Hi Dave, I'll post the questions now.

How’s the aluminum body option coming? When can customers order it?

Do you have any plans for offering public stock to help grow the company?

Any plans for a referral program or a bonus program for people who take the time to create helpful build sites? Maybe not cash; but discounts or credit for parts?

Any plans for a new manual with more pictures and updated instructions?

What’s the status of the FFR 250? When can a customer order one?

What about the 289 FIA once and for all? Are you going to offer it and if no, why not?

Does FFR plan on offering side and front emblems? What about VIN tags?

During the last discussion you said FFR would offer a Mark II upgrade package. Is that available and how much is it?

Any plans for a better hood hinge kit?

Does FFR plan on updating the one donor idea for the 97+ Mustangs?

Will FFR ever address the seems on the body?

Any ideas on how we can get our cars insured? Many customers are having major problems getting insurance.

What about moving the frame to accept a power brake booster?

What about moving the frame to accept 315 tires?

------

That;s all of the questions.

Let me just start with a simple disclaimer: I was invited to speak here and need to make it clear that Factory Five Racing, Inc. is not connected to this site. The word Cobra is a trademark of Ford Motor Company (currently) and Factory Five Racing is not connected to Ford Motor Company or to Shelby Licensing Inc.

I'll try to answer the questions in order. Regarding the Aluminum body:

The aluminum body project is both encouraging and frustrating. The first body was delivered and mounted. Some of you guys saw it at Carlisle in May. We made templates and tooling to modify our aluminum and steel slightly to adapt the body. We are now in the process of testing our mounting methodology to make sure that the things don't crack and that they hold up. The bodies are made in Poland and there are some serious delivery time issues. Where we are now is that we need to go to pilot production. 2-4 bodies will be put through our chassis assembly area and sent to guinea pigs.. I mean test customers. I still haven't spoken to the suppliers about these bodies since we are only now happy with the tools and templates. I think we'll be able to sell them this Fall. The frustrating thins have been the prices have varied and the contract is not signed (meaning it could fall apart). My best guess is that we'll sell these to people who know metal work. later you guys ask about bodies and all I can say about the aluminum is that it is 10 times more difficult to get right than fiberglass. Oh but it is cool. Price still estimated at 5-8K as kit option.

Going Public? We started this company so we could go on the every other day shaving plan. If you visit here you'll notice that dress code and behaviour is linked to creativity and comfort more than business etiquette. I would hate to lose that element. Selling the company would probably change it in some good ways also. Mark's and my approach has been to do all the things that would be valued if we ever were to indeed take that IPO path. Those THREE things are a solid management team, diversified products, and plus 25% growth with margins that don't shrink as top line sales grow. We have done all those things and at this time I think we'd like to build race cars and to hell with Wall Street. 40 million dollars could change my mind, but I doubt it. I have everything I ever wanted and I think Mark would say the same thing. Hell Mark was most happy six years ago when all this was a puzzle to be figured out.. No going public, not now, not in the foreseable future.

One more thing on going public. I think the money is bad. I mean, I've visited Panoz (where money is no object) and toured other small to large manufacturers and development houses. I think a small amount of money helps but I have never seen as talented a design and R&D team as we have. I think that comes from a culture of having to work on real tight budgets with the same or similar constraints as we all have in our personal lives. I think there is a chance that a flush of money would really spur new product development and operations, however there is an equal risk most don't consider that it could harm the very best of our creative culture and core competencies.

Referral or bonuses to customer? I've gone back and forth on this. Truth is we set up the company to work with margins that PREVENTED sales people. My fear is that customers (who are already accused of being brown shirts) could be motivated to get a check. I'd rather put money into a national owners group or club where the benefits are to events and fellowship. I'm not ruling it out mind you, but it's hard to concieve of a system that would work and not corrupt the honest-unfiltered feedback customers give each other. We at FFR can't ever really thank people. More later with more thought.

New Manual? I read a bunch of garbage about our manual on another site. It has been revised by Jesper and is at the printers right now. I don't think it will be as extensive as you guys want. Truth is we have had it on a low priority and it does need a face lift. More photos, more current info. It's important to note that if the manual is so bad that you don't think you can build the car, it might be a good idea to take the three day Mott College Build School. I don't think enough people realize they actually get to build the car themselves in three days. Practice on their car so yours is perfect.

