Factory Five Cobra DONOR: What's it Cost?

This video details an expected cost roll up if a Ford Mustang doner is used to build a solid axle Factory Five MK4 Cobra base kit. There are some tradeoffs with this build strategy and I get into some of the details in the video. Check it out and let me know what you think!

[@stefanospasaro7668]

Awesome video, 💪looking forward to that GT 40 build 👍

[@TacoJoe]

Yes GT40 is still high high on my list :) Need to get me Vette back on the road and then it will be time to decide on the next project - hindsight, when Covid was was raging in the US, I think I should have pulled the trigger on a GT40 kit. I didn't because of all the uncertainty with the economy / virus / etc. so I wasn't quite ready to take on that risk (including if the kit providers would weather the downturn - etc) - Very glad things are getting back to normal and thanks of the comment!

[@NoKnockaKnee]

@@TacoJoe which kit manufacturer are you looking at?

[@JohnWilliams-oq3cv]

Once again, not 1 Taco in the whole video. Keep up the good work Joe.

[@TacoJoe]

John - i'll see if i can work in some "wheres waldo" type taco content in future videos :) With regards to this video, if you watch close, there "might" be a reference to "tacos" in place of currency later in the video - cannot confirm it though ;)

[@dieselyeti]

I helped a friend build his FFR Mk3 about 15 or so years ago, and he went the donor route. He bought a '91 Mustang GT with the engine already built with alum heads, cam, bigger injectors and throttle body. I recall he said it was good for 325hp which was perfect in a 2000lb Cobra. There was a bit of parts cleaning to do before assembly and the wiring harness had to be picked apart (most of it was junked). Fun project though.

[@TacoJoe]

Sounds like a great build / thanks dieselyeti :)

[@BradThePitts]

Fun fact! Factory FIVE Racing is named after the 5.0 Mustang donor concept.

[@TacoJoe]

Ha - didn't know that / thanks for sharing Brad!

[@ToddQuigley]

Great vid TacoJoe! :)

[@mdavis472000]

another awesome video! Great job TacoJoe!!

[@TacoJoe]

Davis my man- we need to get some action shots! lets figure something out before the snow flys!

[@ImTHATguy...]

Guys keep in mind that if you can't find a 5.0 motor from a Mustang, the late 80's Thunderbirds and Loncoln LSC's have basically the same motor. Some guy in my area has a deal going where ANY 5.0 Mustang that's getting dumped goes to him and then he marks things up a lot and re-sells the parts. I wanted a 5.0 motor for less than 1,000 bucks, so I patiently waited and hunted down an 87 LSC in a junkyard and paid $180 for the entire complete engine and there's nothing wrong with it at all (car was wrecked, that's why it was junked). The rear axle might be sourced from an Explorer, but check measurements. It may need to be shortened but if you have no other choice then it's still money ahead from a custom new one.

[@TacoJoe]

Great tips for motor selection Kyle - thanks for the comment!

[@VladTerrible]

I would love to see you try a $20k GT40 build

[@TacoJoe]

Me too Vladimir- love that GT40s / at some point, one of those will be in my garage - thanks for the comment!

[@JB91710]

If Factory Five had made a GT-40 instead of the GTM, I would own a GT-40 today.

[@erikrummel6277]

Taco joe what GT40 kit would you even use?

[@dansgarage2010]

Hey Joe what spindles did you go with & how is the handling using them? I’m planning a basic kit & gathering parts not included in the kit now. The new FFR spindles included in the complete kit look just like Mustang II spindles.

[@rob105motorsport]

Love seeing the Factory 5 info', Joe. I've got a Cobra on order from an Aus' supplier - they're definitely a bit more $, but it's interesting to see how they compare.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment Rob- post a link of the manufacturer you purchased from if you wouldn't mind- I'd like to check it out- Good luck with your build!

[@rob105motorsport]

@@TacoJoe - Can't say that their social media/web presence is the best, but I'll be featuring them as I work through my build. There's a couple of photos of the full TIG welded aluminium chassis etc in my last video if you're interested. Cheers, Rob

[@kienhuynh7240]

Great video

[@user-mm8jv3tn2l]

Go for the GT build.

[@brazilgerojim9634]

Great video! Greetings and wish you all the best! I would like two questions , if you have the time to answer them i will be appreciate that. First : Can we use any mustang base? Or must be fox body? Second - What about Corvette C5 base? Do you believe that is this possible? Regards!

