289 USRRC Roadster Replica

50 Year Anniversary of the 289 USRRC Legend

This is a fun project to announce.  We’ve had reasons to build this car for more than 10 years, and with the 50th anniversary (1964-2014) of the original 289-powered USRRC racer, I finally decided to commit the resources to design and launch a truly period-correct version.  There were significant variations of bodies, body shapes, fender flares, etc. on vintage USRRC racers.  The car we picked to replicate is one of the most famous vintage racers of all time, CSX 2260 #14 piloted by Dave MacDonald, Jo Schelesser, Phil Hill, Innes Irland, and Maston Gregory, and has the nicest fender flares and stance.

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We’ve built more 427 replicas than any one.  The USRRC replica joins its big brother, the Mk4, in the Factory Five line-up.

The differences between the two cars are individually subtle, but in aggregate those small differences add up to a very different type of car.  The USRRC model is smaller, more precise, and a gentleman’s racer.  It is the saber to the Mk4’s broadsword.  For sure, the USRRC replica appeals to a smaller group than the best-selling Mk4, and the business reasons to build a similar two-seater, high horsepower C-car replica are few.  However, in addition to the fact that we all WANTED to build the car, as the leader in the replica industry I felt we needed to lead in every category.

I’m proud to introduce you to the newest addition to the Factory Five line-up, the Factory Five 289 USRRC Replica.  As of Thursday, June 12, 2014, the car has entered production and joins the other great Factory Five cars.

Dave Smith
President

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Click here to view a full photo gallery of images of the 289 USRRC Roadster.

 

Highlights: 289 USRRC Replica

The 289 USRRC Roadster kit is similar to the Mk4 427 Roadster complete kit with some notable differences which are highlighted below.

 

1:  Period-correct USRRC Body with Panels

The new Factory Five 289 begins with an all-new period-correct composite body and panels.  We took painstaking effort to ensure that this was an absolutely dimensionally correct USRRC shape.  The body shape is narrower and includes more pronounced fender flares, cool side-cut doors, 289 radiator opening and oil cooler opening, and two trunks.  The trunk is available in two forms. The FIA-version has squared-off luggage protrusions and the USRRC trunk is the rounded shape.

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2:  289 USRRC Interior

At the time, the racing governing body of Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) rules required a passenger seat, and the USRRC kit includes a period-correct driver and passenger seat. The shifter is vertical just like the original car, and the dash is pre-cut in the correct vintage layout. The Factory Five vintage gauges come standard and are very similar to the original Stewart Warner gauges that many people may choose to use.  If customer uses Stewart Warner gauges, a credit can be given for the unused Factory Five Vintage Gauges.

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Kit includes period-correct seats.

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Dash layout is period-correct with vintage shifter.  Stewart Warner gauges shown.

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Roll bar with forward canted petty bar is standard and functional.  The demo car shown has a  passenger street seat as in the original car.

 

3:  289 USRRC Exterior

Walking up to the 289 Roadster, you will notice immediate exterior cues that make this car a period-correct replica and different from the Mk4.  The roll bar is identical to the original with a forward canted petty bar.  The center gas cap rises through the body in the same manner and location as the original.  Mirrors are correct spun aluminum Raydots.  The side exhausts are accurate single 3″ units that run below the body and slightly inboard. The body has a smaller and more delicate hood scoop with proper metal mesh grill.  The nose opening for the radiator and the lower opening for the oil cooler are the correct shape and angle.    The trunk includes protrusions for the luggage accommodation and bungee cord mounts below and/or a rounded version.  The rear tail lights are period-correct rectangular units and are DOT approved.

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Center gas cap is a distinguishing characteristic of the 289 USRRC design.

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Original specification Raydot mirrors are included.

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Original specification side exhaust is a single tube 3″ with integral glass-pack muffler mounted in the correct position below the body.

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Laser cut metal mesh in the hood scoop opening matches the original car.

