View Full Version : Buffalo MK4 Build
Hey everyone. Figured id start my build thread since I got the car. There are 8 boxes on back order. I completed the inventory and everything is accounted for except for those that are marked as 0. I assume those will ship out as well when they get back in stock? Also I never got a build manual hard copy. Is that something that comes with the documentation?
Anyways here’s the details.
MK4 complete kit
IRS
Gen 4 coyote and Tremec 5 speed
Willwood front and rear brakes
Carbon fiber dash with ultra lite gauges
Diamond stitch seats and door panels
Coyote power steering kit
Wind wings
Wood steering wheel
Sunvisors
Wiper kit
Sway bars
Defroster kit
Oil cooler
4 post battery cutoff
Polished side mirrors
Side louvers/brake duct mesh
18” Hallibrands
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Also anyone know how to rotate photos that are uploaded from phone? lol
Waterman
10-31-2025, 07:02 AM
Welcome. It is a good time of year to start a build. Not too cold yet here in the north. I always use the Advanced Post so you can see exactly how post will look and using a PC so easier. Rotate native pic before posting. FFR does sell a printed manual but I would purchased a Used/old/cheap iPad even if poor battery just keep plugged in. You can then zoom into the nice Color pics. My Complete Manual from 2024 is B/W.
Blitzboy54
10-31-2025, 07:05 AM
Welcome aboard!!
Unfortunately I have never found a way to rotate them after upload. What I have to do is rotate them and re save them on my iphone then upload them. They come in at a funny angle if you take the picture horizontally. If you hold your phone vertically (and this is the important part) with the single button up and the volume down, they come through oriented correctly. Don't ask me why.
Thank you! Yeah I tried changing it after I posted it. No luck. Ill try taking them all horizontal going forward.
Welcome. It is a good time of year to start a build. Not too cold yet here in the north. I always use the Advanced Post so you can see exactly how post will look and using a PC so easier. Rotate native pic before posting. FFR does sell a printed manual but I would purchased a Used/old/cheap iPad even if poor battery just keep plugged in. You can then zoom into the nice Color pics. My Complete Manual from 2024 is B/W.
Thanks! luckily i have a heated garage so ill be getting a lot of work done on her. Thanks for the heads up about the manual. Might have to steal my kids Ipad haha
PMD24
10-31-2025, 08:43 AM
To stop the photos from turning sideways, resize them so that the largest dimension is under 2000. I use 1900. Just save the resized version and you can upload it directly from your computer, the cloud, a thumb drive... from essentially anywhere. No need to save to flicker or the Gallery.
Once it loads, click on the blue icon in the menu above (far left). The photo will then appear as a photo instead of the filename.
If you want it bigger, double click on it. A dialogue box ill open and you can choose a bigger size.
EZ PZ
Also, if you load them one at a time, hit return twice to put a space between them. Easier to view that way, and you can type in short descriptors for each one if needed.
Pat
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I feel like this took a week to do, but it was mostly moving stuff around the garage and organizing stuff.
As for backordered parts what’s the average timeframe I can expect to receive the important stuff. I’m missing 8 boxes worth of stuff that I’m gonna have to get creative with what I’m going to start on.
The only suspension parts I received are front upper control arms and the konis. Everything else is backordered.
TrackDay17
11-05-2025, 10:05 AM
Looks like that's going to be a nice build with the Coyote.
I went with the diamond stitch seats too on my MK5 and 18 inch wheels, I was planning on a Coyote but decided on a Blueprint 347 instead.
Hopefully your backorders won't be long although some of the crew is at SEMA this week I know they're still up and running.
My car should be delivered any day this week !
Thanks! Yeah I am looking forward to getting the build moving. Going to be a long winter up here in Buffalo so I need something to work on haha.
In hindsight i shouldve went with the MK5 but the discount at the time on the MK4 made it worth it. Congrats on your kit as well and I see you are getting your blueprint engine as well. Ill follow your build as well.. Thanks!
So I installed the upper control arms and got confused when I went to tighten it up. It seems it’s a common issue for the rear to be too long for power steering purposes. I guess the common fix is to cut the bolts and adjustment sleeves?