Status of the 250. Ever since the Shelby suit (rights to a 30 year old design that has been replicated 1000 times..) We have taken a tack that replicas are not the future of our company. The problem with the 250 is that folks want an exact replica of a ferrari 250 California Spyder. We won't do that. We have developed a car that is inspired by that one but it really is not what we were going to do years ago when we bought the contemporary tooling. The 250 is our own car and I think it's going to get bumped by the GT-V8. You guys made a huge difference in getting the GT-V8 re-designed. It really is beautiful now and the underpinnings are pure performance. we'll post photos of the current design 250 body for you guys to give us feedback on. At this point I'm not abandoning the project (we've put some serious money into it up to now) I think though that the GT-V12 model (jag V-12 and cool new hood on the GT-V8) will be better received and occupy the same niche.

hello

Faster Dave Faster! Just Kidding

Are we going to make a small block competition model? We have to call it a 64 roadster CE (for champions edition). There is no definitive answer to whether or not we'll make this car. Sorry but here is the status. The contemporary body was mated to an FFR chassis by a customer. The steel and aluminum changes are documented and I have really a rolling chassis version completed here at the factory. What is stopping us? I think I'll have to post the schedule of R&D projects so you guys know the timing of projects an which ones get out the gate. We should have been in production by now. The biggest fear though is that from a business standpoint, why doesn't Chevrolet offer another convertibel two seater sports car? Problem is that if we build 100 65 Roadsters a year and then launch a small block competition model, the next year we might sell 80 of one typr and 20 of the other. The CE version is continually knockedback to the end of the list by GTM, GT-V8, hood hinge, donut guy... If you need an answer it is no, not at this time. I would wrong though to say that we are not working on it with the intentions of launching it. Sorry for now Bill.

typos are a function of speed I'm really a smart guy... really..

Emblems and VIN tags...

Emblems were designed and are at the quoting stage. It's all Jesper's fault... Can't and won't do VIN tags since we are a parts company and we don't build cars at all..

Here's some real meat. Before today I sat down with the guys and they are comming up with a discount schedule for guys wanting the upgraded Mark II stuff. I will have this on our website by next week. Dave Riha is writing it. Not all the things are interchangeble but he has the list. We are currently swapping out seats and we'll do that for anyone, if they're used, it'll be tougher. Upper A-arms, Door Hinges, footbox tubes, rear end brackets, etc. I'll try not to let you guys down. the door hinges need instructions, the parts will be well thought out. Honestly until the meeting we just had I hadn't worked on it and you guys have been left inventing it on your own. Sorry for the grief. End of next week on our site we'll have the catalog etc.. Available ONLY to past FFR owners with older Mark I cars.

Hood hinge is being engineered by John Clark (new grad ME). The design is almost identical to Riha's hood hinge prototype. The design criteria were to be interchangealble with older hinges. Same applies asd Mark II discounts, we'll give anyone who has an older hood hinge a cost plus deal on the new parts. Time is down to weeks not months. As soon as we have it we'll announce on the forums/website.

Later model Mustang stuff. We bought a crashed 1997 4.6 DOC car and it is high on the priority list in R&D. As the time goes by it has become more and more important. Right now R&D projects are prioritized as follows... GT-V8 pilot production, GTM prototyping, 65 roadster issues (minor non-rev issues like hood hinge) I don't want to come back to the roadster for a year or two, the Mark II is so good.

I think the later model 4.6 stuff is easy and not a major rev to the roadster, more like a big block/IRS kit additional option was (just we won't make Diorio the test mule).

Factory Five Racing will produce the best fiberglass body on the planet earth. I have lost more sleep over this issue than any other. There are real world limitations and the fact that my own body shop has taken the worst of our bodies and done a fine job at $2500... well that has really made me less sensitive to the issue. Seams will be a thing of the past. i can't say what that will do to costs but if you know FFR and our history then you know that we have a habit of solving problems. I think you guys will be pleased with what we are working on... Not ready to announce anything untill it's done and in production. I can tell you that we have recently taken two molds off line, reduced our production to ensure only good parts ship and committed over $75K to the issue.

Insurance I will have to leave in the capable hands of you customers. I think if there develops a serious issue, it is not incurable. It may be a matter of perception. Think about the number of 32 ford kit cars (OK hot rods, but they are in fact chassis/body kits). all of our hopes lie with SEMA and by adding these types of cars to their list the lobby in Washington will help replicas join the hot rod fold that is over 100,000 strong. Also maybe a customer based movement that rewards companies that carry these policies with more business. I can't get into the fray but am interested in the outcome.

Not going to change the frame for the power booster. I'll ask my guys to post a section on brake tips. This is a complicated question IF you're not happy witht the stockers. Keep in mind Bondurant is running Spec racer's with stock brakes 2-4 sec's per lap faster than Z-06 corvettes. I think it's pedal pressure and feedback that I want improved, not necessarily actual braking numbers. More on this..

Moving the frame to get 315's under there... maybe in the Mark II version of 2005... Might I suggest a Coupe... The GTM might beat the roadster with this. Thanks for the patience guys... Now lets get ready to rumble.. Huge thanks to Bill and crew for setting this up.

