The New Factory Five Racing Mark 3 Roadster!
 
4.   New Serial Number Plates and Procedure
 
 

As previously discussed in the “Frame Changes” section… we have changed the way we serialize and identify our frames.  We used to weld a frame number into the inside of the 2” x 3” rear cockpit cross tube.  This frame number and the fact that it was not the same as the kit serial number (FFR number) has caused difficulty and confusion with customer and motor vehicle registry personnel.  The new procedure should eliminate and issues and make it easier for registration, insurance and theft recovery.  Check out the full details here…(“What’s New”, New Badges).
 
5.   New Wheel Options and Direct-to-Customer Vintage Wheels
 
Wheels have always been a tough subject.  There aren’t a ton of large volume suppliers out there so you either buy off the shelf rims or you put up with the delays of some of the smaller wheel makers.  We wanted to help change that.  We paid for tooling to make rims in the correct backspaces for our applications.  We also sourced another good looking and affordable alternative rim, the Bullet (see what’s New "New Wheels").
 
New 17” Wheel Options:  Left is MkIII FR500 Wheels and right is new Bullet Wheel
 

The original vintage Pin drive wheels work better than ever with the new wider MkIII body shell.  The vintage bolt-on Halibrand style replicas have always been a source of frustration with customers.  We decided to allow customers to go straight to the source on vintage bolt-ons.  Customers who call to order wheels can now go directly to the manufacturer. 

That’s all spin though.  Truth here is that we have always been unable to get timely delivery from our wheel guy at PS Engineering (and we’ve tried everything!).  Despite the fact that we do make money on these wheels, we decided to cut out the middle man (us!) in hopes that customers would get faster service on what are for sure, the nicest wheels on the market.
 

Left:  Vintage Pin-Drive wheels fit better with the wider rear MkIII body shells. 

Right:  The new 17” Bullet rims look great on a vintage or modern roadster.
 
6.   New Optional Hood Hinge Design (engineered with new hood liner).
 
 
Along with the composite hood liner for MkIII’s, comes a new steel hood hinge design.  Made to work with the new hood liner, the new hood hinge eliminates the need for thru-hood rivets and finally brings an easy-to-assemble yet tough and adjustable hood hinge to patient FFR customers.  Purists can still choose to put rivets thru their hoods for that authentic look, but they are not needed for structure.  The pick-up point for the gas strut has moved slightly and been reinforced for durability.  Also the composite liner is smooth and attractive and easier to paint a finished color than the un-lined previous generation FFR hood.
 

7.   Refined Gauge Options

We’ve tried everything with Gauges!  The complexity of gauge assemblies that need to look good, perform accurately and work with a huge variety of electronic and mechanical components is huge.  We gave up on the original British gauges after replacing a large percentage of them over the years without improvement.  The good new is that we have worked with the good folks at the Autometer company to provide three killer sets of gauges that should satisfy every need. 

Before you’re tempted to piece together your own gauge set, keep in mind these sets ALL work flawlessly with the Mustang running gear as well as any FFR optional fuel cells and Ford sending units.

 

New Autometer Vintage Gauges
 
The Autometer “Vintage” gauges are a spitting image of the original Smiths gauges with features like a reverse read 180 mph speedometer, but with modern mechanicals and guaranteed reliability.  The vintage gauges are mechanical gauges.
 

The new Autometer Traditional Gauges
 
The Autometer “Traditional” Gauges are the most popular set, providing excellent looks that work with both fuel injected and carbureted set-ups… and at a good price
 

The Autometer Modern Ultralite Gauges
 
The modern, high performance “Ultralites” are a professional racing/performance gauge set that perform great and look heart-attack serious.  Both the "Traditional" and "Modern" gauges are available with electronic speedometer displays (where odometer goes) to allow the use of 3650 transmissions and other electric pick-up only transmissions.

Restrictions:  Autometer traditional gauges cannot be used with 99 and newer Mustang donor parts.  The optional 99-04 Traditionals and Ultralites cost a bit more but come with a tech adaptor/signal converter that allows the odometer area to be used as a digital speedometer.
 

8.   New Seat Changes and Upgrades
 

New MkIII standard street seat is larger, better built, and easier to install.
 

Championed by FFR heavyweights Lenny Gerard and Mark Dougherty, the most popular roadster seat receives attention as it gets a host of changes.  The seat back is taller and boasts a stiffer construction and improved stitching.   The standard seat also is better built with a carpeted lower and a frame that has a larger size steel mount plate making installation easier.
 

Left to right:  New Kirkey Pro Racers and Street Performers.

The Pro-Racer seat (standard on Challenge Series cars) was just too narrow for many folks.  We looked for a wider, more comfortable seat that still provided full race support.  The answer was to upgrade to the Kirkey Intermediate Road Race Seat, a top-of-the-line aluminum racing perch.  The seat costs us $85 each more than before and so it becomes a low-cost option instead of an even out swap. 

The street performers seats and vintage roadracer seats remain unchanged.
 

9.   Standardized Side Exhaust/Header/Straight  Pipes/Catalytics

 

All FFR headers are now manufactured exclusively for us by the Hooker Headers Company.  The newest of the Hooker headers have improved fit and come CERAMIC no charge standard!  In addition, they are designed with a universal 4-bolt flange to make them fit ALL new FFR side exhausts! 

Previously, we carried two types of side exhaust units, the three-bolt/one port type (straight tubes and catalytics) and the four-bolt/four port type (used with full length headers).

The genius engineers have made it so that the headers, catalytic converters and straight pipes ALL have the same flange/mounting pattern.  That means that you can build an FFR with the standard straight pipes and side exhaust, then years later upgrade to headers and not have to change your side exhaust.  It also means less shipping mistakes in-house with fewer SKU’s.
  • The new 4.6 headers are available in 2 valve or 4 valve variants.
Lastly, the guys made the decision to change/strengthen the side exhaust hangar brackets.  Check out the 25 hour endurance racer from Team FFR-West and the Lawson brothers.  It was either do this or send people baling wire.  The new brackets are virtually unbreakable.  A retro fit bracket is available to existing customers.

 

10.   Improved Mono-Tube Bilstein Shocks
 

When we say racing improves the breed, it’s things like this.  Developed jointly with the engineers from Bilstein and the drivers/instructors at the Bondurant School, we are taking ready to deliver new custom valved, mono-tube, Bilstein shocks as STANDARD equipment on all new MkIII’s. 

The shocks take the excellent handling of the FFR roadster and take it to the next level.  Now the best handling and performing replica of all time is even better!

 
Bilstiens are now standard on all MkIII’s.  We are the only replica company to have a dedicated racing series.