[Tallguy]

Business had me in Philadelphia last week, so I extended the trip and drove to ERA and Factory Five for a tour. Had a great time and learned a lot.

I was very fortunate, as there was a completed 427 ERA (solid gray with black side pipes and a chrome roll bar) that was set up for a guy who they said was 6'5 or 6'6. I actually "fit" in this car. The pedals had been set forward, the steering column higher with a 14" wheel, and it had standard seats on tracks. It was tight in the footbox with my normal shoes, but in socks, I could work the pedals fine. My leg was fully extended pushing the clutch, and my knees did not touch the dash. My head was 3"+ over the rollbar, but I could easily gain this by removing the seat tracks, seat padding, and/or making the roll bar a little taller.

Widening the footbox looked impossible with an FE, as clearances were very tight.

As for FFR, they just had standard cars, so really did not fit at all, but I have seen several mods that make the FFR very comfortable for a tall person.

I was impressed by both facilities, for different reasons. ERA for the small scale, but obvious attention to detail, and FRR for their high production (20+ cars/week) and automated processes. Two different strategies, manufacturing a car that on the surface are very similar.

I am still undecided on kit choice, but each day I get closer....

Mark