Thanks Dave for taking FFCobra.com up on our offer to chat with us, now let's open the chat room up for questions.... who wants to go first? The chat is scheduled to go until 4:00 PM eastern

Well if that's it then we'll wrap it up...

thanks everyone for waiting... now ask away before he runs off!

Hi Dave, thanks for coming. I, for one wanting an FFR but not having the cash right now, think it's a great idea to GIVE AWAY FFR4000 as a promotion. Has this been considered before?

I think this work alot better than the last time.... easier to watch, read, and have dave answer our listed questions.... Great job!

Why not move the frame tube a bit for those that just have to put a power booster on the cars? Seems like an easy mod to me. Your explanation seems to cater only to racers

Is this microphone working?... Test Test.. Free kit to the first guy... no just kidding..

also, drive shaft hoop? seems easy enough as an option, why not?

i posted, i want my free kit

hahahaha

For those of us with Mark I kits that are not yet complete, do you have any good tips for aligning the doors? My passenger side is off at the upper trailing edge by 1/2" and I don't see a way to adjust the problem out?

Why the GT-V8 as the priority? Is there really a bigger demand for the GT-V8 compared to the GTM or GT-250.

Oops I spoke too soon. I really don't like the brake booster. We tried the Buick CN unit and had three failures (one happened as the car and Driver eval was ending?!!!). I'll ask jesper to look at it again.

any way to make a pedal box?

I just want to thank you for creating a realistic way for people like me to own a dream!

Hey Dave

I think the supply is getting short

You offer the a wiring kit for carbureted Roadsters have you considered offering it as an option for the EFI crowed?

Giveaway kits, we've done four in the last year and a half. Most of the time I can talk my bro into charity stuff, you know Jenny and all. We'll try to do a promo for kit 4000. Drive shaft saftey hoop wasn't on this list. good idea though, Jesper is going to love you.

Supply isn't getting shorter, the donors are costing more.

Dave - I lony posted 14 questions, but the guys had many, many more...

what happened to the shipping staff?

I just read a post from Mort on the forum that reads "So i look on FFR' site and see that the coupe is listed at $14,990. It used to be at $19k, why the cost reduction? is that correct? did they take the irs out? I got an offer a while back to get one at this cost but it was solid axle and supposed to be a limited offer. So this is a new price?? i may have to jump in..." What can you tell us?

crowd : )

james, on the doors I think the best is to replace the parts if they're that far out. Call Joe F. and tell him to get you the new doors. Jesper has just made me sign a PO for a new EFI harness kit. The problem up to now has been the EFI stuff was on the Mustang but now more and more people are using new parts only.,

weedoggy had posted this for our list, but I left it off the first questions. Would you like to tackle this? If not in place now, would you like to start a "quality control" check on your customers requests?

how can you justify production errors that allowed 1/2 inch gaps and 1/2 inch variations in flanges of 2 aluminium panels? dave rhia handled it quite well, but I don't think that is normal

The shipping guys are still there. I just gutted R&D for the last month and had them working in Ops to audit, change and give the place an enema. I want same day shipping and no B/O's.. The guys have done great work. I think the pressure got to Marco. Good guy, he took a construction job for the summer... Let me talk about the coupe here real quick...

Russ asked this question: "When B/O parts are sent, could a copy of the parts list that ffr is working off of be sent so the customer knows WHAT b/oed parts he's getting. The info on the lable isn't enough. I got a couple of parts I STILL don't have a clue as to what they are. Have not seen them in the manual either."

no complaints about that wish for no backorders

I hope ffr doesnt start offering too many options on their kits. Organization tends to get out of control. I know this is not a question but I hope ffr realizes it.

the shipping is better also, my second sidepipe actually had lots of shipping materials(compared to none in the first box) and some of my parts have taken one day totaly to get from factory to connecticut

side protection bars. any way something can be added under the doors?

Let me answer the insurance issue. I was contacted by a guy who is willing to insurse roadsters. His company contact if has been added to the Vendor page: http://www.ffcobra.com/vendors.html

i mean by the factory, not after customers recieve the kit

Weren't you going to say "Free kit to the first guy who suggests giving kit 4000 away"? Sign me up! About what time is kit 4000 expected out?

I can't justify anything that went wrong. Every day I walk in here and say to myself that we are crazy for trying to do this. If it went wrong we'll fix it. The worst times we've had were about a year to two years ago. We were fighting for our lives with Shelby, We were building a new facility and I had personal issues that kept me at home during the worst times when the company needed me and struggling with a seven month lead time for kits because we were so small and understaffed, we survided a growth period and huge staff changes in skill and expoerience. Aaron, I can tell you that I can't justify it. QC question? I'm open to everything but as of today we have NEVER shipped product better, faster and more accurate. I sleep well when I know we're doing our best for our customers and we are doing something better every day. Sorry for the length

cmon people, start asking questions!

thanks

i just thjought that it was something that they should hav noticed when they placed the aluminium on the frame

You stated that you will not be revisiting the roadster for a year or two with regards to using a late model donor - the 87-93's appear to be getting harder and harder to find. Does this mean we are stuck with using those donors for the next 2-3 years?

