Rick's Mark V Roadster Build

Well I finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a kit to fulfill a lifelong dream. As a teenager I saw the movie Gumball Rally and fell in love with the Cobra. If you haven't seen it, it's a must watch! I recently retired from the computer software industry and could not wait to pursue building one. I am 6' 4" so I was excited to see the new changes to the Mark V. I took the FFR build class at Mott Community college to make sure I was up to the task and to make sure I would fit. Zero to doing donuts in 3 days! It was quite the experience and gave me the confidence that I would be able to do it. I was able to build a garage with a lift and now I'm just waiting for shipment. It is scheduled to arrive 5/30!

I purchased the full kit and the Blueprint 347 EFI + PS and AC. I live in Florida and will absolutely need the AC! :)

Garage is ready:
Attachment 214227

Body buck with storage tray is ready:
Attachment 214228

Now all I need is the kit and the engine! I'll be done in no time! :)

Rick

I’ve been watching a bunch of build videos. Is there a must see?

Welcome to the madness Rick! Looking forward to watching your build.

Henry

Rick, welcome to the group-all of us pursuing a dream. Glad you enjoyed build school-I did too. I found the FFR videos useful as a refresher before each major step of the build. To get ready for each step it’s also helpful to read that section of the build manual then Google search something like ‘Factory Five IRS Install’ and read what other builders have posted about that step.

While you wait for your delivery, when you can I suggest you share with us your build plan/design so far. We know the engine is a 347 EFI w/ PS, AC. What transmission (ratios), IRS or solid, rear axle ratio, other major kit items, front and rear brakes, wheels, tires, what are you doing different, etc. When you ask questions and/or for help, other builders will refer to this for context.

I look forward to watching your build. Good Luck-Vroom-A 347 in these cars is exhilarating!

OK here goes... I plan to keep it pretty close to the kit with some comforts like charging plugs, cup holders, cubby in the rear, etc...

It will mostly be used on the street with some occasional track days. I have been participating in HPDE for many years. I started with street cars, mostly 911's and currently have a retired e46 M3 race car that I use. Have to add my favorite picture from Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

Attachment 214241


Complete Kit order
Hyd clutch
SS exhaust
IRS
Standard brakes front, IRS 13" rear
wiper kit
A/C
PS parts
sway bars
brake booster
17" wheels with Nitto NT05

Blueprint 347 EFI + AC + PS, Tremec TK0600, Oil/Coolant,etc

Aftermarket:
18.5 low back Kirkey seats
Driveshaft loop
Breeze radiator shroud
LizardSkin sound/heat coating
Raptor bedliner

Things I am considering:

1. Forte mechanical throttle linkage kit: Is it worth it?
2. I need to figure out if BP engine come with header locking bolts? Not sure what size I need to get if I need to add them.
3. Changing gas pedal to match - Breeze
4. Boltless roll bar from Speedworks. Anyone use this?
5. Extending the Driver footbox, I am 6'4" and all legs. There is a kit from Snakebite Motors. I am going to try to do it myself. I bought a Metal Brake from Harbor Freight.
6. Heat shield for side exhaust. Not sure if it's necessary?
7. Offset steering rack bushing from Breeze. At the build school they noticed too much change in toe during suspension travel(Bump steer). I figured I'll check if I need it. Bump steer is scary on the track... :)

I think that's it so far.

Rick, cool and a good start.
#2-If you ordered 302/SBF headers from FFR they ship header bolts (header to cylinder head) with your kit. Many guys change these, some for studs and some use a brass nut which hold but won’t seize.
#3-The Breeze gas pedal is nice.
Other-Where does the battery mount in a MKV? In a MKIV it goes under the trunk and some of use move it to the engine compartment with a kit from Breeze.

The battery goes up front under the radiator.Attachment 214243Attachment 214242

#7- Was your build school experience with the Mk5? I think they only recently started doing that. The offset bushings allow you to exactly center the steering rack. Although on two Mk4 builds I didn't find them necessary. Time will tell about the Mk5. They weren't required on my Gen3 Coupe build which has a similar chassis design as the Mk5 Roadster.

Welcome!

I attended the build school for similar reasons and am now in the midst of my build. I quickly learned the three most important things are:

1, Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build
2. Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build
3. Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build

I understand that you are doing an MK5 and there may not be many threads on that, but I'm hearing that much of the MK4 info in the forum is still applicable.

For searching the forum use google. Type in thefactoryfiveforum, a space, and then your topic. Works far better than the forum's internal search function.

You're going to love the build process!

Pat

It looks like you are well situated to start your build. Enjoy!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edwardb

#7- Was your build school experience with the Mk5? I think they only recently started doing that. The offset bushings allow you to exactly center the steering rack. Although on two Mk4 builds I didn't find them necessary. Time will tell about the Mk5. They weren't required on my Gen3 Coupe build which has a similar chassis design as the Mk5 Roadster.

---

Yes it was with the MK5. The instructor noticed it was off and said it was a candidate for the bushing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PMD24

Welcome!

I attended the build school for similar reasons and am now in the midst of my build. I quickly learned the three most important things are:

1, Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build
2. Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build
3. Read in the forum before you tackle any part of the build

I understand that you are doing an MK5 and there may not be many threads on that, but I'm hearing that much of the MK4 info in the forum is still applicable.

For searching the forum use google. Type in thefactoryfiveforum, a space, and then your topic. Works far better than the forum's internal search function.

You're going to love the build process!

Pat

---

Thanks. Will do!

I have my Mark 5 kit here. My transmission, clutch, etc from Mike Forte is here. The engine should be arriving soon. I am finishing my shop and will be starting soon. Today I installed the HVAC system in the shop.Attachment 214282Attachment 214283

Nice.

