Factory Five Live: Mk4 or 289 USRRC

Dave Smith compares the Factory Five Mk4 Roadster to our 289 USRRC.

[@greendwg09]

My brother and I had 66 mustangs. Mine was a fastback with a 4sp and a 289, I loved the sound. His was a coupe with an auto that was converted to a 4sp. He had his motor blue printed and balanced,quarter race cam, hi comp pistons. It was fast, blew away a roadrunner one night.

[@49walker44]

All my life since seeing my first cobra in the sixty's I've wanted to take a drive now it's too late, don't short change yourselves, life is way shorter than you'll ever know.

[@shanebrbich5698]

Bless ya there sir! 👍🇦🇺

[@Eugeneden2010]

Thanks for this. I'm 24, really want to build one, been trying to decide if I want to take the dive next year when I rank up. What you said is true, why wait

[@lsh3rd]

I'd love the idea of a slab side 289. Dave, the enthusiasm in your voice is amazing! It's like you are still in the first year of running the company, not the 25th.

[@elgar6743]

The melody emanating from the 289 is my favourite genre of V8 music! Frankly, they all sound great...

[@10slover62]

I MUST have one of these beauties before I die. Back in '86, my buddy's dad (a SAAC club principal) had an original, red, 1965 Shelby Cobra 427R. Worth around $1mil back then! He would take us for rides and man, that thing would scare the bejeesus out of me! 500hp and a sound to wake the dead. Incredible. Someday, Cobra, you will be mine. British racing green, coyote V-8, 15" knock-off wheels and "billboard" tires. Someday....

[@arthurhaglund5129]

I love them all. I would love a real 289 body and a modern 302-ish motor.

[@dspellman2002]

I drove an original 289 that belonged to a friend in college. He was afraid of the car. My car was a Triumph TR3A, but he handed me the keys to his any time we went anywhere together. Very dark blue, red seats, consumer style (non-race). Loved that car. I don't remember if it was slabside or perhaps PRE slabside. Would love a 289 now. He wrecked the 289 and...wait for it...two 427s after it within the course of a year and a half. Dude was a great guy but could.not.drive. Still can't.

[@down19992000]

That 289 sounds great

[@tomswinburn1778]

That rasp is unmistakable, and sends chills up my spine.

[@paulayala4816]

I agree, I would like to see a slab side 289. It could be a nice roadster to take a date out with and still thrill. I know Shelby makes one but it is $110K...."ouch". My neighbors use to have a couple of fake snakes running Hi-Po 289's with the screw in studs, slotted heads and guide plates they were solid engines. I don't know how hard it is to find an early 289 that isn't trashed or if there isn't someone turning them out, but a 80 - 90's 5.0 would also be a good swap.

[@kellynewton6639]

Right now I would take the 289 FIA. It would be in the 1964 #146 Gurney/Grant paint. I like the race history of the 289, and I have always planned on using a small block ford. I don't know when I first started dreaming of building a factory five cobra but my catalog is the 1989 version that includes the Spyder. I want to say thank you to Dave and his company for all of the smiles he has given me as I dream about how I will build mine one day. It may not happen but I will keep on smiling about it.

[@shredfast4819]

these videos make me ambitious for the moment I can finally afford this kit car, Cant wait!!!

[@tomnekuda3818]

Webers are fantastic carbs......I had the 42 DCOE's on my Cosworth Vega and the sound that they emit at full whack is better than love. Also, the jet stack, emulsion tube, etc comes out all together and they can be tuned to a gnat's eyelash. And the sound.....did I mentioned the sound? You don't need a stereo....they have their own sweet music. Good luck to all. P.S. Some fellows tell me that the Del Ortos are modernized Webers and very good, also.

[@jimgoodwin6440]

Saddest day of my life was having to sell my Challenge car back in '08. It was one of the first 6 ever built and the first with a full cage. I bought it used in '06. Still following you guys after all this time. Wish I could afford one.

[@resiggy13]

After watching several of these daily updates it has become very clear to me why FFR is such a success. The cars are wonderful for sure, but to hear Dave talk about them, his people, the company and its values really highlights the passion behind the operation. Even if I weren't a car guy I think I would be super excited after seeing the absolute and total passion oozing out of every pore on Dave's body. Who could resist a salesman like this? Wonderful.

[@jacksonramsay1572]

I’ve always loved the 289

[@sirsquatch2347]

I can't wait to be able to build one of these. I helped my Uncle Dave finish his.(His was a 427 FE) I put it back together, back from paint, for him while he was in the hospital suffering from cancer. Sadly, when he got home he passed two days later. He never got to drive it completely finished. My cousin is enjoying it and that is awesome! So glad it stayed in the family.

