When Factory Five Racing (FFR) began engineering its 65 Roadster in 1995, they soon after began conceptualizing their next kit, a hardtop that was true to the FFR philosophy of vintage racing design, pure performance, and real value. In 1997, FFR engineers began work in earnest on the Type 65 Coupe, and after seven years of fine-tuning, they have come up with a design that captures the look and feel of the original 200-mph GT cars designed by Pete Brock and driven by the Gurneys, Foyts, and Mileses of the racing world. Now, a marriage which showcases Roush Engineering products and Factory Five Racing's Coupes has taken place to help FFR create what they feel is the ultimate FFR Type 65 Coupe.
This steel-and-aluminum tribute to vintage racing DOES have an air conditioner, but other than that, it is true to its predecessors. The aluminum and steel chassis is covered with a composite body shell. Its 95-inch wheelbase incorporates a central backbone and full rollcage. Over the steel tube frame are aluminum chassis panels, and the body is a two-part assembly consisting of a forward-hinged nose and rear cockpit and tail section.
Suspension configuration is identical to that of the FFR Roadster, complete with front upper arms, coilover shocks, and Mustang 5.0 suspension.
However, this is not what propels this beast...the marriage is what makes this FFR Coupe something extra special. The FFR design now houses the Roush 402R Monster engine, a 402ci carbureted mill that is rated at 525 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. It is a stroked 351 with a forged crankshaft and forged pistons. The Roush package also includes the Alcon/Roush High-Performance Brake Kit (14-inch slotted rotors, 4-inch Alcon calipers up front, and 13-inch rotors with 2-inch rotors in rear, with stainless steel braided lines); Roush chrome wheels (18x9s in front and 18x10s behind); aluminum billet pedal set; and Roush logo doorsill plate. A big-block won't fit under the low-slung nose, but Roush's stroked small-block derivatives fit just fine.
As a result of working with Roush, FFR now offers two engines built specifically for Factory Five customers, specified by FFR engineers. The two mills are the 402R (402ci, 525hp mill based on the 351 Windsor block) and the 331AL (331ci, 410hp plant based on the 302 block). Both jet-propel this 2,150-pound Coupe to blazing speeds worthy of the race car that inspired its creation.
The Coupe pictured here was the result of a 250-hour build. It incorporates a Ford 8.8 rear with FFR's IRS setup and FFR custom axles. Front and rear shocks are provided by ProShocks, and the brakes are part of the Roush/Alcon package. Mustang spindles and pedal assembly have been used, but this kit uses all new parts-no donor parts were involved. The wheels are Roush chrome 18x9s in front and 18x10s behind.
FFR-Hooker manifold and FFR headers help create a 525hp mill dyno'd at 6,250 rpm. An Edelbrock manifold, Holley 750 carburetor, MSD ignition, Tremec five-speed transmission, and five-speed manual shift completes the system. The system, along with the low curb weight of 2,150 pounds, should get the FFR Coupe to a top speed of 180 mph and a quarter-mile dragstrip time in the low 11s.