Suggestion on copies of forms with parts received. Greta idea. Now do you still want me to go over the coupe?

yes, coupe info pleeease!

Hi Dave. Will FFR do an finished turn-key minus (roller) similar to Superformance or a Deluxe Pallet Kit similar to Unique? Thanks!

I would like you to go over the coupe.

another suggestion for jesper: the battery placement is iffy in my opinion. the idea of squishing the battery, even a little bit has me a bit scared. some have added cages in the stock battery location and cut the trunk floor out to allow for access. this saves space and makes the battery easy to get to, is this a possibility?

Bill types faster than I do. I want to know about the coupe.

No way, the late model stuff is happening faster. I see that as an option like big block or IRS, no delay on that. I'm a moonkey if it takes till X-mas. Hooo Hooo Heee Heee

Some one asked about the change in price of the coupe.

Where's the "Bow Tie" kit? A Cheeta would be nice and it is both a roadster and coupe.

No way TK minus, that's a build job. We make kits and parts and we'll fail the minute we start down the service path... It's not what we do.

Bow Tie Kit? Suggest: Lola T70 Mark 3 !

FRONT TUBULAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS!! Why so expensive, aftermarket mustang arms are $100 - $200 cheaper. Thanks for answering Dave!!

Dave, When is the T-65 roadster going to be available?

One more; will FFR ever offer a complete donor parts package with new parts (either directly or through a supplier) as an option to address the growing scarcity of good donor vehicles? Thanks!

I need to talk about the coupe here. The price wasn't changed, we just changed the kit to be able to use Mustang donor parts and deleted the high end options like the IRS, Aluminum fuel cell etc. If you buy the coupe and add the options it comes out to the same price (give or take 200 bucks). The point is that it brings the car into reach of many more people and it is a great car.

Hi Dave, Where do you see FFR in 5-10 years?

T-65 roadster? Is that somethig new?

YOUR new promotion video IS GREAT, made me want to go out and build another one.

GT-V8's will ship august. The front lower arms are expensive so we can make money since the margins in the kit are fairly narrow. Maybe too high though. We'll look at the price again. No on the donor parts package. If we ever do parts packages they will be new parts from Ford or Chevrolet. Now let me blow your BOW TIE minds. There is a HUGE raging debate about taking a chainsaw and ruining $200K worth of work on the GTM. Stretching it from 98 inch wheelbase and going to 108" to fit C-5 corvette engine and transxle (that should help you forget about the cheetah).. Right now we have no path decided but a C-5 donor car can be had for 10-12 grand...

Why the GT-V8 as the priority? Is there really a bigger demand for the GT-V8 compared to the GTM or GT-250.

That's the coupe without a roof.

That's the coupe without a roof.

agh, 10-12 grand? are you nuts? that blows the 30 grand finished price out of the water. what was wrong with an audi transaxle and SBF?

C5 chassis... go for it! That would be a great car on that chassis!

How difficult would it be to have a C4 or C5 donor option? C4 donors would cost a lot less.

is the corvette mid engine. What I am getting at, can the vetter "donor" stuff be rear engine?

C4's don't have a trans axle, C5's do.

Sounds like it would be front engine?

Good point Gordon. I wasn't thinking clearly.

Dave - you said you were going to have a few aluminum bodies for customers to test. When would that be and how do you get on the list?

I agree on a 10K donor. If I needed 10K for the donor I would not be a customer

Using a C5 drivetrain would make alot of the compatibality issues go away. I always like the idea of using 1 brand for engine/drivetrain parts.

I was watching the Spec Racer section at home the first time (Coleman sent me the rough) and I was hooting and yelling, woke up the kids... My wife came down and asked what I was watching... I loved making that video. Where do i see FFR in five years? I see me and my brother being better friends (this company has been hard on us as brothers). He was the best man in my wedding and we've had some tough times growing the place. I'd like to see us grow of course. I'd like to see the fun and passion creep back and overpower the business work. Not that we've lost the passion or fun, it's just that the day-to-day can take it's toll. I see us leaving the kit car industry behind and entering the small volume world of Panoz and companies like that, although we will never build cars, but rather engineer products that deliver value to the at-home customer who has skills but not unlimited funds. I see the company doing more of what it has done in the past. If I draw a line on the chart of FFR it scares me to death thinking of the weight of that responsibility... I hope I get to race more and I hope our products bring people together and we make a difference.

okay, what exactly is a transaxle so that i understand?

Dave, with all the new products on the drawing board, please keep an "original concept" car in the line up. Guys like me love to build cars for twelve dollars .