[@Super7Driver]

Love the engineering in your cars, wish you made a GT40...,

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

David Lenzi RCR makes those.

[@angelvillegas7359]

They would get sued again. Maybe now that Shelby passed it would be easier. Possibly making a different variation like the mk3

[@emcee6915]

@@angelvillegas7359 what did they get sued for before?

[@angelvillegas7359]

@@emcee6915 for the Roadster design

[@culcune]

@@emcee6915 There is a company (I forget the name) that holds the rights to the GT40, and it isn't Ford. When Ford was releasing the GT in 2005 (and the current one), they were going to use the GT40 name, but that company stopped them. Superformance sells an authorized GT40, and it is recognized as a continuation car.

[@MegaScott]

I had a 289 back in the day in my Modified. Great little engines. I am currently building the 427 MkIv with a 331 so not much different than the 289. Waiting for the GT40 style body to come out for the GTM chassis...lol

[@craigyirush3492]

Another great video. Keep ‘em coming. Love to see one on the Daytona Coupe. On the 289 v. 427 - 289 is cooler, surely, because of the period race history. The 427 didn’t win much back in the day (in part because FIA wouldn’t homologate it). Amen to what Dave said about dream cars.

[@philipwestfall9542]

Hope these videos continue!

[@paulroberts3550]

Firstly, I am Australian, and we have a selection of our own replica kits here, most of which are high quality cars. I have a mk4 body styled car running a 347 stroked windsor which is more than enough for a light car. It's got forged bottom end, aluminium heads, is full roller and runs a victor jnr 4 barrel style injection manifold with the 4 barrel throttle body. It makes about 400hp which makes for a very fast car. Sometimes the bigger motor can just overpower the car which makes it not as much fun to drive hard. I am an active cobra club member here and most of the recent builds have been using the windsor based 427's. To back up what's said in this video we deal with Blueprint engines in the states. Top quality builds with great power and solid reliability and they are great to deal with too. As a former engine builder I have always been partial to the little windors, so a well built 289 or a 347 like mine is a great choice for a club racer/ comp car which is very competitive with the 427 cars on track. Either way, 289 or 427 you wont go wrong with an engine from Blueprint.

[@smupro]

Are you in the States or Australia?

[@paulroberts3550]

@@smupro In Australia.

[@campaspe810]

Who makes the best rhd cobra?

[@spscorse]

Thanks for going over that I have had my eye on your cars since you started and the way you hammer it makes me laugh keep up the good work and your right live for now

[@SpringbokDesigns]

Can you do d detailed overview of the Daytona Coupe? I plan on ordering one in the next year.

[@craigyirush3492]

SpringbokDesigns plus one on this.

[@49walker44]

Are you going to share videos of the build? Of all the Cobra's the coupe is my favorite but I'm told you have to be thin, less than 6ft and have small feet.

[@dirtcop11]

I don't have a garage, and I am retired, so the odds are against me building my own car. I still like to dream and that is why I like watching these videos.

[@AucklandBlonde]

I absolutely love your cars and videos…keep them coming from NZ

[@apexerman1]

Of all the 289 FIA/USRRC body variations, whether original or replica, you guys nailed the best one. When viewed in profile, there seems to be quite a few examples where the rear end is hiked in the air, or the bulges look too pronounced. In your example, the rear fender line is consistent with the front fender swoop. It feels integrated, it feels matched. Now look at rear fender around 7:03. Perfectly proportioned and low slung. It's not 427 massive and not hiked in the air like a cat in heat. And when we look at the front, the fender lips are aggressive, balanced and period-correct. Kudos to your designers and body guys for capturing the best variation of the car.

[@shawnburroughs7545]

Dave is a really cool guy. I've met him 3 times. He's really down to earth. Factory five is a really great company. They are cool people. That cobra is a beast. Take a ride in one. U will be amazed. :)

[@tomswinburn1778]

The fact the "little" 289/260 car is far less common makes me kinda yearn for it over the SC body style. And a stealth version of fuel injection the way to go with the small block pushrod engine. But that's what make the car you build SO appealing, the way you can do it the way you want. Homage must be paid to Shelby and his crew, but largely in the cosmetic sense as technology has left to 60s cars in the dust. When in high school my physician had a slab side 289. One of the originals as this was 1966. That probably more than anything gives the 289 its great appeal to me, having actually sat in one of the originals. Thhe doc didn't take me for a ride, but he did fire it up, and the sound even then was incredible.

