

Hey folks..... got the OK to post this.... here is all the info to include pricing for the new truck..... check it out!!

https://www.factoryfive.com/xt1/

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - the build kinda imploded a bit on day 6 - just that part of the build that drives you nuts when it happens - just have to work through this stuff sometimes....


https://youtu.be/XXyZduFtnGg

[kabacj]

Wow Erik.

That turbo setup is going to be awesome! You sure will need to work for it however!
I’m sure you will get it done.

[Geoff H]

Great update Erik - I appreciate you always sharing the real-life experience with your builds.

Geoff

[Erik W. Treves]

Well - I got knocked down and kicked in the teeth a bit yesterday - we're back at it!


https://youtu.be/_aWW9w7A-Tw

[Erik W. Treves]

Well day 7 task was to get the motor and transmission together and get it back into the truck - well mother nature ruined it for me and promptly after pulling the motor I found out that we had straight line winds last night and one of trees (35 feet) didn't make it - so I changed gears into lumber jack mode for 5 hours - still managed to get the motor and transmission connected - just not in the truck...just rolling with the blows....


https://youtu.be/sCmBJ6wnMWw

[Erik W. Treves]

Well the engine is back in the truck - hopefully for the last time!!! Super hot out today for sure....


https://youtu.be/t9VoRNAw63I

[Erik W. Treves]

Happy 4th! Bring on the BOOST!


https://youtu.be/ccmWrxNzymI

[kabacj]

Happy 4th! Bring on the BOOST!


https://youtu.be/ccmWrxNzymI

The Turbo placement is PERFECT Erik. Cool air in, hot air out. You can see the red snails menacing through the hood vents. You can’t ask for better.

[Erik W. Treves]

More turbo fab - Driver's side now - did a detailed video this time -


https://youtu.be/ZrsbBzeGMk8

[Erik W. Treves]

Headers are done and started in on the exhaust - should be speeding up a bit now!


https://youtu.be/iAA7eKx9Cns

[Erik W. Treves]

Yet another day of welding turbo hot pipe...


https://youtu.be/dcSzZqVOuEg

[Erik W. Treves]

Well I been heads down finishing the Hot Pipes - but back at normal truck progress!


https://youtu.be/RiUrvvE2jrQ

[Erik W. Treves]

Week 5 complete - really close to first start! - got a bunch of stuff done this weekend - like put the truck down on the ground!! Fuel system is going in as well


https://youtu.be/vJCXqvaN2Bg

[Erik W. Treves]

Main power is on!! getting ready for first start!!


https://youtu.be/Ta48Ch6OvpI

[Erik W. Treves]

Tune for part 1 - IT'S ALIVE - I decided to break this weekend into 2 videos since I ran into a bit of an issue ---


https://youtu.be/vSSac4XbO0U

[Papa]

Erik -- Glad you found it. At least you didn't crash a spacecraft into Mars!

https://www.simscale.com/blog/nasa-mars-climate-orbiter-metric/#:~:text=In%20September%20of%201999%2C%20after,%2C %20i.e.%2C%20the%20metric%20units!

[Erik W. Treves]

DROVE IT out of the garage -


https://youtu.be/oFq_xXUsrUQ

[kabacj]

DROVE IT out of the garage -



Driving it sure beats pushing it! Unlike a lightweight factory five sports car, the 5700 lb truck takes at least 2 of my family members to push it back up hill into the garage.

I’m sure your family is also happy that the truck is self propelled!

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 30 and bodywork is full swing


https://youtu.be/ccEP7LquPqw

[Erik W. Treves]

Well we are driving ... shakedown begins


https://youtu.be/AxkhbHAA7rM

[Erik W. Treves]

Day 37 - truck is DONE - working on the paint now....


https://youtu.be/FT7ycH0NVJA

[Erik W. Treves]

The rear of the truck is all in one color!! whew - I have no more finger prints


https://youtu.be/P3HZy52T3PQ

[Jeff Kleiner]

I vote yes on the color matched bumper. :cool:

Jeff

[EZ$]

X2 on the color matched bumper.

