I am getting ready to order my Hurricane (if all goes well).
I have some questions about design.
Dave, congrats on picking HM for your kit. I know you won't be disappointed.
As far as prices for already completed cars, you're right that they are all over the lot. Continuation CSX's, Kirkham's, ERA's and Superformance cobra's all seem to be on the higher priced end with some of the "loosely based on a cobra" kits (i.e., longer wheel bases or otherwise not very authentic looking) at the lower end. Alot of the difference in selling prices also has to do with how you equip your car (engine, wheels, tranny, etc.) and whether it is new or a donor build. I would say that Hurricanes would stack up somewhere north of the middle, maybe a little below ERA or Superformance - but that's just a guess. In my opinion, FFR's tend to be priced lower for several reasons.
As far as the aircleaner, I don't think you'll be able to fit the oval Cobra style. There have been many posts on the "dark side" about clearance issues with this type of aircleaner, at least on 351w's anyway.
I like ceramic coated as they are much cooler and won't discolor like chrome will.
You can do the POR 15 yourself or have HM do it. I will say that HM doesn't manicure the frame before coating it, so you can expect a few rough welds and some weld splatter. Another owner stripped the frame, ground everything down and then coated it himself. I had HM coat mine and I'm fine with it.
I'm with you on the build experience. Although I'm anxious to get mine on the road, I'm enjoying the build and will be sorry in a way when I'm done . . .although, are you ever really done?
Good luck
Matt
Thanks, I appreciate the input.
Yeah, I hear regularly that one is never done with a build. ;D
I hope to get access to the "dark side" once I place my order.
Have not seen anything about clearance issues with a 351W on any model (including HM), but will certainly keep that in mind.
Your input has helped me with some of my decisions.
Would love to see an HM in person but the closest, according to The Cassidy HM Registry, is in Vienna, VA, I am in Monrovia, MD. I think it is HM1010, but I am not sure how to contact the owner to see if I can get a look at it.
Thanks again!
Dave
QuoteI have some questions about design.
Personally, I wouldn't build a car with the intent of selling it to make a profit, the simple reason being coming out ahead ($$) is very difficult. Generally speaking, you won't get the money out of it that you put in. Some of the cars from the high end manufacturers tend to go for more because of their reputation for high quality. Cars built by a professional shop with good reputation with also go for more. I agree Hurricane makes a nice product at a competitive price (I'm an owner) but they're still relatively new on the scene, and aren't talked about in the same breath Kirkham's, ERA's, Superformance, etc. While a home built Hurricane can be a very nice car, turning a profit is far from a sure thing, even if you don't include your own time in the equation. Same goes for FFR, and most other cars. Take a look at eBay, there are always a number of good cars up for sale, many of which being sold with reserves below what it would take to build new. My two cents...
Other things to consider to keep the value higher, stick with standard paint colors and stripes or model one after an authentic period racer. Stick with Ford front to rear. Don't gussy up the interior, keep it close to the orginal appearance and take alook at ClubCobra's orginality forum threads. If you aren't selling and instead building for the fun of it like most of us, do what floats your boat and enjoy the build and the car. Having fun is the reason most of us are here.
The selling price is set by the market. Look at the recent Barrett-Jackson auto auction and you will see this in spades. Shelby's "Super Snake" sold for over $5M. A FFR roadster sold for $75,000. Many of the cars you see in the internet are in the $25K to $50K range. An old timer who has been in this game a while told me to keep the replicars as close to the original as possible for top price. That includes interior, exterior and color, and engine & transmission combination. The 427FE, top loader transmission and all the components that Hurricane provides, plus good workmanship, will get you top dollar.
Yeah I have watched Barrett-Jackson and have seen some seriously HUGE prices go out for various cars.
I am just hoping to at least make back my investment as i enjoy building them. And I want to live after the wife hears both numbers (paid and sold).
I know I will go with an EFI system but i am not sure about spending $5K for a stack system although I LOVE the look.
Thanks to everyone for their input and wish me luck!
Dave
You could use Webers for a little under $3000. Still expensive but cheaper than stacked FI.
Larry
My experience on resale pricing is the closer the car comes to original configuration, the higher the price becomes. Conversely, the more it mimics a home-built kit, the lower the price.
There is a company that makes an EFI conversion for the FE motor. Looks like a carbureted setup with injectors in each runner. If you are insistent on fuel injection, you might take a look at this.
Weber's are great, and really raise the value of the car. But also raise the maintenance factor considerably.
my 2c
Paul
That's cool, can you tell me the name of the company with the FE conversion?
I am using a 351W for a motor with a Trmemc TKO600 tranny.
I was going to mod the cockpit a bit, but from what I have seen in the forums, the closer to stock (i.e. toggle switches instead of led rocker switches) will increase the value of the car. Weird, but ok.
The interior will look pretty much stock the engine will be the only thing different and I think the stack system will be appealing but am always willing to look at other options.
Dave