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The hood scoop itself is smaller with a radiused leading edge and matches the original car.

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The nose opening of the USRRC model is very different from the Mk4.

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Just like the rest of the 289 body, period-correct details are everywhere.  The trunk has accurate “suitcase” dimples, bungee cord mounts, and bungee cord.  The rectangular tail lights finish off the period correct tail section.

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Left: CSX 2259 (Photograph copyright conceptcarz.com)  Right: Factory Five 289 USRRC

4:  289 USRRC Wheelbase, Track, and Wheels

The 289 USRRC Roadster has the correct wheelbase and track.  The front is narrower than the 427 and accommodates vintage Halibrand style rims all-around.  The wheel sizes are period-correct 7.5″ front and 8.5″ rear.

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Authentic pin drive rims are available as an option and fit excellently with the accurate USRRC wheelbase and track.

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Rims come in 9.5″ rear and 7.5″ front.

 

5:  289 USRRC Chassis/Aluminum, Running Gear, and Suspension

The 289 USRRC Roadster utilizes the latest Mk4 chassis which means that the 3-link and IRS options are available as are all Mk4 shock and suspension options.

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What You Get with Your 289 USRRC Roadster

The 289 USRRC Roadster Complete kit gives you everything you need to build your car, in one big package. The only things you’ll need are the engine/transmission/rear end, wheels/tires, and a paint job.

When we say everything, we mean it. We include things like hood hinges and a complete custom chassis wiring harness. We also make it easy for you to use the engine of your choice with a variety of available headers and engine/transmission mount assemblies.

Here’s a list of what comes standard in the Mk4 Complete Kit.

Frame:
Complete jig-welded original style 4” round tube frame. Includes all mounts ready to accept small block Ford 289 and 302 engines.
• Includes three point roll bar with forward reaching petty bar, powder coated gloss black
• Chassis powdercoating optional

Body:
All-new 289 USRRC hand laid 3/16” laminate composite body and panels made with vinylester resin.
• Period-correct back-cut driver & passenger doors w/molded door liners & integral steel door frames
• Hood with hood liner, & period-correct integral “smaller” hood scoop
• Trunk with molded trunk liner & mount face for license plate light.  Available with luggage bumps or USRRC smooth shape.
• Includes secondary body fasteners.
• Adhesive backed & foam weatherstrip
• C-channel door edge trim & fasteners
• Plastic end caps & body fasteners
• Trunk & engine bay seal, push on rubber bulb seal
• Rubber hood & trunk bumpers
• Includes multi-adjustable door hinges with bronze bushings and fasteners
• Includes adjustable hidden trunk hinge kit, hinge mount plates and fasteners
• Includes hood hinge kit with hydraulic piston supports and fasteners
• Original quick-jack comp bumpers with stainless steel sleeves and fasteners.

Chassis Aluminum Panels:
Includes over 40 laser cut, pre-formed 6061-T6 aluminum panels for cock pit, trunk, and engine bay.
• 1200 pre-packaged rivets. 1/8” & 3/16” short and long
• Complete cockpit aluminum with optional block-off plates and covers
• Engine bay aluminum assembly with aluminum nose sections and splash guards

Complete Front Suspension:
Unequal length a-arm control arms with coil-over shock suspension. Comes complete with all components and fasteners.
• Koni brand high performance mono-tube, rod-end shock absorbers
• Coil-over kit for Koni dampers including spring hat, threaded seat and 500 lb. black powdercoated springs
• Adjustable upper control arms with ball joints and fasteners
• Lower tubular control arms with ball joints and fasteners

Rear Suspension:
• FFR Deluxe 3-Link suspension kit with rear-end brackets, upper link kit, and fasteners, including panhard bar kit with rod-ends & grade 8 fasteners
• Koni brand high performance mono-tube, rod-end shock absorbers
• Coil-over kit for Koni dampers including spring hat, threaded seat and 350 lb. black powdercoated springs
• Factory Five tubular rear lower control arms with polyurethane bushings and fasteners

