Engine
We opted for a Ford Racing crate motor that is ideally suited for a street rod. We could have gone with more horsepower but we were looking for a stout motor that would be in keeping with driving long distances on interstate highways. Dropped into the engine bay is a 4.6L-3V 350hp Mustang engine (M-6007-A463NA) that produces a very usable and driveable 350 hp at 6,200 rpm, 330 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm incorporated with a Mustang GT high-lift hot rod cam kit (M-6550-3V). Based on the Mustang engine it has an aluminum block and heads, composite intake manifold for light weight, and intake charge temperature reduction. Also supplied are a manual transmission engine harness and flywheel as well as a power steering pump and pulley, A/C delete, and accessory drive belt. This powerplant weighs in at a svelte 435 pounds dressed. You will have to supply a vehicle harnesses and PCM kit number (M-6017-463V).
Registration
Since hot rod registration is becoming more and more of an issue around the country it is comforting to note that FFR supplies you with a Certificate of Origin (COO or MSO). This is the titling document that records the manufacturer of the chassis/body. It is important that the information recorded on the front of the Certificate of Origin (owner's information) is correct and accurate. The COO also carries the FFR assigned identification number, which is stamped onto a support crossmember on the driver side of the car, under the dash, near the steering column. Most states still require a VIN to be assigned by either the DMV or the Highway Patrol. (We put this to good use as one day the local constable pulled us over and wanted to see our VIN and all paperwork. Keep your registration and insurance info handy!)
Putting It Through The Paces
Throughout my driving experience with the FFR '33 hot rod I found the car to be very even while negotiating the STREET RODDER 420-foot slalom course at speed. Many times a car will be considered "loose" in the rear, or have a "push" up front, making it difficult to steer the car through the cones. The FFR '33 hot rod was predictable and very responsive to my aggressive driving and the Ford Racing 4.6L-3V 350hp engine (M-6007-A463NA) felt smooth, not twitchy, throughout all rpm ranges.
Had this car been equipped with power steering, the driving experience would have been even better.
I personally liked the feel of the manual brake system as modulation was easy to monitor and tire lockup was easy to manage with no surprises during hard braking.
| FFR '33 Hot Rod Performance Data |
| Braking (in feet) |
| 60-to-0 | 124.49 feet |
| 30-to-0 | 30.86feet |
| Acceleration |
| 0-to-60 | 4.93 seconds |
| 420-foot Slalom | 5.69 sec = 51.0 mph |
| 200-foot Skidpad | 11.42 = 0.94 g's |
 At the Goodguys Columbus Nationals...  At the Goodguys Columbus Nationals our FFR '33 turned in a 31.91 second run for ninth overall fastest time. Second fastest was a FFR Cobra at 30.909 seconds, and top time was a 30.438. |  Special thanks to Street Rodder...  Special thanks to Street Rodder cameraman Randy Lorentzen who oftentimes found himself in precarious positions at unnerving times in order to get all the shots. |  Camaro Performers Editor Nick...  Camaro Performers Editor Nick Licata is also our test driver anytime we find ourselves pushing a hot rod to its limits. We're pretty sure that's water Nick "the Wheel" is drinking. |
 The steering column and wheel...  The steering column and wheel are part of the kit. In this build the shifter knob is a custom piece by Perewitz. |  The dash is home for Auto...  The dash is home for Auto Meter gauges and Kicker and Alpine stereo equipment. |  The vinyl covered buckets...  The vinyl covered buckets are also part of the kit as is the carpeting and door panels. The safety belts are Simpson five-point harness. |