[@TacoJoe]

I think the Factory Five kits are design for Fox Body mustangs and SN95 (1994-199X?). The fox is an ideal doner because of the rear end - the SN95s are wider so it limits your tire options while maintaining the "proper" cobra stance. Make sure you check out the Factory Five website/forums - I'm certain there are some discussion threads on it. Regarding a C5- you can get an LS in these cars no problem- you'll still need a transmission though - because - I'm pretty sure the C5 is a rear transmission car. There are still a ton of options out there though so don't be afraid to build an LS. FYI though - the Ford crowd might give you a hard time when they see an LS in there. I have a HEI knockoff on my ford 5.0 and you would be amazed at how many die-hard ford guys notice. HEI IS BETTER THAN DURASPARK - LOL - thanks for the comment

[@EddieB2047]

Great advice and def doable for the avg Joe…taco or not lol👍🏼

[@TacoJoe]

glad you liked it :)

[@JoshuaJohnson-ve7ty]

Hey Taco. How's the cobra running? Quick question with regards to body work. Did you have to raise the body at all? The front of my hoods sticks up a bit above the body and can't go down any more since it hits the 3/4 tube that the radiator hangs off of. If you did raise the body, how did you do it? Thanks in advance.

[@TacoJoe]

Cobra is running EXCELLENT - I love the car even more 3-4 years after I finished it / its my go-to choice for Saturday morning coffee runs :). As for the body: I put it on once and I never took it off and things are OK with my hood. If yours is hitting the 3/4" bar, check the headlight mounts/dash mount- I had a heck of a time getting my headlight mounts right and it seems (to me) that adjustment of those might help your problem- you also might need to bore our the headlight openings to give you the room to raise the body/mounts more. Bottom line, I think you can get the hood worked out once you figure out where the body is hung up. Thanks for the comment!

[@spicyrensgaming6075]

You can also use a new edge and an sn95 mustang

[@JB91710]

Stick with the mustang convertible, add tires and wheels, exhaust, steering wheel and seats. Maybe a suspension kit. Total cost? $10,000ish!

[@TacoJoe]

The 5.0 powertrain is underrated in my opinion / it was designed right by ford and is perfect for a 2-seater / sports car / etc

[@JB91710]

@@TacoJoe Especially if you plan on cruising and looking and sounding good. What's the speed limit through town? 35mph and 65mph on the highway?

[@neon10net]

Nice 👍

[@randylanhart1387]

Ok . NICE JOB !!! But if you don't mind could you tell us how much you paid out in total for your sweet ride!! Now I know that's kinda personal for some folks but I'm gonna ask anywho..

[@TacoJoe]

Check out my KZbin page / I rolled up another video there you may like (FFR Cobra: What's it Cost?) / thanks for the comment!

[@BA-pz3lo]

I love the wheels and tires on your setup. Is it possible to get the same look with 4 lugs? I have a 1988 mustang gt I could use as a donor but it has 4 lugs 🤔

[@TacoJoe]

Yes- 4lugs is an option / just need to find halibrands that fit the ford 4-lug pattern for an 8.8 - good luck!

[@dieselyeti]

Pretty sure you can get 4-lug Halibrands from FFR

[@culcune]

I would love to build one of these for $20k, but with my skill level and finding a decent donor, I think my build would be closer to $49k, maybe $60k...

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

Joe, please finish each video eating a taco, or change your name. P.S. I love your content:)

[@TacoJoe]

Chipotle? Related- I helped crash Roblox a few days back snagging a couple free burritos -haha / thanks for the comment!

[@nickward5758]

Would the same thing work for a 4.6? I have a 1996 mustang GT (I don't know much about cars, I'm still learning)

[@TacoJoe]

a 4.6 will fit (its wide at the top though) - do some google searches and I'm sure you can find some mod motor builds / thanks for the comment!

[@zouhairzenarti7131]

Can we use an ather car base?

[@TacoJoe]

The FFRs are primarily setup for Ford Powertrains, but if you are ambitious, absolutely you could could use a different donor car for powertrain - its going to be tough to use a different suspension/rear end though without some major modifications. Thanks for the comment!

[@BradThePitts]

The following engines have been stuffed into Factory Five Cobras: BMW V12, Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, Chevy 350, Chrysler 426 Max Wedge, and Tesla Electric Motors! The suspension bits are almost always Ford Mustang based.

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

Wait, does FFR have a GT40 kit?

[@TacoJoe]

I wish the did / RCR is likely a good candidate for a GT40 kit, but there are other kits out there too / thanks for the comment!

[@thepilotandthenurse3645]

challenge accepted.

[@Auto_Breve]

Who makes a good Gt40 replica kit?

[@TacoJoe]

excellent question - I'd love to build one someday / I've done some research and there are a few companies out who make replicas, but not nearly as many as there are for Cobras - if you have a recommendation, let me know and I'll check it out!

[@Auto_Breve]

@@TacoJoe Thanks for the reply, I would love to build one as well, but I think I’m going down the road you took (Which is why I’ve been watching your channel lol). Keep up the good work, ride looks great!

[@Erinnhorsegirl]

Karol stop

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

Good 5.0L Mustangs are getting as collectable and spendy as just buying the FFR kit complete. Too many 5.0's are leaving the world every day, stop using them as donors.