I had another question about the 65 coupe. Are the new body molds being used for this body also? I know there seem to be alot more fit and finish issues with this body than the roadster.

transmission and axle in one unit.

The C-5 stuff is being made in good volumes. There is nothing wrong with the current audi/ford V-8 path on the GTM, I want you guys to speak up though becasue these decisions have a profound impact on us. I don't think the GT-V8 will be as big as the GTM, howver it is so far along in development (I've driven the car and tooling is done!) well sometimes you do things in a different order than importance due to complexity and the fact that our bottom line will be hit sooner on platform A vs B.

That was one of the big delays. The coupe AND the GT-V8 had new molds built. The coupe had both front and rear made new, the GT-V8 had a new front and a new rear design AND mold. I've had a belly full of molding issues and I think you can count on me to have that right.

the c5 concept is good. But if the car is already mocked up for the Audi/Ford combo I don't think it would be cost effective to change it at this point in the game. if you were still at a pen and pencil stage you could make a better case for it.

can you tell us a bit more about the molds...Will the new bodys have no seams???

Are you going to make FFR VIN tags available?

I'm afraid to send this.. I think it's waiting for me to post.

answered that... NO

Glad to hear about the body issues being addressed. I am also glad that the options for the coupe are not being forced. I think alot of people will be more intrested in the coupe now.

what are you afraid to send?

The bodies we are shipping today have no seams. The new bodies from the new molds that are being built right now will have no seams and no parallel in the civilized world. I didn't want to go to deep into the new molds cause they're not on line and I don't have costing done. Maybe $500 upgrade. You can do the math like me, $75K molds and tooling changes, $200-$300 layup change in cost... Please know that there are still Parting lines, what I'm saying is that there are no fiberglass seams (joints) The body is a uniform layer underneath.

Thanks Dave!

Thank YOU dave!

What is the possibility of making quick jacks functional from factory, even if it was an option?

oh by the way BILL you have mail LOL

Sweet! It would be great if we could see some pics on the site.

Cool! So how about the aluminum body tesers? How do you get on the list?

Why doesnt FFR go after the GT40 crowd with a replica GT40?

I heard that a one piece steering shaft is now standard with the FFR Roadster. Is it a telescoping items that is safet for a crash?

With the fiberglass being one layer has it made the body stiffer?

John, That is the raging debate on the GTM.. We're so far along, frame design done, body mold done, suspension done, ready to build and test prototypes (prototype construction has even started). Just kidding, I was afraid that the delay would unleash 300 questions and I really shouldn't have polished off that 32 oz coke.

Any ideas about the GTM's interior?

The bodies we are shipping today have no seams.....WOW, WOW, WOW!! What about pinholes??

can older kit owners get the steering shafts at a discount price? And, you want any old untouched bodies back in exchange plus cash for a new one, hahaha, just kidding

That's the problem with building any car from the ground up. When I built race cars it was always the better idea after the fact that cost the most money. The GTM is looking good I would love to see the frame and layout of the understructure.

I bought a GTD GT-40 and looked carefully at that car. The design is not good. Outboard fuel cells with little frame, pedals in the middle of the car, can't see very well, radiator heat... especially after Shelby we figured we'd not do a replica. Don't get me wrong, i love the GT-40 that I bought for $65K, I just don't think it is a viable product for us. All steering shafts are included in kit today. No more cutting and welding the shaft sections, the longer flaming river unit is standard in the kit. It is collapsible still and safer cause someone can't weld it wrong. Wait on the aluminum body. I still have work to do so I don't want to take names yet.

Gee bill all that work compiling LOL and now NEW bodies.. NO seams! Hee Hee

Thanks Dave.

I always wanted to build my own supercar like the Saleen S7 etc.. I think with the right suspension and drivetrain this will be a real contender.

are there any additional changes/upgrades to the kit that we should know about? How soon will the web site reflect those changes?

can older owners get the steering shafts?

I'll include the steering shafts in the Mark II discounts for older (not geriatric) FFR guys. Pinholes are still an option... The quick jacks will probably never be weight bearing. it is easy to jack the car up by the fram if you take the pad off most floor jacks. The rear QJ's can probably do the job but they'll sooner bend and they weren't designed to do that. We could post frame stuff on the GTM. It looks INSANE with an 8" backbone... Aaron, if you want to drag your body back here I'll swap it out. We'll have to come up with a plan...

When are you anticipating a price increase for the Roadster kit? 1-3 months, 3-6, 6-12?

really!?

wow!

I will call you to get some details

Does FFR have a complete list of new parts needed to complete abuild? We've tried to get that topic started a few times on FFCobra without success. I think having this list in the FFCobra FFR FAQ would be a huge help to others.

