Will there be a MK-V?

[Phoenix]

I've been working on my first build recently and so far I've come across two simple frame changes that would really make a difference for us builders that I don't think weaken the structure at all nor would they cost Factory Five anything more to do it.

1. Move the 4" cross-member tube connecting the 4" rail tubes together, forward. There is no reason the tube going between the frame rails can't be moved forward. Just two inches would save all of us with supercharger pulleys on the crank from having to notch and strengthen that tube in order for the pulley to fit. The best place for that tube would actually be right between the rear most LCA mounts. This doesn't increase the build cost or time for Factory Five to do, yet saves builders time and money. Moving that tube would also allow builders to change where they want the motor to sit if they wanted to move it forward slightly. This would allow us taller folk to have a deeper footbox. 1" would make a world of difference for comfort when you're over 6' tall and have long legs. Just think, that simple change which wouldn't cost any extra to do could increase the buying market of all the people who'd love to have this car but are too tall to fit in it. I'm borderline at 6' 2" from it being too uncomfortable to fit in.

2. Why exactly does the transmission A-frame need to be so long? If the arms reaching toward the front mounted to the rails 12" further to the rear of the kit from where they currently are they would completely clear the pan of an automatic transmission without us builders needing to modify it (the angle of the arms would change putting it further back and away from the pan), and it'd continue to work for the manual transmissions. This would shorten the length of those arms but slightly increase the area of the steel mounting plate. Cost would be a wash I'd guess for material, and there's no added cost for the welding since none of that really changes.

Better yet, make the mount square and instead of arms reaching forward just have a bar perpendicular between the frame rails. With that 1/8" plate steel you'd just need it welded to one bar long enough to reach between the rails and it'd be quicker, easier, and cheaper to manufacture. Strength would be more than enough to support the transmission still and it would clear all transmissions, manual or automatic.


Hope you guys at Factory Five at least take a glance at these. Maybe put them into a Mk 4.1 build. Nothing too spectacular of a change, but they really would help. Even as it is, thanks for making such a great car. I'm enjoying the build and despite not even being done am already dreaming of changes/mods to do over the next couple winters and bigger changes I'd like to make on a future build if I ever get the opportunity to do it again.