[Erik W. Treves]

It's all in PAINT - and boy is it wide!


https://youtu.be/g8pzmp2T7MU

[Papa]

Great work, Erik! Is it just the light playing tricks or is there a bit of a color difference I'm seeing particularly on the passenger side between the door and the front fender? I know you discussed it along the way, but how does it look in person?

On another subject, I assume that since the VIN is part of the body, you can just use the title and registration from the donor. Is that correct? That would be a big plus for perspective builders if they didn't have to deal with the DMV before being able to drive after the build is done.

Thanks,
Dave

[Erik W. Treves]

Yeah the color flops pretty hard when viewed at different angles, drove me nuts.. also the truck is an 18...so the paints really need to be blended... and I elected not to do it. It looks really really close!!! Anyway..yes the VIN is on the cab... so every goes right over... the car has cats and I didn't mess with any of emissions ...well not directly anyway

[Erik W. Treves]

Some road testing a few digs (x10) on the draggy - tranny got pretty warm - but fluid looks fine -



https://youtu.be/mrgs4S81PoE

[EZ$]

Congrats Eric! The truck came out great. You'll finish your shake down of issues before I do, and I've had mine together for over a year! As a note, I've enjoyed following along with the build. The videos have been entertaining to see how much you get done in such a short amount of time.

[Erik W. Treves]

This truck is pretty quick! I drives sooooo nice ... better than OE if I had to compare.


https://youtu.be/pPCcYzIXv68

[Erik W. Treves]

Well went over 400 miles so far - So let's talk about the product... and attack the transmission heating issues


https://youtu.be/YJGis6b8NC4?si=WQJxtmik7ZxK4JE9

[Erik W. Treves]

WRAP TIME


https://youtu.be/0bVqAhA8sgs

[Erik W. Treves]

5 Days left before we depart!


https://youtu.be/i6s3VLN1ujM

[Dave 53]

Not my cup of tea. But the write up in the November Car and Drive seemed favorable. They even gave a shout out to the 818 and GTM.

[Erik W. Treves]

Well we made it - completed the build on time - arrived at SEMA (we drove!) on time - then made it home - a few things to fix on the truck - but 4000 miles complete!



https://youtu.be/5Z-MVMYTjbw

[Erik W. Treves]

The official numbers are in - it's kinda been crazy since SEMA but was able to locate a Hub Dyno close to me - must have been a sign I guess....

I will post more later but the quick numbers are

658RWHP on 93 @ 10psi
1028RWHP on E85 @ 18.5psi

very happy with the end result and met the design goal. The truck also drives soooo nice.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193282&d=1702534727

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193283&d=1702534727

[kabacj]

The official numbers are in - it's kinda been crazy since SEMA but was able to locate a Hub Dyno close to me - must have been a sign I guess....

I will post more later but the quick numbers are

658RWHP on 93 @ 10psi
1028RWHP on E85 @ 18.5psi

very happy with the end result and met the design goal. The truck also drives soooo nice.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193282&d=1702534727

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193283&d=1702534727

WOW Erik!!! those are some very stout numbers!!!

Your daily driver is actually drag truck!

you will be able to tow your coupe to the strip on the 93 octane tune, do a few passes on the drag strip with the coupe. Fill the truck with E85, switch the tune and probably put down a better pass with the tow truck!! 4WD launches are your friend.

Well done!

[crash]

Nice that the numbers are at relatively low RPMs also. Looks like more power than you probably need after about 5000 RPM, even with pump gas.

[Erik W. Treves]

yes- I agree - but that was the goal :)

Anyway - here it is the Data.... The DBR Performance folks were really good - they gave me all the data I wanted and even gave me a folder with all the charts printed out... Drove the truck home yesterday - and WOW - street only tune vs Dyno Tune + Street Tune after = WOW WOW WOW.... the power is obviously incredible, but the drivability is super - both start up, cold manners, low speed and highway cruise.... it really makes the overall XTF experience perfect... Looking out the front windshield you honestly wouldn't realize that you have a full race truck around you.... the only really noticeable thing is how smooth and in the road the truck is... drives more like a performance car but with the benefits of a long wheel base and long travel suspension. It's really hard to put into words - but this isn't a F150 ride at all.....period!!!