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CraigS
11-08-2025, 07:56 AM
I'd leave them for now. Unless something has changed you can usually get about +6.5deg caster w/ the stock sleeves. That is definitely enough to drive it, just w/ a reduced self centering feel. If you need them cut email me at craigstuardatcomcastdotnet. It's a free job in my lathe. I just ask you to send a $10 bill w/ them to cover return shipping.
I'd leave them for now. Unless something has changed you can usually get about +6.5deg caster w/ the stock sleeves. That is definitely enough to drive it, just w/ a reduced self centering feel. If you need them cut email me at craigstuardatcomcastdotnet. It's a free job in my lathe. I just ask you to send a $10 bill w/ them to cover return shipping.
Awesome. Thanks for the information! Sounds easy enough. Moving on with the build. Thanks!
JohnnyDeere
11-08-2025, 08:48 AM
Welcome, I also just started my build up here in Maine. Good way to pass the cold winter months. My completion date was 10/18/25 and it sounds like you have the same parts backordered as mine. I have done what I can but feel a bit all over the place because as soon as I get close to completing a section I am missing a part. I did call FF earlier this week with a steering rack issue, they were an outstanding help, and I asked about the back orders. Different department but he mentioned they were all out to SEMA this week at the show so hopefully we can get some news next week. I was really excited to get this car and a little disappointed in how many parts are on backorder.
Welcome, I also just started my build up here in Maine. Good way to pass the cold winter months. My completion date was 10/18/25 and it sounds like you have the same parts backordered as mine. I have done what I can but feel a bit all over the place because as soon as I get close to completing a section I am missing a part. I did call FF earlier this week with a steering rack issue, they were an outstanding help, and I asked about the back orders. Different department but he mentioned they were all out to SEMA this week at the show so hopefully we can get some news next week. I was really excited to get this car and a little disappointed in how many parts are on backorder.
Nice! Hope you enjoy the build! Yeah I was kinda disappointed as well but hopefully I can find enough to do before the rest get here. Also waiting on the engine and transmission from them as well. About time to get creative I suppose haha.
But hopefully they aren’t too far backordered. Keep me posted on when you start getting stuff if you don’t mind.
JCB52
11-08-2025, 09:46 AM
Here in WNY, we need something to do besides moving snow. The winter of 20/21 went bye so fast when I did my MKIV donor build. With your complete kit and new drivetrain components, you are not going to have the ongoing updates that I’ve had (ditched the stock EFI 302 for HP 347 and in spring T-5 switch to TKX ). It’s great to see another Western New Yorker building this awesome car. I’d like to find out how many are around west of Rochester…221203
PMD24
11-08-2025, 07:43 PM
Here in WNY, we need something to do besides moving snow. The winter of 20/21 went bye so fast when I did my MKIV donor build. With your complete kit and new drivetrain components, you are not going to have the ongoing updates that I’ve had (ditched the stock EFI 302 for HP 347 and in spring T-5 switch to TKX ). It’s great to see another Western New Yorker building this awesome car. I’d like to find out how many are around west of Rochester…221203
Probably quite a few around. An owner in the Rochester area decided to form an informal club of cobra owners last year about this time. I think the group is up to 11 now and we know of a few others. So that's at least 14 around Rochester.
Pat
Hey guys. I started working on the Wilwood foot pedal box and need some help with some instructions. Anyone know where these 4 button head screws are located? Didn’t find them in the pedal box or chassis box.
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UPDATE: Going to call FF5 today. I went through everything in the packing sheet and it doesn't list anything that says 4 Button head 3/8-1" screws.
JohnnyDeere
11-14-2025, 08:20 AM
Hey guys. I started working on the Wilwood foot pedal box and need some help with some instructions. Anyone know where these 4 button head screws are located? Didn’t find them in the pedal box or chassis box.
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UPDATE: Going to call FF5 today. I went through everything in the packing sheet and it doesn't list anything that says 4 Button head 3/8-1" screws.
Yah you're going to find that as you move along there will be bolts and boxes listed out in the manual that don't exist in your packing. The hardware box in Box 1 I believe houses all those bolts. There are the same size button heads in that box and I used those and took a picture just in case down the line I need more of them for another part of the build. But from what I am gathering they are all in the hardware box and the directions are not up to date on the locations.