There are no changes for the roadster other than the hood hinge. I have a whole list of things I want to do but it's always better to bundle changes in revisions and we just finished with the Mark II. We need to get the GT-V8 and the GTM out to the field. Remember you can't buy a GTM if you're not washed in the blood of FFR.

Does FFR have a complete list of new parts needed to complete abuild? We've tried to get that topic started a few times on FFCobra without success. I think having this list in the FFCobra FFR FAQ would be a huge help to others.

Washed in the blood, that's a good way to put it!!

Only part about the GTM I don't like. I have to build a coupe or roadster before the GTM.

We now have 100 people online! That's about double what we had an hour ago.

good question... about forseable roadster price increase???

If FFR doesn't have a complete Ford parts list, maybe you guys could give someone a kit to build so long as they buy ALL NEW FMoC parst and keep the list. Then, give that list to another customer and see if it's right.

It must be lunch time or something

John, its part of running the gauntlet

It must be lunch time or something

I just sent the newsletter to the rinters (we wrote 20 pages!). In it there is mention of something that affects prices (Down or Up?!!). I'll let the mailing happen and not scoop it. The newsletter does address this though. The question about new parts is a good one. I think you guys need to do this cause I don't want regulatory attention thinking we are providing all the parts in a car. Right now we only sell chassis parts.

Given the performance envelope of the GTM will it have a more complete passanger cage structure than the coupe frame?

Okay; so how do we get a newsletter? Owners only newsletter or do future owners get to play?

This is really fun..

Okay; so how do we get a newsletter? Owners only newsletter or do future owners get to play?

How can I get on the mailing list for this newsletter if I am not YET a FFR customer?

The newletter general goes out to anyone on the FFR mailing list.

Hey Dave, What did you mean by "donut guy"

Dave - can you talk about the spec cars in AZ?

I would be happy to build a roadster or coupe with all new parts and provide a list down to nuts and bolts with ford part numbers.

The newletter general goes out to anyone on the FFR mailing list.

Dave - can you talk about the spec cars in AZ?

The newsletter is being mailed to 150,000 people. say that real slow like homer simpson... If you ever called FFR you are on the list (that's the list we sell to mail-order houses that call you at dinner time... just kidding, we have never and never will sell or give out your names/adresses).

sorry for the double post

Is FFR going to the NMRA Ford Nationals Aug 10-11 in Atco NJ?

Approximately, How many Spec Racers are there to date??

cobra earl, I understand it's part of the fun. My wife thinks all my intrest in this is funny. I used to build race cars for a living and she thinks I should have gotten it out of my system.

Dave - thanks for everything you did at DV. We all had a blast!

Your wife to huh?

The problem and the opportunity with the GTM is that we have to design it to be CAPABLE to be a legit LeMans car in 3-5 years. The cage is current race tech not vintage design-modified. By donut guy i just meant etc, etc. Spec Cars in Arizona? Right now and for the last two and a half months Bob Bondurant's School of High Performance Driving has been using and testing the cars as prospective class cars. The cars had to be 1. Safe. 2. Reliable and Affordable and 3. Exciting. They are going to be using the cars in the class. Gordon has been instrumental in helping anytime we needed it. There is more on this in the newsletter, but I am just stoked that the FFR car is doing time in that school. I went for hot laps with the 1965 world champ driver and he hasn't lost his edge.

Will FFR have Factory Cars at RUN and GUN this year??

Will FFR have Factory Cars at RUN and GUN this year??

Gordon, Yes but she has been understanding of my high octane hobbys.

Mine to.

Mine to.

any idea of parts for the GTM? I'd like to get an early start on soursing some of them. Yes, I'm on the list!!

Dave, have you thought about how customers for your cars, like the GTM and GT-V8, that do not resemble existing (pre-smog and safety law) cars are going to get them registered in states with restrictive laws (like CA and MA)? As I understand it, there are no exemptions (like CA's SBA-100) that would provide a loophole for "new" design cars or drivetrains.

Let me see if I understand. Factory Five is going to try and have this car capable of racing in the LeMans series?

Dave, Is it as scary as riding with me? Are you still banded from riding with me by Denise?

Dave, this was asked already but I didn't see a response, are there any plans to manufacture a pedal box? It is an option that I am sure many people going the non-donor route (like myself) would have an interest in purchasing.

Call Weber or Riha about the NJ Nationals ... I don't know. There are about 110 Spec Racers out there. Ithink we are marketing the car better now. We were so insistent that guys sign up to race in the series until we realized the series is just a FEATURE of the Spec Racer. The car is the perfect Open track car. fast, sexy, affordable to build AND keep on the track running week after week. God I want to put my 392 stroker in the car but I won't because of the series and the fact that I am truly afraid of getting beaten by Dan Elam or someone else (shut up cowboy Joe) who has the stoker 302.

Dave, I just talked to Joe F. I didn't really get the answer I was looking for. Thanks for trying.