[@chuckg4910]

Building one of these is on my bucket list.

[@rudolphmiller3111]

Please do a refresher video on the Type 65. That is what I wish to purchase come December. I love these tutorials

[@tonyg4546]

I need one Dave! I will be ordering one soon!

[@jackbrookshire8245]

Jack B , New Mexico. Dave , Thanks for making regular people like me KING OF THE ROAD.! And Terry, Road trips " no problem " I've driven my mk4 from Las Cruces to Holbrook AZ ,375 miles over mountain roads . Just a little ringing in the ears ,but you gotta love it!!

[@bleepblabloop]

Many don't realize it was the 289 Cobras that won all those races back in the day. The handling and weight distribution is better. I believe the 427 was a marketing thing for dealerships.

[@Fastback2151]

Awesome product. My preference is 427 EFI, Dart aluminum block

[@edspencer7121]

About 10 years ago there was a used Factory 5 Cobra for sale on a classic car show floor for $25,000.00. She had a 4 bbl Cleveland with a Top Loader 4 speed. At the time I didn't have the bank to roll on it. That would've been a smokin' ride! My eyes still well up about it.

[@CEOsario]

Thanks Dave...

[@mikeriv60]

I’ll take the 289 unfortunately my wrenching skills are not up to the level needed to build one. Hey but I’ll just have to look for a used one that fits my style. Great job and very informative.

[@lkazanov]

You and I share the same philosophy on life. L’chaim to you sir.

[@rwassom73]

Would love to get a 289 slab side, but will settle for a warmed over USRRC for my next project.

[@LyricsLogicAndLullabies]

Thank you for making this video, which answered most every comparison question I had in my head. With you driving, how do the two compare on a straight quarter, and/or 0-60?

[@jimparker7778]

Gotta love the Windsor V8. I rebuilt an FE when I was young, but they are too heavy for a chassis like this.

[@mitchparks71]

Dave- great content brother! Please consider a microphone so we can hear you better.

[@thomasgough622]

A while back I saw a prototype of the coupe that was made as a convertable and thought is eas the coolest car ya'all had made. I would like to build one of those with a fuul injected 418 winsor engine in it and a T-56 Trans. Now Thats a car that would really suit me!!!

[@sdp227]

Cobra Daytona is my dream car.

[@stevesvoboda9404]

I'm a poor boy but I love the Cobra. I've been buying 289 engine components piece meal. I acquired a 65 E code that I'm beefing up to make a K tribute. I am running the solid E948P cam. I love the sound of the old 289 hipo. I really like that 289 racer you have. Sadly I will be shoe horning it into an MGB. I will have my poor boy cobra!

[@bradleyhajost7161]

289 USRRC! 👍🏻 It handles much better in the curves, has a better coefficient of drag/better aerodynamics and, with a small lightweight SuPerCHarGed engine, it would more than best the 427 in the straights. With a clear chin spoiler and a €€€€SLick custom fastback hardtop and a detachable racetrack mountable clear rear spoiler, it would stay glued to the track. Great job on all of your offerings. Can’t wait to build a 65 Daytona Coupe and a 289 USRRC Cobra. 👍🏻

[@bradleyhajost7161]

I wouldn’t hesitate installing a lightweight FI €€€€SuPerCHarGed engine in a 289 USRRC COBRA.

[@bradleyhajost7161]

INCREASE the €€€ venting in the quarter-panels to reduce the positive pressure/LIFT under the nose of the 289 USSRC.👌🏻

[@CEOsario]

Hi Dave, Quick question about a comment you made yesterday. Ok, you bought Contemporary and you didn't fix the trunk license plate area, why? I am an experienced builder, Butler, FFR Spec Racer, FFR Coupe, Kirkham and to top it off I had a Ford/Mercury Autokraft. When I had the Butler I always remembered the Contemporary License Plate challenge. I sure like what you did with the current MKIV body- it really is state of the art. Using Dick Smiths Car was also a great idea. I am from the Fresno area, so I saw his car a lot after Gordon restored it- that was about the time I built the Butler. Getting ready for another: Maybe the 33- just to change it up :) Thanks again.

[@chriswestdal6512]

What are your thoughts on the voodoo flat plane GT350 motor? I want to do one in a Daytona. I hope to see your team at the build school in the fall

[@jammor66]

Will the FFR MK4 rag top fit a FFR 289 FIA? Reason I ask is because I like the 289 look slightly better but would need a rag top as a daily/weekend outer driver where I live.