I still have not received any of the backorder items and besides body work I have run out of things to do. I am a little frustrated but am hoping for a large shipment to keep this build moving along.
Blitzboy54
11-14-2025, 10:24 AM
The bolts your looking for are in your "fastener pack". Box 100 I believe. If you go to the last page in the build manual it lists everything that's in there.
The bolts your looking for are in your "fastener pack". Box 100 I believe. If you go to the last page in the build manual it lists everything that's in there.
Thanks for showing that to me. I didnt think to look in the back of the manual. So it lists a bag of 3 button head bolts that are the correct size in the fastener box. 4 are required which is why I figured something was missing. I tried calling them but they are busy, so I will utilize whats in the box and go from there. Thanks for the help.
Yah you're going to find that as you move along there will be bolts and boxes listed out in the manual that don't exist in your packing. The hardware box in Box 1 I believe houses all those bolts. There are the same size button heads in that box and I used those and took a picture just in case down the line I need more of them for another part of the build. But from what I am gathering they are all in the hardware box and the directions are not up to date on the locations.
I still have not received any of the backorder items and besides body work I have run out of things to do. I am a little frustrated but am hoping for a large shipment to keep this build moving along.
Yeah I am as well looking for stuff to do. I was going to install the rear end but I am missing 4 bushings... All of the suspension stuff is at a standstill. After getting the pedal box somewhat completed (still need the coyote install stuff) I guess ill be moving on to the power steering rack... but also missing the tie rods haha. Guess Ill powdercoat some stuff and paint till I can get EVERYTHING else lol.
JohnnyDeere
11-14-2025, 10:44 AM
Yeah I am as well looking for stuff to do. I was going to install the rear end but I am missing 4 bushings... All of the suspension stuff is at a standstill. After getting the pedal box somewhat completed (still need the coyote install stuff) I guess ill be moving on to the power steering rack... but also missing the tie rods haha. Guess Ill powdercoat some stuff and paint till I can get EVERYTHING else lol.
Sounds like we are missing the same parts, I have the brakes on the rear end and filled with fluid but that’s as far as I could go, front upper control arms installed but that’s all I had for parts. Foot box installed, power steering installed, and a bunch of panels installed up to a point where I don’t want to cover much more up.
OK, I ran into a hiccup with the steering system, specifically the pillow, bearing and flange. The bearing will not fit in the flange and if it rests on it like they show in the manual, it’ll fall out. I’ve tried everything to try and get it to fit. This is the best I’ve come up with based on previous form responses to put the bearing facing inside the cabin and any suggestions, please?
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Blitzboy54
11-20-2025, 05:26 PM
Looks like you’re missing half of it. That bearing gets sandwiched between 2 oval plates.
Looks like you’re missing half of it. That bearing gets sandwiched between 2 oval plates.
That would explain it. Definitely missing that other half then. Thanks!
rich grsc
11-20-2025, 06:31 PM
Also installed on the wrong side of the foot box. Install it from the inside, with the bearing sandwiched between the two plates
Also installed on the wrong side of the foot box. Install it from the inside, with the bearing sandwiched between the two plates
That’s exactly how how I did it the first time but it fell backwards into the footboard because of the missing half. I’ve been losing my mind on this the last day because of other posts saying they installed everything on the inside because of the length of the shafts. I’m gonna nuke these instructions eventually.
JohnnyDeere
11-21-2025, 08:12 AM
Yup your frustrations are shared by me as well. I tried the inside which worked ok knowing I would have to cut into the footbox bracket to make it fit, however I noticed that the steering shaft joint was hitting on the outside footbox sheet metal when it was that way, I could not get a full rotation. So, I went back to having it installed per the manual and cut the steering shaft to make it work which was far less work than any other modifications I would have had to make. And it was the one with the least amount of error if things went sideways. The manual is just about good enough to get you into trouble. I have found that bouncing questions I have in the manual off this forum and also youtube works pretty well. Usually if you are confused by the way it's written you are not the first and someone else has asked the question. A quick google with factory five forum in the search first followed by your question is easier to find things on this forum then looking in the forum search bar.
