I just so happen to have an inside perspective on this subject, so I decided to discuss. Also, SEMA updates and things inside.

 

Interesting video and perspective you provided. Thanks for posting it.

 

I'm really curious about that new Factory Five car. Sounds like it could be a winner if they execute it right.

 

Lol @ the comment about still watching.

You had a more intimate experience with the GTM than most. I looked into them quite deeply at one point, but I never built one. Having looked at a few I figured it would either take closer to 80k to make it "right" as a street car, or perhaps it could be a fun track beater for less effort. I walked away feeling it was a bit incomplete. More of a "make your own adventure" kind of car.

I fully agree with your commentary on the C8 body being somewhat simple. The redesign itself is a sexy thing, and the car is attractive, but not hot like it could have been. In that regard it strikes me like a base C6 with muted lines which will require the flair of a Z06 body kit to bring it to life.

I am calmly awaiting the release of the AWD TT version. The race will be between Tadge and the aftermarket.

 

Yeah. Factory Five has come a LONG way. I chilled with Dave and Jim back in 2010, up at Factory Five for a day, in the midst of when we were looking to do a purchase of a large number of kits. Just seeing the evolution of what they have happening between then and now...I think Factory Five could really be coming into their own. If this car happens to use C5 components...this could get very interesting.

Only small issue with FFR that has gotten them in the past, comes down to the mold simplicity. The 818 design...they ran a huge contest and had some amazing entries for design from pro designers...somehow they pumped out one of the ugliest cars ever though, after all the competition...namely because of body/mold cost. If they can avoid this massive pitfall, I have no doubt the underpinnings will be solid.

Man, let me tell ya...those cars were HARD to work with if you really wanted to make it proper. I often called the GTM an 80% kit...because it was about 80% what it needed to be, in order to really give you something you could truly just build and go. That last 20 percent would cost you another 40k to make right. Windows sealed poorly, MEGA hot inside, wheelbase was different from side to side, couldn't get more than maybe 2 degrees of caster, some pretty shoddy glass (delaminated from day 1)...I could go on and on. That being said though, 20k for what you got was damn impressive.

The GTM is definitely the most complex and pain in the *** car they provide...and end of day it was a HALO type deal for them. I recall Dave telling me...they had gotten to a point in development where they just said...we either have to just sell it as is, or scrap it. A few guys I know have made some really nice ones...and if you're very capable, you can definitely make it happen. So many guys that never finished, or jumped ship, or spent double what the car was worth. I met a lot of them. Had a lot of guys wanting to send me theirs to finish, etc.

 

Thanks for posting. Very interesting, I have since subscribed to his yet channel. Looking forward to seeing what Factory Five comes up with.

 

A lot of cool information in that video, thanks.....

 

Change of platform but curious about one of the other FF "kits". Do you have any insight that you might be willing and able to share about that Barret Jackson truck kit they have? That looks like it could be a pretty cool hot rod truck...I like the idea of and LS1 or LS6 powering one.

 

Thanks for posting that. Something you brought up. Anyone know how the C8 is for belt management?