Factory Five GT40

[428saleen]

I heard from a good source that Factory Five will be releasing a GT40 kit within the next 1-2 years. What does everyone think about that? Sign me up!

[gbranham]

I'll believe it when Factory Five announces it. Until then, it's all speculation. I don't care much for rumor mills and gossip. Social media's the place for that. This forum is better than that.

Greg

[rthomas98]

Not sure of your sources, but I don't see it happening. Every issue that has moved them to cancel the GTM would plague that vehicle. The number one being availability of a transaxle.

[JimStone]

It seems FFR is focusing it's resources on bigger market items, like the truck, while re-investing in it's best-selling products (Mk V).

The GT40 would be so niche that I can't see it happening. But it'd be cool if they did make one, albeit 25% larger dimensions so I could actually fit in it.

[Skuzzy]

Not sure of your sources, but I don't see it happening. Every issue that has moved them to cancel the GTM would plague that vehicle. The number one being availability of a transaxle.

A couple of friends of mine have been waiting for over two years for the Mindeola (sp?) transaxles. They have finally given up and are looking to create an electronic package to drive the Tremec TR9080 and use it instead. One of them has a Coyote engine and the other has a 427 Windsor. I am pitching in and helping with that.

I agree though. I just cannot see Factory Five doing a GT40. It makes no financial sense at all.

[Kbl7td]

I will be producing a GT40 I hope by the end of the year, but you know how that goes. This won't be a factory five level output, maybe two rolling chassis a year. Space frame based on the C6 suspension. MK1 body only. Strictly a side project for me and for those that want a more advanced build by sourcing a lot of their own parts, but maybe don't have the means to produce a body or frame. I will be producing carbon fiber and fiberglass bodies.

[joegazine]

Did anyone see this post by Tremec?

https://tremec-blog.com/new-tremec-6-speed-manual-transaxle-redefines-custom-performance/

[JimStone]

Did anyone see this post by Tremec?

https://tremec-blog.com/new-tremec-6-speed-manual-transaxle-redefines-custom-performance/



April Fool's in November?


If serious, that could be a game changer

[joegazine]

Agreed, hopefully more info will be provided by Tremec after SEMA.

Although, the bell housing pattern and input shaft are intended for a C8 corvette's LT2. Not really Ford engines.

What does seem nice from the little information provided so far, is the overall length of the transaxle of 28.1". The article says the case profile is shared with the TR9080. Compare 28.1" to a G50 transaxle used in the GTM which is about 26".

221030

221031

[Skuzzy]

Agreed, hopefully more info will be provided by Tremec after SEMA.

Although, the bell housing pattern and input shaft are intended for a C8 corvette's LT2. Not really Ford engines.

What does seem nice from the little information provided so far, is the overall length of the transaxle of 28.1". The article says the case profile is shared with the TR9080. Compare 28.1" to a G50 transaxle used in the GTM which is about 26".

221030

221031

A friend of made has already made an adapter to adapt the TR-9080 to a Windsor engine. Another friend of mine is working on a Coyote adapter for the TR-9080. They are using the 9080 in the RCR GT-40 replica. They have run into a stumbling block in doing the electronics as, apparently, GM required the transmission and ECU to be paired and so the transmission sends an encrypted message to the ECU which requires a specific response unique to each transmission/ECU pairing, in order to get the transmission out of park.

They will be excited to hear about this transmission.

[Tooth]

I'd be in if they ever made one. I'd love to do an rcr gt40 or superlight as my next build, but every time I get excited about it I read horror stories about the company.

[JohnK]

April Fool's in November?


If serious, that could be a game changer

Agree 100%. I had also briefly toyed with the idea of a RCR40 or Superlite GTR but horror stories about 2+ year waits for Mendeola transaxles and equally bad stories about RCR themselves quickly shelved that idea.

[Jeff Kleiner]

C8 and Subaru have suitable transaxles.

That is all… ;)

Jeff

[joegazine]

If FFR used the Sabaru STI 6 speed transaxle, similar to the way it is used in the 818, would definitely be the most cost effective option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjCBuLtXgxY

221032

Only think I wonder about with this option is the half-shaft angle. Assuming you are using a 24-25" tall tire and trying to get the engine as low as possible.

Although if the engine can be raised up a few inches in the chassis, that would open up more options for the use of factory coyote oil pans. The steel pan, gt350 oil pan and gt500 oil pan.

Lets see what FFR does haha.

[Kbl7td]

My GT40 molds with be ready in 4 months or so. Think high quality with virtually zero parting lines (shipped out filled), vacuum infused, etc. Chassis FEA analyzed, steel space frame prototype will be starting this week. I’m shooting for somewhere in between FFR and RCR difficulty for the end user. Full build manual with the part I recommend listed out. Electric power steering and electric power brakes. Really excited for this!

[narkosys]

I really hope Tremec will provide this for the aftermarket and not just OEM. Guess we will have to wait until SEMA to find out.