Blitzboy54
11-21-2025, 12:11 PM
I found trimming the steering shaft was the best of all the options as well. Easy to do and eliminates any chance of binding.
Does this look normal for the actual steering angle reference the seat area?
Other than the fact that I have the hub on backwards. Just seems the angle is wrong but then again it kinda matches the dash.
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Blitzboy54
11-24-2025, 09:56 PM
Totally normal. It will all make sense as it comes together.
Totally normal. It will all make sense as it comes together.
Sounds good! Thanks bud.
JohnnyDeere
11-25-2025, 07:29 AM
Sounds good! Thanks bud.
Yah I thought the same thing with mine, I threw the seat in and put the wheel on and it felt normal which was a relief.
These back orders are killing me, haven’t received anything and I have been at a standstill for a couple of weeks now.
Yah I thought the same thing with mine, I threw the seat in and put the wheel on and it felt normal which was a relief.
These back orders are killing me, haven’t received anything and I have been at a standstill for a couple of weeks now.
That’s good to hear. Thought I had something wrong with the frame when they welded it together.
So I’ve emailed, called and nothing. The only person to call me was from Cunningham transport last night about an engine delivery. So I should be getting that at least sometime next week.
I’m just about at a standstill till I get the back ordered parts in. Been working on the aluminum panels but don’t want to get too far in before running all the lines. Let’s hope for some nice boxes before Christmas.
Blitzboy54
11-25-2025, 08:39 AM
That’s good to hear. Thought I had something wrong with the frame when they welded it together.
So I’ve emailed, called and nothing. The only person to call me was from Cunningham transport last night about an engine delivery. So I should be getting that at least sometime next week.
I’m just about at a standstill till I get the back ordered parts in. Been working on the aluminum panels but don’t want to get too far in before running all the lines. Let’s hope for some nice boxes before Christmas.
Yeah, I am in a similar boat on my truck build. I don't know what's going on but I am getting frustrated too. Usually the communication is better.
JohnnyDeere
11-25-2025, 09:00 AM
Yeah, I am in a similar boat on my truck build. I don't know what's going on but I am getting frustrated too. Usually the communication is better.
Yah, I was able to get ahold of tech support for another question, and they were great but when I asked about parts, they said they could not help me. The parts department on the other hand is a black hole. I understand a part here or there on backorder, but I am missing a part for pretty much every major component on the car so I have yet to have a real victory of getting something done on the car. Not to mention its officially winter in Maine and this project was strategic in my mental game going into the dark months....
I hear ya. That’s the same reason I wanted to build the car over the winter as well. Buffalo winters are horrible if you enjoy sunlight and warmth this time of year. On the other hand it’s great if your a vampire who can survive 5 feet of snow from a snowstorm.
When I talked to the guy from Cunningham he said it’s been pretty crazy over there. I just hope they have some way of managing who is due backordered parts and in what order. Keep me posted gents.
Mike.Bray
11-25-2025, 09:46 AM
Buffalo winters are horrible
I'm in Texas and had a good friend that grew up in Buffalo. Hated every minute of it. He told me one day he saw an ad for Greyhound, be a bus driver and drive for 5 years and they would relocate you anywhere in the U.S. that you wanted. He picked Texas. Said they loaded up in May and there was still snow on the ground. Got to Texas around Memorial Day and people were swimming, he called it the promise land lol
Blitzboy54
11-25-2025, 10:27 AM
I hear ya. That’s the same reason I wanted to build the car over the winter as well. Buffalo winters are horrible if you enjoy sunlight and warmth this time of year. On the other hand it’s great if your a vampire who can survive 5 feet of snow from a snowstorm.
When I talked to the guy from Cunningham he said it’s been pretty crazy over there. I just hope they have some way of managing who is due backordered parts and in what order. Keep me posted gents.