If You put your 392 in your spec racer, I want to barrow it next time the SPF guys run at VIR...

I have a bastardized spec racer w/ IRS. I got all sorts of parts I didn't need. I think you could have a

On the GTM. I believe every state has a law that enable the registration of a home-built car. The only fly in the ointment is emmissions. It may be that there is more to the issue. I traveled down to Panoz for specific reasons. They have an excellent skill set in vehicle regulatory and such matters. The CFR is not clear on some home-built issues. They certainly weigh heavily on the design side though and we are considering the options. Pedal box has not been put into R&D. I think this transcript will help ID some opportuinities. Lastly on the GTM. I was asked where we would be in five years. If I chart our revenue/growth and history it is not inconceivable to be able to field an effort (We just want to race after all)... The Lemans thing is far from our reach today, but the decisions we make every day affect our options down the road. The design of the GTM HAS to incorporate these considerations.

you could have a 'no cost' option to add irs and delete the other parts.

On the GTM. I believe every state has a law that enable the registration of a home-built car. The only fly in the ointment is emmissions. It may be that there is more to the issue. I traveled down to Panoz for specific reasons. They have an excellent skill set in vehicle regulatory and such matters. The CFR is not clear on some home-built issues. They certainly weigh heavily on the design side though and we are considering the options. Pedal box has not been put into R&D. I think this transcript will help ID some opportuinities. Lastly on the GTM. I was asked where we would be in five years. If I chart our revenue/growth and history it is not inconceivable to be able to field an effort (We just want to race after all)... The Lemans thing is far from our reach today, but the decisions we make every day affect our options down the road. The design of the GTM HAS to incorporate these considerations.

I know the answer to this already but....any thoughts about providing financing for the kits?

Mr. Bond: call me after at 508-291-3443 and I want to know what you need. Financing on the kits is tough. Most companys we have spoken to want your house and child signed over all for a "reasonable" rate of like 16%. No thanks. At least you get air miles on the credit cards.. My computer is slowing down, hope this doesn't slow us down.

I have a couple of companies that I work with that will finance a turnkey from us. None that I have found will finance a kit to be built at home.

Thanks for the chat dave, I have to run to go get some gas for my motorcycle so I can ride tonight.

There was a question on the GTM interior. So far it's not done. I really like the old GT-40 dash it is soooo coool. but we'll see. Seating comfort/sound/heat and visibility are driving the interior design.

I have a bastardized spec racer w/ IRS. I got all sorts of parts I didn't need. I think you could have a 'no cost' option to add irs and delete the live axle suspension parts?

Financing: Get in touch with Mike Mack at Tri State. I emailed and he said he had a company that would provide financing on kits through him.

Thanks Aaron, this was fun. I would steer clear of financing deals unless the term are similar to any other $10K loan (6-10%, no house/wife kid attach). Really GOOD idea on the spec car options switch!

How about an option to use tilton reverse mount pedal assemblies???

Cool!

For us 'no donor' dudes...

I can't see the keyboard... Guys who write code all day are tougher than me.

For us 'no donor' dudes...

Tilton option might be easier since we are looking at those units on the GTM

I'm putting the tilton setup in mine. The dimensions are almost exactly the same as the two horzontial tubes currently.

I fitted Tilton Reverse mounts. It is not that difficult.

Sorry, there I go again trying to engineer solutions. Back to questions.

How long do you plan on offering the $500 rebate for people who attend the Mott build school?

Bill, do you want to go with more questions at once?

What about a GTM convertible??

How about a specracer builder's manual?

Hey dave, are you guys hiring computer guys? Will work for parts

The Mott School has taken the concept to the next level. They are teachers and all they do is teach. I will support that school and it's staff forever. The cash off will stay put. I wish everyone took the class. Mike Mack, Rich Oben and the So Cal group did builds. I think Mike did the most. The difference between those and Motts is not that those were bad... they were great, it's just that with the Mott Community College they are in the business of instructing people. It's what they do. We'll back them.

Sure, how about everyone posting their last questions. In five minutes, Dave can start answering and we'll watch. Is that OK?

Is there enough interest to have the build school more than 3 times a year?

I have a question... would FFR like to host an "ASK FACTORY FIVE" section on FFCobra? Members - would people behave or would everyone look as the area as a place to grip instead of asking proactive questions?

Ok, How many IRS cars have been sold?

The GTM has to be looked at as a targa or convertibel. The Modena 360 uses a higher rear deck that pulls off the mid-engine/convertible thing wonderfully. The spec racer needs a manual worse than anything. It's really much different from the roadster. At this point it's getting a bit ridiculous not having one, but I know it's coming and the "tech Guide" we are sending out will have to do. Seriously, at the volumes we're at, you guys have really made the difference where our manuals haven't been there or good enough. I'll be having the engineers go throough this so that we don't miss stuff.