Edit: From the Tremec blog linked in an above post. "The newest aftermarket offering from TREMEC is the ultimate performance 6-speed manual transaxle, creating new possibilities for custom car and truck builders."

Now I am very intrigued, and ears perked. Definitely a game changer if and when it finally comes to market.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Just viewed it a few minutes ago. They’re targeting release later part of 2026.

Jeff

[Dave Tabor]

221059

[Skuzzy]

C8 and Subaru have suitable transaxles.

That is all… ;)

Jeff

Do you know of a solution to the C8 transaxle requiring the use of the C8 ECU paired to the transaxle?

[joegazine]

221232

More info on dimensions, mass, ratios etc.

[SandSled]

Boom! Curious on the price. There is one company with a sequential TXale at 30K, the Quaife at 13K, this Tremec sounds like it might be a great option

[Hobby Racer]

Just stumbled on this article while looking for info on Tremec's new 6 speed transaxle.

Tremec's New Six-Speed Manual Fits the Mid-Engined C8 Corvette (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69265125/tremec-six-speed-manual-transaxle-chevy-corvette-c8/)

Here is the quote from the article.

"This opens up the floodgates," says Dave Smith, president of Factory Five Racing. "We've got a new mid-engine car coming out, and we were going to do it anyway, but this puts it over the top."

Anyone know anything about this. I'm an 818R and an MK3 owner. I'd love to build a Factory Five GT40!

[GoDadGo]

I really hope and pray that Dave & his team consider a revisited GTM or create a GT-40 style car since Tremec changed the game.

Heck, after reading the Hagerty article, Chevrolet needs to make a C-8 Corvette that doesn't sport an Auto-Magic/Paddle-Crapper.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/tremec-unveils-a-6-speed-manual-transaxle-c8-owners-rejoice/

[Skuzzy]

Tremec has yet to commit to a production date for this transaxle. It really feels like they are fishing to see what kind of potential demand there may be for this unit, before they actually decide to produce it.

I know two people who would buy it today, if it was available.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Tremec has yet to commit to a production date for this transaxle. It really feels like they are fishing to see what kind of potential demand there may be for this unit, before they actually decide to produce it.

I know two people who would buy it today, if it was available.

Talked to them at SEMA and they told us late '26/early '27.

Jeff

[Hobby Racer]

But what about the fact that FFR has a new mid engined car in development. That is what I am really interested in. Somebody has to know something about that.

[Jeff Kleiner]

But what about the fact that FFR has a new mid engined car in development. That is what I am really interested in. Somebody has to know something about that.

Well, yes they do. Info isn't public yet.

Jeff

[Papa]

But what about the fact that FFR has a new mid engined car in development. That is what I am really interested in. Somebody has to know something about that.


Well, yes they do. Info isn't public yet.

Jeff

Hmmm ... Could the F9 be coming back as a mid-engine car that might look a lot more like a GT40? This is how rumors start! :p

[Blitzboy54]

I was THIS close to pulling the trigger on a GT40. The transaxle was the single biggest hurdle. If this comes to market for 6k or less it would be a game changer in that it would be in some cases 1/4 the cost of what's currently available new (1/2 the cost on a rebuild), and most likely readily available. Some of these niche shops need 18 plus months to get you a part.

I would definitely be interested.

[Skuzzy]

Talked to them at SEMA and they told us late '26/early '27.

Jeff

Well, that is the third date I have gotten from people who talked to them at SEMA, which is what has lead me to make the statement I made. First date was early 26. Second date was indeterminate. And yours.

If they are going to pull that trigger, then the sooner the better. Something official, in writing, would be great.

[TTimmy]

Mike Forte is now selling Quaife transaxles and started building accessory drives for short water pump 302 and 351 engines. So we’re not waiting on him!

[joegazine]

Beyond the transaxle. I'm really curious about what suspension they will use. Whether it will be a donor-based suspension or their own bespoke suspension.

If they used the C8's suspension as a donor, that may limit wheel choice to 18" and up. Which may alienate some buyers who want to run 15in wheels. Also, the hub bolt pattern is 5x120mm. Personally, I'd prefer to run 18in wheels just based on tire options.

Also, the C8 has an electronic parking brake. The EPB would have to be controlled by one of these: https://www.wilwood.com/hardware/HardwareProd?itemno=620-15487

[Blitzboy54]

Mike Forte is now selling Quaife transaxles and started building accessory drives for short water pump 302 and 351 engines. So we’re not waiting on him!

Did he give you a price? The ones I was looking at were $15k to start

[TTimmy]

Did he give you a price? The ones I was looking at were $15k to start

I didn’t even ask the price since I’m not shopping yet. From a consumer standpoint, it would be nice to have a few options.

[2JZ]

A Factory Five GT40 kit would be huge for the community. Their quality is generally excellent, and it would definitely be a strong contender against other replica makers. I'd love to see what engine options they support initially.