Yeah, I'm from Buffalo, I get it. Go Bills
Good news, I got a hold of some folks over at FFR and had a very pleasant productive conversation. There are a number of packaged items that they were behind on like spindles and gas tanks that they are looking to get mass shipped in the next week or so. Sounds like they hit a couple unexpected road blocks but seem to be coming out the other side. I am encouraged and in my experience the second you get your parts you forget you were ever mad. :)
JohnnyDeere
11-25-2025, 10:58 AM
Yeah, I'm from Buffalo, I get it. Go Bills
Good news, I got a hold of some folks over at FFR and had a very pleasant productive conversation. There are a number of packaged items that they were behind on like spindles and gas tanks that they are looking to get mass shipped in the next week or so. Sounds like they hit a couple unexpected road blocks but seem to be coming out the other side. I am encouraged and in my experience the second you get your parts you forget you were ever mad. :)
Excellent! Yah I wouldn’t say mad, I would say the kid receiving a game boy but the batteries are out of stock!
Yeah, I'm from Buffalo, I get it. Go Bills
Good news, I got a hold of some folks over at FFR and had a very pleasant productive conversation. There are a number of packaged items that they were behind on like spindles and gas tanks that they are looking to get mass shipped in the next week or so. Sounds like they hit a couple unexpected road blocks but seem to be coming out the other side. I am encouraged and in my experience the second you get your parts you forget you were ever mad. :)
Thanks for the update! Hope so. Go Bills!
Little update. I think I’ve gone as far as I can go. I could possibly start working on bending lines but don’t have any of the brakes or suspension to finish.
Good news is I got the engine and transmission, but can’t install the gas pedal because the mount has been back ordered for a month now.
I’m going with a ford sparco steering wheel and quick disconnect so that’s cool.
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JohnnyDeere
12-09-2025, 05:16 PM
Little update. I think I’ve gone as far as I can go. I could possibly start working on bending lines but don’t have any of the brakes or suspension to finish.
Good news is I got the engine and transmission, but can’t install the gas pedal because the mount has been back ordered for a month now.
I’m going with a ford sparco steering wheel and quick disconnect so that’s cool.
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Yup…..same boat, I got a halfway finished rear end sitting on the floor because I am missing parts and I got nothing left to work on, engine should be here soon but I also have no engine mounts as well, car is just gathering dust. Back order hell
Yup…..same boat, I got a halfway finished rear end sitting on the floor because I am missing parts and I got nothing left to work on, engine should be here soon but I also have no engine mounts as well, car is just gathering dust. Back order hell
I LOLd when I went to install the gas pedal and found out the only thing missing from the coyote install kit was a FFR aluminum mount. Actually hilarious at this point. lol
JohnnyDeere
12-12-2025, 11:35 AM
I LOLd when I went to install the gas pedal and found out the only thing missing from the coyote install kit was a FFR aluminum mount. Actually hilarious at this point. lol
I just got off the phone with FF, no real development with the back order stuff, sounds like they have gotten 300 requests this week and shipping is all backed up. He couldn’t give me an estimate either…..so the waiting game continues.
I just got off the phone with FF, no real development with the back order stuff, sounds like they have gotten 300 requests this week and shipping is all backed up. He couldn’t give me an estimate either…..so the waiting game continues.
This was posted by Dave on their Facebook Page:
I am painfully aware of the number of people waiting on parts deliveries, and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the delays and also let you know what we are doing about it. Despite the difficulties, there is some very good news right on the horizon. I am confident that we will be completely current and back in great shape in the days ahead, and for sure before Christmas.
Almost all of the delays have been caused by a huge change here in Operations that I have been directing personally. 8 weeks ago, I began implementing the last stages of a massive year-long effort to change our company in ways that many experts said could not be done. The focus on Operations began this fall, and involved a huge process change that shifts our production in composites and welding CNC areas from "make-to-order" production planning to a "make-to-stock" driven plan. At the same, time our production manager Brent and his second in command Matt left, and that definitely threw a wrench in the works. The crew is now going in the right direction and picking up speed.
Yesterday, we had an annual review by department, and the accomplishments of the past year are really impressive. The frustrations of shipping and parts orders make it feel like we have not made the progress we have. I'll bring you full details in a few weeks, near end of year. For now, if you are experiencing delays and waiting for parts, rest assured we will be getting them to you shortly. Huge thanks for your patience and understanding.
Thirty years and I can tell you confidently that the best years are still ahead of us for this amazing company.
Dave Smith
President
Great news guys. I got some backordered parts last night still missing quite a few but it’s progress. I can continue on with the build. Parts are coming boys!
