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This chapter deals with the Mustang parts needed in addition to our kit. Many people choose to use
parts from a single Mustang donor. If you are not going to use a donor car but choose to acquire parts
separately, this section may still be useful. The complete list of parts required to build the FFR Coupe is
included in the Appendix of this manual. For specifications on the different year cars, check out the
“Mustang Specifications” Appendix.
The 5.0L Mustang
In 1987, the 5.0L Mustang started a modern muscle-car revolution. For slightly more than $10,000 the
average Joe could pick up a brand new 225 hp car that weighed in just over 3000 lbs. (in LX trim).
Since its introduction, virtually every enthusiast magazine has hailed the 5.0L Mustang as the best speed
bargain of the decade. It had performance numbers of six seconds 0-60 and a quarter mile time in the
14’s right off the showroom floor. This factory hot rod came with stainless tubular headers, a five speed
transmission, a big 8.8 inch ring and pinion, limited slip rear end, 11” front disc brakes and much more...
all standard! The 5.0L Mustang literally created a multi-billion dollar aftermarket in less than five years
because of the great bang for the buck that Ford was providing. From racetracks and drag strips all
across the country to street racers in every town, the 5.0L Mustang has earned a faithful following for
its high performance, reliability, and affordability. Many who have owned or driven 5.0L Mustang’s
feel that the car is the rightful heir to the legacy of the original high performance 289 Mustangs of the
60’s.
We saw the Mustang as more than just the functionally perfect donor car. It is truly the spiritual
successor to the factory muscle Fords of the 60’s. The 289 block that beat Ferrari in 1965 still beats
strong in each donor built Factory Five Coupe. The lightweight small block with Electronic fuel
injection is one of the keys to our well-balanced replica. Our design bridges the gap between yesterday
and today. Our kit delivers the precise handling of a racecar along with the mechanical reliability of a
modern Mustang without compromising vintage period authentic looks.
We have found that the best balanced fun street cars have 300 to 350 horsepower. To do this with a
5.0L means upgrading the following parts: heads/cam/intake/mass air/fuel injectors. The ultimate
decision is the builder’s preference.
Not using a donor
Many people will build this car without using a Mustang donor car. That is, they will want to use a
combination of new and used parts from a variety of sources. Use your best judgment when buying new
parts. Some of these parts, such as the pedal box and upper steering shaft do not get a lot of wear and
are quite expensive when purchased new. These can be easily sourced from a salvage yard. An
alternative would be the Factory Five Complete Coupe kit in which you are provided with all new parts
except for Engine, Trans., wheels, tires, paint and fuel pump. Check out details on the website.
Read the appendix carefully to determine what you’ll need to get.
Read the Performance parts section for ideas and places to get parts.