[@rickwitcher1847]

I love the 289 body style

[@rodneyclark4425]

I purchased a replica 1967 Cobra with a 351W engine. It had been in a barn since 1993 and had been about 85% restored. I’m an impulse buyer. I paid $18,000 for it and put another $5,000 in it for paint and wheels. It’s red with the white racing stripe. It is immaculate, unfortunately I’m too big physically at 6’3” and 260 lbs. to fit comfortably in it. I’m therefore putting it on the market for sale. My question is what would an appropriate sales range be for this vehicle?

[@vernm6189]

I'm running a HP 289/ up to 296 CI and it's a great Engine, I don't feel like I need more power ! but it would be nice to have lol

[@markatkinson813]

The Shelby mechanics back in the day thought the 427 was dumb...they loved the 289 as it won all the races.

[@newking70]

Is that bulkhead behind the rollbar removable?

[@paulgraham8181]

Dave love the videos you guys have been putting out lately. Hope to see some hot rod kit videos soon. The 33 & the 35 truck. I want a 35 truck to be the home of my 351 cleveland. I'm saving for it.

[@shagyluke]

If you were a newbie and wanted to put together a MK4. What wouold you suggest to the dreamer

[@Portland4114]

What should I do with my suspension and shocks in my 2008 MK1 cobra

[@milspec_tube]

Will the 2012 Gt500 SC motor fit inside the Cobra or Daytona?

[@davidenglish2003]

The coyote has my vote!

[@amadoaguirre3584]

Thanks for the video. Can you tell us the wheel the tire sizes of the front/rear for the 289? Also the brand of the tires if possible? Thanks.

[@factoryfive]

Send over an email to [e-mail] and our team can help answer your questions!

[@B1Springfield]

I want to build a 289 lol. I like the look of it, but a 352 FE would be nice to make a street car. (I have one sitting in my garage) Hearing it’s the same frame as the Mk4 is interesting in that regard.

[@MrPappysCobra]

I like the FIA!

[@thargor6750]

I was always 427 as a kid but the raced out look on a 289 is just soooo sick.... I live in Canada 🇨🇦. Has anyone built one recently out here?

[@dama2803]

The 289 looks so damn good IMO. I think I'd still go 427 with a Coyote. Hope to get one in the next couple years.

[@OLMEQ]

289, how does the 289 fuel injected with the Weber look-a-like run in the 289 ???

[@glennhollis7748]

Thank you dave now i want to put mi boss302 in the 289 cobra lol

[@craigpennington1251]

1st off, that is distorted beyond repair(opening sound on exhaust). 2nd, why did FFR stop making the MKIII roadster? Loved it and was going to purchase but not any more. 3rd, why are the fuel tanks so small?

[@carrollshelby8690]

The bodies of the MkI through MkIII were waaaay off. They look like a joke next to an original, an ERA replica or a Kirkham.

[@craigpennington1251]

@@carrollshelby8690 Did not know that.

[@carrollshelby8690]

@@craigpennington1251 Hell Dave Smith talked about "perky butts." Take a look at the early cars The look like a giant kicked them in the ass. You could see the exposed Mustang gas tanks from the rear. The gasoline tanks are standard Mustang tanks: 15.7 gallons. Dave sold a zillion perky butt kits because they were/are cheap. The original price was $9,995. (Plus a wrecked Mustang.) If you go to Willow Springs International Raceway on Mother's Day week end when the Cobra Owners Club of America rents the track, you'll see dozens of real Cobras and a lot of replicas and it's real easy to tell the MkI -MkIII FFRs from everything else. The MkIV looks more like a real Cobra. I've driven a Kirkham 427 from Los Angeles to Henderson, Nevada. That's about 270 miles - a distance a FFR Roadster could make on one tank. Except you would want to do it non-stop. It's an open cockpit and the wind beats you up and the sun bakes you. After 20 minutes, you'll want to wear a full face helmet. I did.

[@culcune]

I'd be curious about putting a 2.3 Ecoboost crate engine in the 289 body.

[@rwassom73]

I was wondering the same. Would definitely lose the sound appeal, but it would be interesting to see the 2.3 Ecoboost and AWD from the Focus RS installed in one for a capable track car.

[@culcune]

@@rwassom73 the a.c. company in England offers a 2.3 Ecoboost engine, after all.

[@rockytalkndawoods3057]

The only car salesman that doesn't feel like a car salesman, more of a gatekeeper to your own destiny.

[@Zanzabar5]

What engine do you get if you don't want to take Advil every time you drive it?