[Kaase Cobra]

For those in the know - Any sense if this would be a Mk1 or Mk2 body style? Or if it would more follow the early-2000's style "GT"?

[JimStone]

For those in the know - Any sense if this would be a Mk1 or Mk2 body style? Or if it would more follow the early-2000's style "GT"?

The people who are in the know are not talking. FFR keeps a tight ship

[Blitzboy54]

A Factory Five GT40 kit would be huge for the community. Their quality is generally excellent, and it would definitely be a strong contender against other replica makers. I'd love to see what engine options they support initially.

For the community yes, I worry about resale. The RCR IF done right will fetch $120-$140k range. They can certainly go for more but RCR is the most "affordable" kit. By my math its hard to do one for less than $80k-$90k. I would be surprised if a FFR kit did as well on the aftermarket. It also could potentially flood the available inventory. Relative to what it cost to build the GTM never really sold for what it cost to build.

To your original point if your building it for you, then I suspect you are getting an amazing kit that will drive and look incredible. I also guess you can get started for a lot less than other options and hopefully quicker. Lead times on GT40 kits from other vendors is sometimes a year or more.

[ProfessorB]

I'd be really curious as to the price tag on the Tremec...

[SandSled]

There are other / more affordable kits including from overseas, and there were some other more affordable kits like Ardern (since sold). Some of the overseas kits use UK Cortina/Grenanda parts, FFS. The RCR can be nice and I'm toying with going that way or getting one partially done (one or two pop up every year due to frustration waiting for parts). I still prefer a MC to a SF

There is another new company that is supposedly producing kits but we haven't seen anything yet publicly beyond swapping a MKII rear clam across the same spaceframe chassis last summer. Paraphase: We're shipping next month, we promise

FF would bring a mature manufacturing / distribution option with a lot of bang to buck potential. My only real concern is how badly they play with the look. A GT40 is my first choice and I am pulling trigger in CY26, a Daytona Coupe has always been my fallback, but the FF65 shape bothers me and I just can't unsee the differences enough to do one (maybe I dunno)

If the dimensions were that of a 2005 GT, but the carbon fiber body was either a rendition of that 2005, or a 60s version scaled up to those 05 dimensions. Would I go for it? Maybe. Also just speculating, Imagine if FF upscaled the chassis to be either the 05 or the 60s style, and you had a choice of bodies. Insert mind blown dot meme.

Has FF found a way to get a single tank in this layout and widen the cockpit ; ) ? Remember, on the Open House Day Dave did joke that shucks darn only if we had carbon fiber technology could we scale up something hypothetically like a GT40, but bigger.

OK, enough rambling, I really hope they are putting something together as even as speculation it is currently on my list ; ) .

[cv2065]

For the community yes, I worry about resale. The RCR IF done right will fetch $120-$140k range. They can certainly go for more but RCR is the most "affordable" kit. By my math its hard to do one for less than $80k-$90k. I would be surprised if a FFR kit did as well on the aftermarket. It also could potentially flood the available inventory. Relative to what it cost to build the GTM never really sold for what it cost to build.

To your original point if your building it for you, then I suspect you are getting an amazing kit that will drive and look incredible. I also guess you can get started for a lot less than other options and hopefully quicker. Lead times on GT40 kits from other vendors is sometimes a year or more.


After I sold my first roadster, I went on the hunt for something 'different' before coming back to FFR. The Superlite GT-R was first on the list as their modified GT40 version is amazing. With the carbon bits, that car is an easy $120K to complete the right way with engine and transaxle. Superlite is the sister company of RCR with same owner. Did LOTS of research and spoke to many current frustrated builders. Very expensive kit to build that never made its way past a first revision of the chassis and requires significant fabrication skills to complete in about a 4-5 year timeline. The GT-R doesn't even have a manual. According to my discussions with current builders, the company is a bit political, so you need to ensure that you are part of the 'click' or you might find yourself without parts if you happen to need some. You don't see that many GT-Rs on the road for a reason. In fact, I've never seen one in the wild.

I say all that because I do think there is a market for a GT40 version from FFR to standardize the process and provide a kit that can get more cars on the road. They could flair out the wheel wells slightly like the GT-R and add some of their own customization. I know something is coming as I made the comment on the FFR Facebook site that FFR should have focused more on the super car instead of the truck. Dave answered and said who says we aren't? Good to know that they are still running down this road and some version of a supercar is coming, GT40 or otherwise.

[JIMLAND]

As others, I was seriously considering making my next build a RCR 40 Kit since the GT40 was my dream car. I built a FFR Mk4 Roadster several years ago and have that itch to build again. I made a trip to Fraser, MI late last year to the RCR factory to look at their operations. It was impressive and almost pulled the trigger until I read more and more stories of the problems with getting parts and lack of support. But if FFR would make a Ford GT style car that is scaled up from the GT40 size, I would be the first in line to write a check. I hope we hear something soon one way or the other.