Brake Kit:
• S/N 95 style spindles with integral upper ball joint mount and fasteners
• Front hubs, fasteners and dust covers
• Front Brakes, Ford Mustang GT 11” front rotors with twin piston PBR aluminum calipers, brake pads & fasteners
• Master cylinders (listed in pedal box assembly), stainless braided brake lines front with mount clips, banjo bolts and brake line mounting fasteners
• Pre-flared 3/16” brake line and brake line T-adapter
• Emergency brake handle, and fasteners

Complete Steering System:
Complete steering system using 15:1 manual rack from tie rod ends and fasteners to vintage steering wheel and badges. Collapsible design.
• 15:1 Manual steering rack with inner and outer tie rod ends and fasteners
• Polyurethane steering rack bushings and fasteners
• Rack shaft adapter 9/16-26 spline
• Nickel plated lower steering shaft (fully welded u-joints)
• Collapsible upper steering shaft, with friction washers
• 14” Vintage wood and aluminum steering wheel with boss and FFR center section & fasteners
• Steering bearings and hardware, including flange bearing, pillow block bearing and fasteners

Complete Fuel System/Parts:
Based on OEM style fuel tank and system, this assembly provides everything from the gas cap to the lines, and is designed to work with carburetors or FI systems.
• OEM style fuel tank with mounting straps and hardware, vents, gaskets, pick-up and fuel level sending unit
• Fuel lines, connectors, and filler neck
• Pre-flared fuel lines (1/4” and 5/16”) with unions, barbs, hose clamps and high press flex lines and fasteners
• Aston LeMans style polished aluminum fuel cap with integral pressure cap, gaskets, ground strap, fuel hose to tank with fasteners
• 3/8” line, fuel filter, and connectors

Complete Cooling System/Parts:
Electric cooling fan and mounting hardware, radiator hoses, and fasteners.
• Electric cooling fan and mounting kit
• Twin-core aluminum radiator with cap and in-line filler neck
• Radiator mount kit and fasteners
• Stainless Steel radiator hose kit incl. adapter kit, fasteners and hose
• Stainless overflow tank with cap, hoses, hose clamps and mounting hardware
• 185 degree thermostat switch & wiring

Engine Accessories/Side Exhaust:
The 289 complete kit is configured to accommodate the 289 or 302 engines. Kit comes with alternate drive pulley assembly, oil filter relocate kit, and exhaust assembly to adapt Mustang engine and headers to vintage single tube side exit exhausts.
• Single pipe side exhaust, bare steel with rubber hanger brackets, gaskets and fasteners
• ‘87-’93 straight pipes
• J-Pipe header-to-side exhaust adapter, optional catalytic converter replaces this part.
• Oil filter relocate mount with fittings, hoses, barbs and fasteners
• Spin-on engine block adapter
• Alternate drive pulley, spacer, pulley wheel and fasteners
• SB Performance air filter, conical
• A/C replacement pulley kit and custom length fan belt with fasteners.
• Accelerator cable assembly: Includes the cable, return spring and retainer
• Optional catalytic converters for:
• ‘87-’93 302
• Driveshaft: Select from one of two available driveshafts with fasteners to match the engine/trans of your choice. Select one of the following:
• 28 spline 10.375” driveshaft for T-5 or Tremec 3550
• 31 spline 10.375” driveshaft for Tremec TKO 500 or 600

