New 818 Configurations Windtunnel Tested

We took the new 818 to A2 Windtunnel in Mooresville, NC to test the new nose configuration, nose insert design, and airflow/cooling variations of ducting.

The 818 program enters a new stage with the release of the newest configuration, the 818 Coupe. We’ve changed all the 818 models over to the new nose standard. All 818 models in production now and forward have this new nose design. The previous revision nose and headlight designs are still available for replacement parts or custom orders.

Check out the wind tunnel work we’ve recently completed with the new design. The team is proud of the continuing evolution of the newest Factory Five. The 818C gives builders another way to make their 818 meet multiple needs.  The car looks more aggressive, and is more aerodynamic than before.

We’ll have a new 818C and 818R at the 2015 SEMA Show next month in Las Vegas.

Dave Smith
President

DSC_7666
We tested a tremendous number of variables over the day and a half of windtunnel testing.

DSC_7692
We tested the latest configuration of the nose insert for downforce, drag, and airflow/cooling.

DSC_7705
Every run generated a full set of data points.

DSC_7772
We removed the hard top and tested the 818 in S-trim (roadster).

DSC_7796

DSC_7813
We also tested the 818R with the new nose and the latest configuration nose insert with canards, front splitter, and aperture variations.

DSC_7858

Wind-tunnel-frame
The outside of the windtunnel is almost as cool as the inside.

DSC_7682
818 designer Jim Schenck supervised all windtunnel testing.

Latest Factory Five News

Factory Fives Take 1st & 2nd at Chicago World of Wheels!

Factory Five customers Jason H. and Pat S. were awarded 1st and 2nd Place at the World of Wheels Chicago event this year! Jason shared the news on the Cobra Owners of Illinois (COIL) Facebook group page saying, “Great day for the club!” Jason was also presented another award in addition to earning 1st Place with his Mk4 Roadster. “So something crazy happened last night. I didn’t even go to the award ceremony because it’s really when you look around and think it’s not a competition with some of these other guys,” wrote Jason. “But last night they awarded me… Read More »

Read More

Chris H. Scores Top 3 Finish at Sick Week!

“A little over ten years ago I watched the Factory Five Racing delivery truck pull into my driveway. At that time I never would have imagined the impact a single car would have on my life” – Chris Hein. Chris Hein attended the 2026 Sick Week event, and earned a Top 3 finish with his storied Factory Five ’33 Hot Rod drag car! Chris’ Hot Rod is powered by a 388 twin turbo LS with a T-56 6-speed manual transmission. His best pass at Sick Week was a 8.58 with an average of 8.82 resulting in a third place finish… Read More »

Read More

2026 Kick-Off Sale!

2026 is off to a great start, and the team wants to keep the momentum going! They have put together a sale for all of our kits to help you build your car your way this year. Score a Free IRS Upgrade OR Save $2,026 Off Options on Mk5 Roadsters, Mk4 Roadsters, Type 65 Coupe, and ’33 Hot Rod To ensure your finest ride is possible, we are offering FREE IRS Upgrades (up to $3,199 in value). Our Independent Rear Suspension is the best suspension configuration Factory Five has to offer. This upgrade package includes: OR you can save $2,026… Read More »

Read More
Top