With a modicum of sponsorship dollars and a reasonable entry fee, would FFR be interested in trying to organize something along the lines of a "beginner" or introduction to AuotX racing at somepoint for FFR owners? Might be a cool value add thing in a controlled environment?

This is kind of petty, but will Factory Five ever have a toll-free tech support line?

Bill, if moderated carefully and if FFR committs to responding, then the "Ask FFR" section may work. Otherwise, it may degrade into a public forum to complain about backordered parts, bad bodies, etc.

I think the recall number was around 275 but I'm not sure. (IRS cars). The Mott School now has two mew Mark II's and they'll be running classes every other month AT LEAST. The differences are that we are now working with them to let people know it exists. If you live in Michigan you probably already got a postcard. Plus it's in our newsletter in depth. yes.

will Factory Five ever have a toll-free tech support line? They have one, its the FFCobra Forum

Earl - you crack me up!

SUGGESTION: Would FFR consider supporting the FFCobra forum, either with a one time donation or just pay for the monthly expenses? It's become that beneficial.

I think we can do an ASK FFR section. I'll check with the pencil neck lawyers. I don't care about the complaints. If they're not personal attacks I think they are healthy. That's what I love about this site is that it's moderated so that one or two plants can't corrupt everyones professional communication. We'll do it... Autocossing at an event YES YES YES the Texas event was huge fun and we really didn't let folks know about it ahead of time. We'll put it together! YES YES YES

I can't wait to buy the GTM, I have already got the green light to buy it !

How often can/will these live chat sessions be held? It seem to be in everyones best interest to have these often.

Bill, I think people will behave if you tell them that the new section is for proactive questions only and no grips! If someone has a problem with FFR directly, then they should call FFR and at least give them a chance to fix the problem before causing a big stink like what just recently happened a few weeks ago. The main forum is where eveyones positive and negative feelings and dealings should be presented. I believe that "Ask Factory Five" section should be left for questions about current trends, updates, company news, future events, release dates, etc, etc.

How about making a more dinamic and informative website,where you could even place your kit's order>?

(Might have to change the name)

We can't get to close to the C-word. An 800 number would put me in the poor house from three or four guys I know that live on the phone. We have to be clear that FFR is not and does not pay this site. We agreed not to use the C-word so this forum and it's members who universally refer to these cars in the generic sense can't be supported.

We have other domain names just in case...

Bill, change the domain name so we can get closer to a factory supported site.

I hope we can evolve our website to do this. I think our biggest challenge right now is to accurately describe our products. So much has changed and we are struggling to keep people informed. All of these need to be put into and compared to our over-all strategic plan to make sure we are working on the most important projects and in the right order.

I spoke to David Rhia at the Mid-America Cobra challenge. He mentioned that you could buy replacment body parts. We just have to ask. Well, I'm planning on racing mine. Could you include partial body panels, even half bodies and prices on the website?

changing the domain is risky. We've spent a great deal of money developing/branding FFCobra. We don't want to lose the traffic because we moved.

Is there a discount for those of us who made the video?

I almost ordered an entire 'extra' body but thought it too premeditated.

Everyone in every company says... "The problem is communication" That's true here as well. I think a huge challenge we face is getting the right information to the right people (and that's just within the walls here at FFR). Multiply that by 1000 when you're dealing with customers on the phone, at shows and during visits. Everyone here wants desperately to help customers. If something goes wrong i have found it's usually connected to communication.

Dave, what do you think the ratio of people is who use a donor vs. who go the non-donor route? I think it would be helpful to make available a detailed list of parts needed for those going non-donor. This can be generic and without part numbers, but with part names/descriptions.

I know the Grassroots Motorsports is building a Spec Racer project. Has there been any other recent publications doing articles? It seems appropriate in view of the rapid growth and visibility with DVSFII.

Only 5 minutes left... I want to thank Dave and everyone at Factory Five! Also, thanks to the members!

Thanks Dave!

Hi Dave See you in a week. Cheers Richard.

and Thanks FFCobra

We have parts of bodies I can sell you easily. Can you see how this quote could be taken out of context? Discount for video guys? I hadn't thought of that. When Hollywood calls I want a piece of the action. Don't order an extra body, that's tempting the gods of crashing too much.

Thanks, Dave, and thanks Bill, aka FFCobra

lol

We currently have 131 people online. Thanks to Dave and everyone for participating.

enjoyed it, grumpy

The parts question was brought up earlier, we'll try to work on it through customers. The FFR roadster is being featured in two or three other mags at this time (articles due to be released) Also I think you'll see press on the Bondurant School. Thanks to Bill and his crew. Thanks to you guys for being so kind. I hope this wass helpful. It was very good for us to get this feedback. Thanks for the job.

Thanks to everyone who made this possible!

:J