Father & daughter - Type 65 Coupe build team (FL)

Quick hello to the greater FF community, Coupe people, and those in my local Tampa Bay area.

I did my FFR in-person tour last week and now working on my build sheet. Exciting - but lots of new questions.

The big picture plan is to get the kit delivered in the coming months, starting my (pre?) retirement project early this summer 2026 with my daughter, a rising HS senior. She is very keen to work with me on this project as she prepares to apply for mechanical engineering programs entering Fall 2027. She will be using this build as her senior engineering project, so no matter what level of completion we get the build to May 2027, it will no doubt provide her a great experience in preparation college. As I'm not working right now, hopefully we can at least get the Coupe to the go-kart stage.

I may soon reach out to some of Coupe people that have similar builds to what I envision. The big decision is or course the engine, and at this time I am leaning towards a LS 427. Wish me luck on making that decision in a timely manner.

...Simon / Persey

Welcome and good luck!

My son is looking at Mechanical Engineering (probably automotive related) for college and intends to highlight this build process as part of his college application. He's only a Sophomore, so we're in no rush to figure that part of it out.

Looking forward to following along on your build.
Jon

Welcome! As a retired engineer, I applaud your use of this project as a learning tool. I actually did something similar a few years ago while still building my MK4 for a team of young engineers doing system integration on a large satellite ground command and control system. Good luck with your engine selection.

Welcome!
I'm also a mechanical engineer but doing airplane structures. Grew up in St. Pete near Northeast High but went to the CAT program at Lakewood.

-Matt