[@randyreid2916]

Great comparison video. I chose the MK4 with the 427. Started the build about 6 weeks ago. Can't wait to hear her roar. I've been taking short videos...here's #6. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6CmYXlrq5idgcU

[@DanODNC1]

Please tell me a 289 is available without the perky butt or oversized wheel wells. :)

[@xDivinitysCreaturex]

You know there's that movie with Sylvester Stallone "Lock Up" where he's in prison and refurbishes a Ford Mustang named "Maybelline" with a sad ending. My dad copied that movie. We made a 427 which I called "Britney". When it got registered he took the keys and I never got to drive it even once. Its like that movie. Been locked in a garage with 100 miles on the clock because he's too scared to drive it. Suspension set up is all wrong. Plus it's saturated with bad karma. Anyway I wanna build another one "the right way" and drive it.

[@aaguirre123]

How hard is it to handle a camera? Why was so hard to turn the camera?

[@jimenz6548]

Has anyone ever put a high performance Flathead V8 in one of your cars? I think that would make a great sound too!! And lets face it.....a full dress Flathead would look fantastic!!! And with modern tech....you can really pump out the HP...

[@dougandjyness]

I have built and love my 35 FORD truck (rat-restomod)....with a Coyote.....its my daily driver @hawaii35ford and now have 6k miles on it over the last 4 months....I love Factory Five......but I have 1 MAJOR COMPLAINT....... Since you have your own "design" of the coupe, roadster, and the 35 ford.......WHY NOT STRETCH ALL OF THESE CARS TO ACCOMMODATE A 6' TALL PERSON and make it so the seat can move. Really, who is going to care?......maybe lengthen the cars by 6" and widen the cars 6" so the footwell isn't so crammed and I am not terrified of slamming the gas when going for the Brake........You have done an amazing job of designing these chassis and cars......WHY NOT DO THIS!!!!!!! If you guys would do this I would build another, and another if my wife doesn't kill me first. But really like dave said on the last video......go for the Coyote

[@nicholastomljanovich6918]

Great looking and sounding cars but unfortunately cannot be driven on public roads because do not pass emissions laws in most states (i.e., Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire,etc,etc.). They are just garage queens and track cars! I like to know how to get them approved for road use. I have tried for two years in MA. without success.

[@dougandjyness]

@@nicholastomljanovich6918 Im sorry about that. Hawaii surprisingly had a simple registration process. Ive heard the work around is to register it in Montana.

[@CaptDesmo]

289 FIA!!!!

[@MrMrBigro]

Could you do a mk1 1973 ford capri

[@PucKchucker67]

Slab side please

[@FooFahFoeFum]

A beautiful race car for people six foot and less.

[@yalejohnson4687]

Part of the reason 289's don't sell as well is that you don't sell a base kit.

[@midnightalley4586]

Where is the GT40?

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

The 289 sound more like a race car.

[@georgef1176]

Hey half your cobra is missing!!

[@JB91710]

My impression. The 427 body style has been around for ever. The body is starting to look pudgy and overweight. Kinda like me! I'd probably put an automatic in that. Exhaust note, Mellow. The 289 body is Fresh, Crisp and New and has more lines to it! The body looks athletic. Exhaust note, Racy! 6 speed manual all the way. I'd love to see a 1962 C1 or even the C2 Corvette convertible body street and race body on it. All the trim parts are already out there.

[@Lucky_Moe]

Why are your roll bars so high

[@anthonypetty9288]

Matt Fast I may be wrong, but I'm guessing they are that high so that they give full protection for a tall driver with race helmet. Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

[@Lucky_Moe]

Anthony Petty yeah I get that but superformance and just about every other cobra car doest have them

[@user-hc9qv9yb9m]

Guzzlers

[@paulsoares9503]

You need a microphone

[@amadoaguirre3584]

Why use a complicated camera to film a simple presentation? Why is it hard to turn the damn camera?

[@factoryfive]

I think this was just an iPhone on a gimble , but the gimble wasn’t charged properly to go live at 2pm on the dot.

[@dannylee5588]

Dave?? When are you going to return my email???

[@joetrevino9014]

427

[@92vanguard]

"There's a budget way to build and there's the right way to build." So, are you implying that a budget build is the wrong way to build?

[@kc9146]

Good god, shut up with name dropping everyone in the phone book & just talk about the cars.

[@Harleyfunman]

I called the shop awhile ago , people aren't very friendly there. I wanted to become a certified builder and I got alot of Negative feed back. keep treating people like strangers and your company will fail fast ?

[@j.j.605]

Some of the worst camera work I have ever witnessed