Keep in mind my truck has all emissions items still in place; IMRC's still active; Aftermarket Cats - I also have electronic open dumps; we did a back to back comparison between running through the CATS and open dump - no difference (GESI cats are king). The cams run out up top as you would expect for a truck cam - but this is the house support vehicle and tow vehicle for me.

93 octane log: 10 PSI

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193535&d=1703170179

E85 log: 18.5 PSI

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193536&d=1703170179

Dyno Sheet:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193537&d=1703170409

[DW66]

Eric,
Can we assume this will be in the parking lot at LCS?:D

Dave

[Erik W. Treves]

yes - I plan on pulling the Daytona with it - also plan on Texas this year as well if all goes well..... starting another build soon.

[Erik W. Treves]

Well we continue to hit milestones - part of my build plan was that I am replacing my home support vehicle with the XTF.... part of that is that having a lockable bed. The XTF bed is basically the same dimensions as the stock truck... the main difference is that the bed side are flat in the XTF so there is no place to use the clamping feature of your typical cover. So I looked at it for a couple days, decided to toss the OEM attachment hardware.

I attached some 4 foot sections of aluminum 90* along the bed top rails. I then noticed in order to get the locking mechanism to work the width of the cover need to be adjusted.... wasn't sure it could be done... but I figured somebody made it... so I should be able to take it apart, worst case I destroyed it.... Turns out these things are sheet metal panels with a Styrofoam with aluminum rails down the side to complete the panel. Once I figured that all out - It was just a matter of measuring it out....

Took the cover down to its components and took .035 off each side and put it all back together....I still have one more bracket set to make for the first panel that attaches to the tailgate. I wouldn't call it a tight water proof install - but I think it will get the job done.

no turning back now:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193601&d=1703372127

After I cut everything down it went together like a typical cover.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193602&d=1703372127

Now I just need to touchup the black paint.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=193603&d=1703372127

[kabacj]

Nice flush fit. I like it. I need to do something like that on my truck.

[Alan_C]

That is one hell of a street truck. I am really impressed how stock the truck looks to those that don't know what a Factory Five is. Great job and looks like another happy Hellion customer.
So what is next?

[Erik W. Treves]

I think I am building another 65 coupe while I decide.....

[Erik W. Treves]

This should close out this thread - thanks for all the interest - finished 2023 pretty strong - will start another thread once we get towing!


https://youtu.be/Dt-KXnu4k_o

[crash]

Well I have a question and this seems like the most appropriate thread so...

Do you happen to have any links to articles or videos from SEMA 2023 where the FFR Truck is featured...or even mentioned?

I have been looking at a bunch of SEMA 2023 videos and have not seen anything about the FFR truck? Seems odd to me. You know like "Best Accessory Kit" videos and it is about some hood scoops/vents, or a "ground effects" kit? Seems like the FFR kit is far and above any of this kind of stuff and should have stolen the show as far as "upgrade" items are concerned. I know, I know to get many of those awards and accolades it takes the mordida, but I find it hard to believe that there wouldn't even be a mention?

Show us where you (anyone) have seen the FFR XTF in videos or pictures at SEMA 2023.

[Erik W. Treves]

Yeah not sure - we did a bunch of interviews - not sure what's up with the coverage honestly - I did about 30 minutes with Cars.tv and haven't seen that yet - they said some time in Jan.... not sure.

[Erik W. Treves]

Got some Towing/Trailer testing done - long video - but show the overall impression first hand and the setup from going from a street rocket to a tow vehicle in about 30 minutes


https://youtu.be/WLOOgp8fb1c

[Erik W. Treves]

Another milestone... you can actually tow a Factory Five WITH a Factory Five.. even got caught in the rain.... still a few adjustments to be done but happy with the performance overall...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=196625&d=1710009640