Doing some reading ahead of delivery. I see a lot of builders have opted for a mechanical throttle linkage instead of the stock cable. I see Forte sells one. Are there others? Will it work on the Mark V?

TKO600 or TKX?

Tko600 with steel bell housing from BP Engines.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

Doing some reading ahead of delivery. I see a lot of builders have opted for a mechanical throttle linkage instead of the stock cable. I see Forte sells one. Are there others? Will it work on the Mark V?

---

I have a cable for the throttle but with stacks a mechanical linkage is a lot more complicated. Having said that, I'm very happy with how the throttle actuates with the cable. However, I did upgrade to a Lokar throttle cable. Not cheap but top of the line quality.

Which Lokar? Do you have a link?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

Tko600 with steel bell housing from BP Engines.

---

Interesting. I thought the TKO600 was replaced by the TKX 5-ish years ago.

I’ll ask them.

The price sheet says TKX, but the description says TKO. Hmmm..

1 0 EACH BPPTKX600SB INSTALLED TRANSMISSION, TREMEC TKO600 MANUAL - STEEL BELL

Rickster, Like Mike I used a Lokar cable. It integrated well with the Breeze pedal. Here’s the one I boughtAttachment 214320

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BUDFIVE

Rickster, Like Mike I used a Lokar cable. It integrated well with the Breeze pedal. Here’s the one I boughtAttachment 214320

---

Thanks. Now I have to decide if I should go with mechanical. I guess I can decide in the go-kart phase.

If you go with the Lokar cable let me know. I have a spare still in the package from my first build. I ended up with 2. Same one as Budfive listed. You can have it for the cost of shipping.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Blitzboy54

If you go with the Lokar cable let me know. I have a spare still in the package from my first build. I ended up with 2. Same one as Budfive listed. You can have it for the cost of shipping.

---

Thanks I’ll message you!

1. Forte mechanical throttle linkage kit: Is it worth it? I have it and love it. Gives you a very nice throttle feel. Much easier to install with the footbox unsealed. I used roll pins instead of set screws. Consider leaving a portion of the roll pin inside the footbox partially out to make removal down the road much easier if necessary
2. I need to figure out if BP engine come with header locking bolts? Not sure what size I need to get if I need to add them.
3. Changing gas pedal to match - Breeze
4. Boltless roll bar from Speedworks. Anyone use this? This is a very slick option. I think it's a much cleaner look than the bolt. Others have used stainless button head bolts and even tapped the vertical portion of the roll bar to better hide it, but I have the boltless kit and like it
5. Extending the Driver footbox, I am 6'4" and all legs. There is a kit from Snakebite Motors. I am going to try to do it myself. I bought a Metal Brake from Harbor Freight.
6. Heat shield for side exhaust. Not sure if it's necessary? "Necessary". That's up for debate, but if you plan on having kids/spouse/friends ride with you I think it's a nice option to have. I have the polished stainless ones from Drummer Mike that they look awesome. he's not a vendor on this forum but you can find his contact pretty easily w/ a quick search or I could DM you his info
7. Offset steering rack bushing from Breeze. At the build school they noticed too much change in toe during suspension travel(Bump steer). I figured I'll check if I need it. Bump steer is scary on the track...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by egchewy79

6. Heat shield for side exhaust. Not sure if it's necessary? That's up for debate, but if you plan on having kids/spouse/friends ride with you I think it's a nice option to have. I have the polished stainless ones from Drummer Mike that they look awesome. he's not a vendor on this forum but you can find his contact pretty easily w/ a quick search or I could DM you his info.

---

That would be great. I was looking at the ones from finish line.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

Which Lokar? Do you have a link?

---

Pretty sure it's this one. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/lok-tc-1000u

I would have to confirm the length is all.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

The price sheet says TKX, but the description says TKO. Hmmm..

1 0 EACH BPPTKX600SB INSTALLED TRANSMISSION, TREMEC TKO600 MANUAL - STEEL BELL

---

Good luck on your build! I'm sure you'll be getting a TKX and a typo as they don't manufacturer the TKO any longer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

Which Lokar? Do you have a link?

---

I have a cable for the throttle but with stacks a mechanical linkage is a lot more complicated. Having said that, I'm very happy with how the throttle actuates with the cable. However, I did upgrade to a Lokar throttle cable. Not cheap but top of the line quality.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cv2065

...I'm sure you'll be getting a TKX and a typo as they don't manufacturer the TKO any longer.

---

Correct, unless BP is purging old stock.

Jeff

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

That would be great. I was looking at the ones from finish line.

---

and FYI, "fini$hline" is a sore topic on this forum. Just do a quick search. The term is actually censored on the forums.
Using them as a vendor is like playing russian roulette.
You might get items the following week, or you could be sitting for months without any product or explanation/correspondence from the company. Many have had to dispute the purchases w/ their credit card companies to get their money back.
Proceed w/ caution. I've ordered a couple of parts from them with no issues, but that's just my personal experience.

Ah I was wondering why it did that. I ordered a few parts as well and they arrived as described and quickly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cv2065

Good luck on your build! I'm sure you'll be getting a TKX and a typo as they don't manufacturer the TKO any longer.

---

I spoke with them today. It is a TKX. Phew!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

I spoke with them today. It is a TKX. Phew!

---

Good to hear! What part of Florida? I’m in Winter Garden (West Orlando)

I’m in South Florida, but the build is happening mostly in Western North Carolina.

I’m using this fluid for my BMW, I assume it’s ok for the Cobra?

Attachment 214421

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rickster991

I’m using this fluid for my BMW, I assume it’s ok for the Cobra?

Attachment 214421

---

Yes, just don't use DOT5.

Jeff