JohnnyDeere
12-14-2025, 09:07 AM
Lucky!!, I hope this is a sign of good things to come. I really need to have enough parts to get me through the holiday week......In-laws in town I need to have a reason to be in my shop. ;)
Did they come UPS or FEDEX?
Blitzboy54
12-14-2025, 09:49 AM
Typically everything from FFR is Fedex
rich grsc
12-14-2025, 10:18 AM
Good Luck, fedex delivery in my area sucks. I live 8 miles from their distribution center, been waiting 5 days for a delivery. Everyday I get an email giving me a 4 hr delivery window, (I need to sign for this item) they NEVER show up. Then I got a notice saying I wasn't home to sign, but I most certainly was. No door tag say a delivery was attempted?????:mad:
Lucky!!, I hope this is a sign of good things to come. I really need to have enough parts to get me through the holiday week......In-laws in town I need to have a reason to be in my shop. ;)
Did they come UPS or FEDEX?
Came FedEx. Looks like I can get the rear end in now. Still missing most of the front suspension. Hope you can get something in then. Haha. I would be wishing for the same thing then lol.
Got the rear end in. Was going to work on the control arms but I’m missing a metal sleeve for the mount and the sway bar mounts. So onto the next piece. The coyote gas pedal…. WTF were they drinking when they came up with this mount? lol. I can tell you it absolutely does not fit. No way. I had to grind the pedal down to almost nothing and move the mount holes and shim it to get it to not rub against the steering column. I know others have had the same issue after I ran into this issue but man… that’s a tight fit. Might have to look into making the pedal smaller as well if that’s possible.
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Blitzboy54
12-17-2025, 10:55 AM
This is mine, it barley clears but it clears. I did not shim the plate
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=204122&d=1726274366
A couple things to consider. If you move the pedal plates for the clutch and brake over to the left it creates a little bit more room. The other thing is I found if I don't have the brake pedal more forward of the gas when you stop you occationally grab both the throttle and brake. This is problematic for obvious reasons. While your able to work in there I would take the time to make it all fit. I removed the metal grommets from the pedal itself and this gave me a little more wiggle room as well.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=205124&d=1728512873
Glad I wasnt the only one! Thats great advice on the brake and clutch pedals! ill give that a try. Definitely going to play around with them before i seal everything up.
Enjoying reading over your build Blitz. How much travel does your coyote throttle pedal have? Mine seem like its very minimal.. Im sure its normal just curious how much throttle response the coyote has with such minimal pedal travel.
I was able to make the space I needed in the pedals. Good thing there’s smart people on this forum! Haha
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Working on the fuel system. Got the new pump wired up and installed. Have a question about the mounting collar. It says to tighten until it’s locked in place by the locking tabs. It doesn’t have the same locking tabs as the fuel level sending unit does. Is that an issue? Thanks
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Blitzboy54
12-22-2025, 03:51 PM
I keep going until the second tang is centered on the nub.
rich grsc
12-23-2025, 08:41 AM
It's correct in your third picture. The protrusion in the notch
benblaney
12-23-2025, 01:33 PM
Probably quite a few around. An owner in the Rochester area decided to form an informal club of cobra owners last year about this time. I think the group is up to 11 now and we know of a few others. So that's at least 14 around Rochester.
Pat
How do I join that club, Pat? I'm in the Rochester area, and I just ordered a Mk5...
Blitzboy54
12-23-2025, 01:43 PM
How do I join that club, Pat? I'm in the Rochester area, and I just ordered a Mk5...
Sounds like you just did :)
PMD24
12-23-2025, 03:59 PM
How do I join that club, Pat? I'm in the Rochester area, and I just ordered a Mk5...
Will send you a PM
Can’t wait to be a part of the meet ups as well!
Have a question for anyone that has used the charcoal canister FFR provides with the coyote engine. There’s 2 size inlets for the charcoal canister. It says to use the 1/4 tube but makes no mention of the larger inlet. The vent on the tank is not 1/4 inch. Should I just run a 3/8 tube to the inlet and cap off the 1/4”
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Blitzboy54
12-24-2025, 02:02 PM
Yes, that's what I would do