csmith's Build Thread - Street Legal and POM

[csmith]

Hey everyone,

Updates

• Kit delivered
• Build update 1 - Steering rack installed, front suspension started
• Build update 2 - IRS Started
• Build update 3 - Suspension completed, front brakes installed, and more
• Build update 4 - Brakes done, onto aluminum panels
• Build update 5 - Coyote installed, fuel and brake lines done, bleeding brakes
• Build update 6 - Go Kart
• Build update 7 - Street legal and POM

After several years of admiring Factory Five builds, and the past few trying to rationalize pulling the trigger, I've done so today and ordered a kit. I don't have production dates yet, but I've been emailing Factory Five back and forth and I'm expecting receiving delivery in time for Christmas this year, all things considered. With that said, I have plenty of time to change things around as I see fit, so, that's a nice positive. I figured I'd go into a bit of depth here, and I fully welcome feedback (both positive and negative).

Why now?
I'm fortunate enough to have a flexible job that allows me to work remotely. I'm taking this advantage to move ~1,500 miles closer to family. In addition to having significantly more access to people more knowledgeable than myself. I'm no longer concerned about lack of experience. Additionally, this will be a father/son build. Its been a bucket list item for my dad to build a kit car, and I'm able to give him that chance. On top of all of this, I now have significantly more means to afford this project. The cost of living is going way down, and I'm able to capitalize on this. I could probably invest the money instead, retire a year or so early, and build the car by myself, but that'd defeat the point.

What do I plan on doing with it?

• building it
• SCCA, monthly-ish events
• local car show once a year-ish
• drive it any other chance of course

The factory five order:

• Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe, complete kit
• Powder coated chassis
• Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
• ~Kirkey high back seats~ going with something else
• Power steering kit
• IRS
• A/C - Heater-Defroster
• Wipers
• Carpet
• Sound insulation
• Double adjustable shocks
• 13" IRS Brakes
• IRS Center section, spindles, and hubs
• Removed gauges
• Removed headers
• Removed side mirrors
• Removed side pipes

Engine & Transmission:

• Coyote + TKX through Factory Five

Elsewhere:

• Digital dash
• Keyless entry, push start system (e.g. Digital Guard Dawg PBS-II), unordered
• Gas'N headers, and pipes
• BRE Daytona Coupe Mirror kit
• Russ Thompson turn signal
• nrg quick release (SRK-400)
• wheels and tires, Enkei RPF1 SBC

Largest concern?
Definitely safety. High back seats are a must, and a helmet will be used in all cases its practical to do so. I like my head, and I'd like to keep it on my neck. Beyond that, and the mirrors with larger field of vision, I'm considering figuring out how to add blind spot monitoring or something similar. If people have any additional ideas that'd be awesome.

Thanks,
csmith