Tech and Support Disappointment

[MkIVontheRock]

Good day Dave Smith,

I've been staring at FFR for so many years. I'm now finally in a position to make it a reality. As I am trying to put all the pieces together, and asking decision making questions, I was disappointed with the response from a Tech Sales and Support Specialist. I started to actually wonder....

My questions were:
1. Choose an exhaust system – I am ordering a 347 with TKX transmission, what option do I choose?
2. Do you have a picture of 16962 – web click don’t work
3. 14613 – what is that for exactly and does it replace anything from a donor car, if so, what year and model
4. 14614 – do I need this or can it come from a donor, if so, what year and model
5. 14727 – what is this for exactly and does it replace anything from a donor car, if so, what year and model
6. Being in Canada, I must order the heater kit, how much does it impact the glove box?
7. What are the components of 16042 and can I get those from a donor?
8. What are the components of 16126 and can I get those from a donor?
9. Could I have a more specific parts list for 16919 of the entire kit?


The response to these 9 questions was:
I have reviewed your questions in regards to certain parts. It looks these parts come as part of the Canadian kit. These part numbers you asked about have fastener components (bolts , screws clips ect. Unfortunately these can not be removed from the kit order as transport Canada does not allow. Hope this helps

That was it. No more information.
I began to wonder a lot of things. Surely for a company in business since 1995, this cannot be the norm. I had to reply of course - hopefully a follow-up will be much better.

To be continued...

[JohnK]

Nice first post. As a general rule, try picking up the phone and talking to someone rather than flaming them on a forum. You'll find that the folks at FFR are very kind and helpful, if not a bit overworked and struggling with their new ERP system. Good luck.

[Cutter 54]

You may have to humble yourself and pick up a phone and talk to one of the Daves. As mentioned, the staff at FFR are all very helpful and patient, sometimes to a fault. And they are dealing with zillions of inventory items, a constant stream of customer questions and delivery/supply challenges beyond their control. Many of us started our builds like you; impatient, expecting perfection and unaccustomed to this "often less than perfect" type of operation. Factory Five Racing is not Google. They do not have an army of people ready to wipe every customers teardrop when only 7 of the 8 #10-32 nyloc's are not found in the plastic ziplock bag. Someone WILL answer your question and solve your problem but you need to be patient. And do your own homework. Read a few of other peoples builds to get a sense of what an exhaust system consists of. For Roadsters the choices include: sidepipes or not; shorty headers or full length; or none, in which case you need to see what vendors offer and acquaint yourself with a whole new world of hardware, terminology, manufacturing techniques, finishes, heat protection. AND THAT'S JUST ON THE EXHAUST. These are not legos. You cannot expect to read ANY manual or textbook and have a smallest chance of putting one of these beasts together. You might be a genius in your field but if you are new to automobile mechanics be prepared to eat many large servings of humble pie. This is a whole new field for many of us. Oh, and buy the family size bottle of chill pills or you will be greatly disappointed with the project. Or maybe buy a finished car. Good luck.

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

(1) FYI a 347 uses a 302 Block and 302 type heads so the exhaust is the same as a 302 as are the engine mounts. Transmission type makes no difference on exhaust on these cars.
(2) there is another Factory five website (https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/search.php?search_query=16962 ) where you can find this photo

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-6661c/images/stencil/400x600/products/710/1513/IMG_9662__45124.1642699284.jpg?c=2