Hello, first time posting. I have a Lone Star cobra.
Hey Kevin
Welcome!
I can't tell you specifics about Hurricane's IRS just yet. I'm switching mine from the 9" live axle to IRS and it's not installed yet. I do know that the 1002 car has IRS and an FE and has been raced w/o problem as far as I know. I believe it had comp tires when racing too. Mike would know for sure.
I've done a lot of research before switching mine to IRS. (IRS wasn't quite ready for sale when I bought my Hurricane)
I will be switching my differential to a 31 spline unit from a 2004 SVT Mustang and having special axles made for it but I'm doing it just for a bigger margin of strength and it allows me to go to an aluminum case. (Thank you Sergio for all your help!)
I'm not sure what differential Shelby uses now but I know Kirkham has their own if you opt for it. (Shelby may use the same one) They can also use a Jag diff, which are much cheaper but the weight on them seems really heavy to me. Super strong rear end for sure though!
Both (Shelby and Kirkham) use U-joints on the axles. Hurricane uses CV joints as does SPF and I know there are some of those with similar engines to yours. I have read of only one problem in an SPF and the fix recommended was to solid mount the differential. (no poly or rubber mounts)
Wish I could tell you more about handling, ride and long term use but I'm not that far along yet.
HTH
Larry
I would like the u-joint vs. the cv. I believe the joint is stronger because of it's size. Like you, I wanted to change to a IRS. I don't drag race it now and the IRS would make a better ride. I asked Lone Star about switching & they said the way the chassis is built, it may be very difficult.
Great idea on using the alum. pumpkin and going with larger axles. I installed 31 spline's for the amount of torque I have. It's a Currie locker, 331 gears.
I believe I heard that Shelby buys Kirkhams IRS, (and other parts) is it true ???
I'm just concerned about the shafts & joints holding up. Could you imagine breaking one at speed ! Ouch.....
I'm not sure about part's supply & cost for a Jag plus,.............just seems damn unAmerican !
Very nice.
That is really sweet! I'd hate to put a body on that, it would cover up everything!
I like U-joints also but the fab and set up for a one-of would be extreme. There are a couple shops doing custom IRS set ups using a Ford 9" as the center section. I'm not sure what style of axles or knuckles they use though but given enough money, I'm sure it could be built into an LS. I think Dutchman does custom IRS work but I don't know anything about cost. It would be beyond strong though! http://www.dutchmanms.com/
As far as my experience with Hurricane goes, I've found the body, frame and suspension to all be top notch. Extremely strong frame, very ridged. There are a few photo's in my gallery on CC but I have to admit that I haven't added any in quite a while. I'm currently working two jobs and building my garage in my spare time, so work on the car has stopped for the moment. I should be able to get back to it come spring when the garage is finished.
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=22982
Larry
Yes, it's so,oooo sweet. I've told everyone the same thing, "too pretty to cover it up" !
I talked to one owner and check this out. He said he has apx. the same 100k that is in most Kirkham's, and his car is fiberglass. 10k paint job and a SOHC engine. Now, he did say he's paying to get the car done for him but gee-williker man, 100k in a glass car ? Hum...
I also have heard about the pumpkin being a 9". But it's not center section I'm not worried about. A lot of Hot Rod guy's are using the Dutchman. What a work of art, the price reflects it too.
Your cobra is coming along & looks very nice so far. Just need time & $$$
You'll love having a Cobra my friend. It's a rush.
We race 360 winged sprint cars & of course, it's fast with 700 hp and weighing 1450 lbs but, there's just something about the cobra that really turns my crank !
Here's my FE.
My LSC
Wow, Kev.
Thanks cobra bro. ;D
Wow! Your car IS very nice!
I agree about the $100K... I'd rather have an aluminum car with that much invested! Or a GT40.
Larry
Thank you,
Yes, for that kind of money, it would have to be a metal body. I don't think he thought, he would have that much into it. Kind of sounded bummed.
I also like the GT40. I started researching the builders a couple of months ago. If..........I ever wanted to build one, it would be from "RCR", Race Car Replicas. What a outstanding car. If you haven't already, check out the web-site. But, I figure when all is said & done, I would have 70-80k in the car, Way too much for me. At first, I thought it may be apx. the same cost as a quality cobra, now I know.
I'm thinking too much about selling mine & building a Hurricane. This time, I would build it all myself, rather than buying a started kit. There's really nothing wrong with mine. It's that the Hurricane is closer to original, can use a IRS, I like the rear wheel well opening better and a few other details. Maybe I'm being silly ?
Any thoughts & opinions ???
I did like finishing mine so, a new kit would be fun.
Interior
Side View
Won Best "muscle car" and............. "fastest appearing vehicle" lol ! Never heard that before.
Building one yourself really IS the hobby IMO. My Hurricane is my second build, an FFR being the first. What led me to Hurricane was a more accurate body, which is what I was really after. Trying to make it as close to original as I can get is really a lot of fun.
You have a nice car now but if you're thinking of building one from the beginning, Hurricane is a great choice.
Larry
Hello Larry,
I agree, I love to build also. We race sprint cars & I think I like the tinkering & maintenance as much as racing.
What are the main differences between your FFR & the Hurricane that you like it better, besides the body ?
I'm surprised by the cost, for the quality. Good deal.
Anything you would change or do differently with the kit ect...?
Do you have the IRS ?
What is the reason they don't use the 4" round tubes in the frame, like the originals ?
Thanks,
Kevin
Not sure whay they don't use round tubes. More expensive would be my first guess.
The FFR is a good car but when you really get into looking at the differences, the more you see. I wanted stuff like rolled cockpit edges, exposed rollbar (within the cockpit), accurate demensions, etc. so long as the frame can do what I want it to, round or square tube really didn't matter to me much. You know what's funny though, the Hurricane front suspension and X brace is more original in appearence than the FFR and it's the most visible part of the frame when the hoods open!
Plus, ERA makes the finest glass replica there is (My opnion of course) and if square tube is OK with ERA, it's OK for my Hurricane too! (BTW, the two frames are very similar)
I think the FFR is a well built and thought out car but not accurate. So it really boils down to what's important to you.
Oh yeah, I ordered mine with the live axle as IRS wasn't ready for sale at the time. I'm now switching it to IRS but I would have ordered it from the beginning for sure.
Larry