HM2023 Build Thread

[Paul Proefrock]

After 8 years of tinkering with my GenI Hurricane, I decided to jump into the deep end again. Most are aware my obsession with being period correct. Build II plans are to carry this even further.

Sit down, get an adult beverage and some popcorn and watch the fun begin

This build will again be an FE, this time i've sourced an aluminum Shelby block for my base, TrickFlow heads and Borla EightStack fuel injection. Performance Electronics ECU system. I'm runnong a very similar system in my current car and very pleased with its performance and reliability

The running gear will be a TKO600 with the Libertys Gear's upgrade and the new Hurricane '15 IRS. 15" pin drive wheels

[s_reynolds]

Paul, can't wait. I have my adult beverage in hand. I'm sure it will be a first class build as usual.

Sam

[Paul Proefrock]

Loaded the majority of the components at Lake City on June 28th. 7hr ride home and begin unloading the next morning. Local club members gave a hand with the heavy stuff. Really surprised by the quality and 'heftiness' of Hurricane over Factory Five. These guys have unloaded a number of FF Mark IV and all commented on the weight and thickness of the various pieces.

[Paul Proefrock]

I recall building the body buck in April, 2007 (doesn't seem that long ago) and I also recall the joy I had when I tore it apart in 2010. I am so looking forward to doing this again, just not taking that long.

Used the plans from the website and all is still good. Glad this has helped other Hurricane builders. Hope more get involved in this process and we up the traffic on the forum

More to come

Paul

[Bob Worley]

Awesome!  How exciting.   Paul, you must have the most amazing wife, or most spoiled.  If I brought home a second cobra kit I'd be a dead man.  Not divorced - murdered.

Maybe one day i'll upgrade to the mustang IRS, then a T-56 six speed, then the 8-Stack EFI (I already have the return fuel line in place just in case).

And I have to also thank you for the body buck drawings. I've been using it more years than I care to admit.  AND I can't wait to tear it down and burn it.

Anyway, can't wait to follow your new build. 

[mandmGuys]

Very cool - can not wait.

[Paul Proefrock]

Been a busy couple weeks. I'm never happy to leave things well enough alone, so I immediately started into the mods I want on this build

First project was fitting the new aluminum tank into the frame/trunk tub. This tank is tapered on the rear to remove the big chunk of aluminum hanging down below the rear valance. I also relocated the inlet pipe to make it align with the filler better and be less intrusive into the trunk area - this required a little notching/rewelding of the rear frame

[Paul Proefrock]

Next mod was to rework the footboxes. Seems such a shame to cut up the quality fiberglass work that Hurricane does, but I wanted a more period correct look and more accurate location of the top of the boxes for clearances of the vents and wipers.

When the GenII cars were reworked, the top of the boxes was angled to make it look more correct, but in the process, they moved it up 2" closer to the fender. Gets pretty tight in there. I took 2" out of the top of the boxes (no overhead pedals, no need for the space)

It makes for a lot more user-friendly access to the #4 and #8 sparkplugs on an FE.

I plan to restore the white gel-coat for the top of the boxes and cover the vertical faces with heat shield. The face of the firewall will be covered with aluminum. I, fortunately have four original cars within 3 miles of me to check and copy.

The originals firewalls are angled at 15degrees, the Hurricane box is vertical. Still contemplating whether to incorporate this angle or not.

(that's a special valve cover I use to check oil flow on my engine. Allows me to run the motor with access to the valve train and not spray oil all over everything)

[s_reynolds]

Great work as usual Paul. You always seem to come up with interesting mods. Can't wait to see what's next.

Sam

[Bob Worley]

First project was fitting the new aluminum tank into the frame/trunk tub. This tank is tapered on the rear to remove the big chunk of aluminum hanging down below the rear valance. I also relocated the inlet pipe to make it align with the filler better and be less intrusive into the trunk area - this required a little notching/rewelding of the rear frame

Looks great, Paul.   Is this the tank supplied by Hurricane and did you have it modified?   

not to hijack your build thread, but here is what I did with my tank to hide it: 
http://worleyworld.com/cobra/fuel-tank-modifications

(my build site is still very raw and incomplete. I work on it when I can)

[Paul Proefrock]

. . . Is this the tank supplied by Hurricane and did you have it modified? . . .

Built the tank myself. filled the side areas where you moved the angles, filled the upper area of the trunk tub, tapered the rear section. Everything I could to pick up another couple ounces of fuel

[Bob Worley]

Paul, whats the latest?   We are anxious to see !

[Paul Proefrock]

Took a little sightseeing vacation (3756 miles-out for 18 days ) but back on the project

1) I have fitted my car with a soft top and plan to add it to my 2nd build. The GenII cars don't have the rear cowl loop and that is needed to mount the sockets for the soft top bows. So-o-o-o, Bend some tubing and weld in place. Looks rough now, but will be added to once the body is set in place.

2) Lowered the tops of the footboxes to match that of the originals.

3) The original firewall tilts forward 15degrees. This is probably nit-picking but I added foam wedges to the firewall and then glass it over. It will get covered with aluminum

The only drawback to all this - I sure hate bondo dust 

4) Fitting the cockpit tube and mod's required to clear the O2 sensors that mount in the collectors. Trying to figure out the best way to mount and seal the forward part of the tub to the sheetmetal footbox floors. Don't think the thin butt joint is going to keep much out. 

Planning out the necessary changes, but I think I have all the basics now. Time to scuff and clean the frame in anticipation of paint. Plan to use a black 2 part epoxy so it can be touched up later.

[Paul Proefrock]

Making progress - Body on for the first time to trim trunk and cockpit tubs and make necessary mods for firewall and hood support.

2nd shot shows mod'd firewall and footbox.

4th shot is some eye-candy for use a little further into the build.

[Russ Crouch]

Looking very nice Paul. That IRS is going to be sweet. I would like to hear that eight stack when you get the side oiler cranked up. Thanks for updating us on the build. Can't wait to se more.
Russ C.