Factory Five Cobra: Top 5 Build Recommendations

I've put about 5000 miles on my Factory Five MK4 Cobra over the last 3 years and I've learned a lot about what makes this car fun on the road while also being easy to live with. In this video, I'll walk you through (5) important decisions you need to make when building a Shelby Cobra replica that don't always show up in a build manual or spec sheet. Check it out and let me know what you think!

[seantuneb]

I dig this video bro. I have an Everett Morrison kit that my dad purchased back in 1991. I'm lost trying to find parts but your comment about there's really no instructions was perfect, I figured out a couple weeks ago that there's gonna be a ton of Fab work. I will go to Factory 5 for certain stuff like Windshield frame. I agree with you about keeping it simple, wind wings are gay! Thanks for this video because I now know it can be done...I was actually intimidating till now

[gsarssadams]

Thank you so much for being brave enough to say a 427 is not needed for this car! I 100% agree with you

[tdalb]

"An average guy who built a kit car."
It appears you did a damn fine job of it.
Even your video looks pro.

[johnny]

my recomendations: If you build a car, multiply your estimated money and time need by 2 at least. Think what do you want to use your car most. racing or just driving around the town? Highway trips? This answer a lots of question: do you really need semi slick tyres, stiff suspension, wind wings, EFI or carburetor (nitrous?), manual or automatic transmission... And the most important thing: respect the car, it is light, relatively super-strong, and very dangerous. Snap oversteer, no impact protection etc. Be careful but enjoy the ride of your life :)

[hoshisato]

Your filmmaking skills are rivaled only by your mechanic skills which are rivaled only by your taste in cars! Awesome all around!

[garyhaber]

Great tips!!

I had finally been able to buy my dream car after saving for years.

I bought a 2001 Lonestar 66 MKIII that has a longer chassis for us larger guys.
That let's me sit lower and have more leg room for my height.

The last owner had installed a vintage 302 bored with T5 5 speed with an Edelbrock 4 barrel from an old 1974 Ford Grand Torino from a junk yard to save money I guess,
which i upgraded alittle. 👍

The other things I added later was an upgraded fake carbon fiber dash with new guages,
glove box,
moved the battery cutoff next to the shifter for safety,
new fire extinguisher,
new trunk mounted chromed battery box,
new wiring system,
short front throw quick shift,
GoodYear billboard style 15 in tires,
with cheaper Crager Hallibrand look rims,
an MSD box,
race jack bumpers,
larger radiator and
larger fan cuz it was always overheating in the SoCal heat,
and meatball and vintage race stickers becuz i love that nostalgic look!
🥰👍

I've owned her for almost 5 yrs now,
and love to use her as an everyday driver.🥰

I attend local shows,
take my daughters to lunch at our local outdoor malls,
and to the gas station here where I live in SoCal.

I love how she turns heads everywhere I go! People even ask if they can take a pic with her.
I love showing off.
I always loved the sound,
and the exhaust POP when I'm downshifting...
😜😜🤟🤟

She's the only car i ever truly loved since I was an 8 yr old kid,
and is beautiful in the Guardian Blue with 2 white stripes.🥰🥰

Love your videos!
Keep 'em comin!👍👍🥰

Cheers to many years of enjoyment!
🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼🤙🤙

[salvadorhurtado]

U kept your car classy I really enjoyed the video. U can take it to the country club and fit in, Even the opera. My friend always tells me simplicity is the best design, because it never goes out of style he tells me. Fantastic job! 👏

[robstevens]

Great video - some sound advice in here. I completely agree with the styling/body comments. the shape is beautiful as it is, no need to bling it out.

[spscorse]

Your last statement about the corvette is how I feel and that’s why I to am looking and the Cobra thanks great video

[jimjam]

You’ve got the look of that absolutely spot on! The wheels and tyres and ride height are perfect!

[renegadezx]

I have over 100, 000 miles on mine. Great video, agree with everything you said. Wish I had used screws in a few places. Currently dealing with a faulty clutch switch.

[aaronnladronka]

My twin brother and I helped my father build his MKIII factory 5 cobra. He ordered it with every option available. It has 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, a fuel injected, AFR 205 headed 408 windsor with a 5 speed, volvo electric pump for the power steering and hydroboost brakes...it's an absolute missile!

[tohelphelp]

I have watched all your videos....they are outstanding! I have a Shell Valley Replica being delivered in late January. I have taken everything you have said to heart. Interesting enough I had planned on a carburetor for my 351 windsor, but now you have me re-thinking the electronic fuel I really liked your video on wiring as I have never built a car before, but to be headed down the same road as you come January. I'm super excited and thankful for your videos.

[davidhansbury]

100% on point, built one several years ago, went with a ford motorsports 345 hp 302, x-aluminum headsand e-303 cam, naturally aspirated via edelbrock, on a tremec 5-speed.. More power than you will ever use on the street..besides, the car was designed around a small block .

[dieselyeti]

Great video. Your point about engine selection was right on. I've seen some Cobras with ridiculous motors making well over 500hp, and my thinking was always that's just too much power for such a light car. At 2200-2300lb or so with so little weight on the axle big power will break traction at will, and on a 90" wheelbase car that'll get exciting quickly if it happens on a corner. In the early aughts I helped a friend build his Mk3, and he went the donor route and bought a Mustang GT with a built 5 liter. Far as we know it was making 325hp or so, but that seemed like a good fit for the car. Enough power to make the car fast (and fun) but not so much that it'll break traction at an inopportune time and send you into the weeds backwards. At the limit they're squirrely cars so learning to drive one fast takes time.

[dilloncarlson]

Your videos are such a great source for all of us on youtube. I have an edelbrock proflow 2 on an amc 401. Your recommendations are spot on. Never buying a carb again. Your videos on how you set up wiring are great.

[czvasser]

Best comments ever. Makes complete sense. I hope to build one and it make sense to make it as user friendly as possible. THANKS.

[stevepeterson]

Without first seeing your video I “followed” all your recommendations. Ford 302 with Edelbrock Pro-flo 4 EFI, Tremec TKX. I love it and drives in the country or along the coast are magical. Besides building one you can buy one built and upgrade and rebuild without the fabrication tasks. Simple, fun, fast, unique, beautiful - what more

[gregoryhorvath]

This is the first video of yours. I thought your recommendations were spot on. Using the KISS method is perfect for the Cobra replica, or for any car, is the way to go. Put your time and effort into the quality of the build. Thank you for sharing.

[kerox]

Love how you edit your vids.
Great stuff!