Stronger and more verstile Mk III frame/chassis

The New Factory Five Racing Mark 3 Roadster!

2. Stronger, More Versatile, MkIII Frame and Chassis

The New FFR Mark 3 Roadster Frame (not incl. front trailer hooks).

The new MkIII frame is stronger, more elegant, easier to work on and designed to work with a wider variety of engine/drivetrain parts without modification.

Every FFR design begins with the chassis. It is the core of our product and the thing that most dramatically separates us from our competitors. The MkIII team went over the frame from top to bottom. Here’s a description of each change…


Mk III frames get larger sheet steel welded to the cockpit floor to make seat installation easier.


Tie down steel hook brackets have been added to the ends of the 4” round tube main frame rails. These heavy-duty 3/16” steel brackets make it easier to attach strap hooks for transport /trailer hitching.


New frame welded hood hinge mounts are welded directly to all MkIII chassis' and eliminate the need for drilling and riveting (above and below right with hinge mounted).



Many parts that were welded are now bent/formed for lower cost and higher strength. We purchased a heavy duty hydraulic press to help us make parts faster and more accurately.


The steel quick-jacks are not only laser cut, but now formed instead of welded.

Parts like the quick-jack bumpers show the nice effect of soft radius dies and the right bending equipment. Older MkI and II cars had welded parts here. The newer formed parts work better with chroming for a cleaner look without beaded seams.


We added the dropped foot box on passenger side (finally!) and increased the cockpit footbox size on both driver and passenger sides. The Driver footboxes are slightly narrower (see below) to accommodate the wider 4.6 engines but longer front to back for taller drivers or drivers with longer legs.


Revised pedal box wall to accept the variety of 1987-2004 brake components and has updated laser-cut holes for the new/improved steering assembly.


Bolt-on spring perch makes for cleaner assembly jobs on frames with kits not using the stock 4-link Mustang springs (rear coil-overs, three-links, and IRS rears).


New side impact tubing increases strength and safety while keeping the weight down. We added an x-member under the door and rev'd the aluminum to keep the assembled car looking the same. The tubing that supports the door latch is also stronger.


Door latch support tubing is heavier gauge stock and stronger design. This new design is safer and makes door latch mounting easier. The tubing shape also makes it easier to fit the aluminum panels in this area that has always been an awkward fit.


Driver side cockpit lower aluminum has better fit. Above right: Cockpit-to-wheel well aluminum panels fit snugly to new frame steel.


Rear trunk and suspension 2"x3" steel support tubes have been narrowed to allow for larger tires to be used. Older MkII cars were limited to 275's, but the new MkIII designs can go up to 315's. Below left: R&D 335/17's (not road tested) and rear view of MkIII roadster wearing monster 315/17's.



New steering design and rack location (back and lower) results in better geometry, improved Ackerman, and reduced bump steer.


Removable transmission mount for easier removal/maintenance and accommodates wider number of transmission types.


New laser cut aluminum panel for fuse box (up to donor year 1998) and relocation of holes in aluminum foot box for cleaner engine bay looks.


Relocated trans tunnel backbone tubing to more easily accommodate the installation of a mid-shift kit. (no cutting)


New mount plates and revised/improved steering bearings/assembly.


New frame brackets added and changed to enable the use of later model Ford fuel tank straps and emergency brake cables.


MkIII kits are identified in a new and better way. Steel tubing is stamped with a new FFR serial number and each kit is shipped with a serial number identification plate. Click here for full details ("What's New Badges"). Serial number stamping on frame/chassis steel tubing is done on our new stamping/engraving machine.