Gauges, Dash, & Electrical Assembly:
End those wiring harness woes. Integrated harness and electronic gauges are just the start of this massive assembly. Choose either vintage/replica or modern/performance gauges to complement an authentic street style dash. Complete assembly comes with covered aluminum dash, dash buttons, toggles and indicator lights, switches, and horn.
• 289 pre-cut aluminum dashboard with fasteners
• Black vinyl dash cover
• Custom fit chassis wiring harness
• Ignition switch with FFR keys, headlight switch, 3-position turn signal switch, starter solenoid, and horns.
• Red, green, and blue dash indicator lights
• Wiring harness mounting kit and hardware incl. Fuse panel mount
• Insulated line clip hardware & fasteners
• Cable ties, wire loom & flex grommeting
• On/Off switch, horn button, flasher and all connectors
• Battery ground strap
• Battery Mounting Kit: Trunk mount battery hardware, cables and hold-downs with fasteners.
• Speedometer sending unit, fasteners, and 3.55 speedometer gear
• Complete set of 7 vintage electronic gauges, with connectors, terminals and installation kit. Includes the following gauges:
– Speedometer (programmable)
– Tachometer
– Oil Pressure Gauge
– Water Temperature Gauge
– Fuel Level Gauge
– Voltmeter
– Oil Temperature Gauge

Complete Interior Accessories:
The 289 USRRC complete kit comes with all the interior accessories you need. Authentic style seats, door latches, toggles, rear view mirror, and more complement the dash and gauges assembly for a full interior that is period correct. Check out this full list of standard parts and assemblies.
• Vintage metal race seats, black vinyl with fasteners
• 5-point Simpson Brand harnesses. 3” wide driver and passenger, frame mounted with fasteners
• Complete cockpit carpet set, black all-weather
• Emergency brake boot, black vinyl
• Authentic interior rear view mirror with fasteners
• Original style door latches, fasteners and leather check straps
• Authentic chromed shifter handle, shift knob, boot, polished ring and fasteners
• Authentic 14” wood and aluminum steering wheel (listed in steering assembly), with polished aluminum boss and center badge

Exterior Accessories and Lighting:
Along with the goodies on the inside of the car, the MK4 complete kit is loaded with the right parts on the outside.
• Authentic Chrome-on-Brass vintage windscreen, tinted with side bars and fasteners. DOT safety glass compliant
• Authentic style three-lock set including T-trunk handle, L-shaped hood handles, matching keys, cam wedges, fasteners, latch pin sleeves and plastic end cap
• Authentic license plate light and bracket with fasteners
• Authentic style 3.5” Aston roller gas cap, polished cast aluminum with adaptor kit and all fasteners
• High quality laser-cut aluminum side louvers
• Ceramic FFR badging nose and tail
• Original style headlamp assemblies, including buckets, halogen headlamps, trim rings, and fasteners
• Original style British front amber turn signals, and rectangular rear tail-lights
• All lighting is DOT approved
• Authentic Raydot style sideview mirror

Complete Pedal Box and Components:
Leaving the Mustang pedal box behind, the complete MK4 kit utilizes the proven Wilwood brand pedal box with fasteners and all the required ancillary parts.
• Wilwood pedal box with adjustable pedals and mounting hardware
• Master cylinders, clutch quadrant, clutch cable, threaded firewall adjuster
• Accelerator pedal, accelerator cable, return spring and ball stud retainer, with fasteners
• Brake line adapters and T-fittings

Oil Filter Relocater/Alternate Drive Pulley Assemblies:
An oil filter relocation kit comes with all hoses and hardware. Other parts to help 302 EFI and Mustang engine users include:
• Oil filter relocation mount with fittings, hoses, barbs and fasteners
• Spin-on engine block adapter
• Alternate drive pulley, spacer, pulley wheel and fasteners
• Air filter, conical
• Fan belt, six rib

Fasteners:
Over 1,500 top quality zinc plated, chrome and stainless steel USS and SAE fasteners, numbered and packed individually by assembly.

MK4 Roadster Complete Kit Assembly Manual:
Bound 400+ page assembly manual.

Note: The assembly manual is a great tool to plan your build.  Click here to order either a printed or digital copy of the Mk4 Roadster Complete Kit manual.

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What You Need with Your 289 USRRC Roadster

Engine/Transmission/Rear End with Rear Brakes
Wheels and Tires
Paint
Fuel pump

Click here to place your order online.

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