Newbie with a few questions

[cobrachris]

Hello! I just recently found out about hurricane motorsports through a post over on the FFR forum.  I am really surprised at how nice the kit is and that i had not heard of them before.  After comparing the two i have a few questions. I have seen several FFRs up close, but i have only seen pictures of the hurricane.
To me the hurricane has a much nicer body, hands down. The correct rear, rolled edges, and higher quality fiberglass with less seams is very nice. However, i have noticed that the two look very similiar in the way they mount to the frame.  It almost looks as if you could put the hurricane body on a FFR chassis.
Ok, so i guess my first question is this: In some pictures the hurricane kits appear to be sitting pretty high off the ground. I understand that you can adjust ride heigth, but what is generally the most common distance from ground to bottom of frame. I like the wheels tucked just barely into the wheel well-not exposed completely.

2.  Can you adjust the angle of the windshield. I prefer the windshield to be a bit more angled back, but just a bit.

3.  How are the brakes on these cars?  I see a lot of people complaining about brakes on the FFR site and many are adding power boosters and hydroboost to resolve the problem.  Apparently, just shortening the pedal isnt cutting it, no pun intended, even with the 13" rotors and PBR Cobra calipers(seams odd that such a light car cant stop well with such good brakes).  However, once they add powerbrakes to their cars they stop really well, or so they say.  Anyway, I am curious how the basic brake package from hurricane works. Is it effective or does it leave you wishing for a bit more stopping power.

4.  I am not a big fiberglass tub fan, but i know that there are ways to make it look nice when under the car. With that said, how does the tub attach to the frame and how does it seal up against the body?

5.  Is the hardware with this kit accurate? In other words, are the bolts actually the correct length. I see FFR owners complaining about how their kits come with hardware that isnt necessarily the correct length or size and grade.

I am sure i will have a million more questions as the time comes closer to make my final decision, but as of right now i like the simplicity of the hurricane kit.  Judging by the build pictures on this forum there is a lot less fabrication and drilling. From what i can tell, everything looks pretty straight forward to put together.

[berzerko]

I also started by looking at the ffr (Iwent to the factory)But stumbled on to hms
The hurricane is is really a very well put together package I also was initally hung up on the glass tub and square frame but looking into most other mfg. with the exception of I think kirkham,ffr,shelby continuation all have square tube and at least some glass in the tub

The kit goes together very well I'm personally about 4 months in and about 8 hrs away from go-carting with a total build time so-far of about 60-70 hrs



Bobby

[cobrachris]

WOW, that's fast!  I understand that it takes about 250-500 to complete an FFR. I've done a lot of work on sixties muscle cars and i am very handy at rebuilding and even reconditioning part, but there is only so much time in the day for that and it does get old after a while. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so when i recondition parts it takes a very long time.
ON another note,  I like the factory five frame and i like the way they sit low to the ground, but a frame is only really going to be seen in the engine compartment. I dont plan on putting mirrors under the car at shows or anything.

So, how do these guys handle.  I've been in an FFR and they take the turns impressively well( the one i was in had 4 wheel coil overs and the three link upgrade), but they are very low to the ground. The hurricane looks like it sits pretty high-does that affect handling.
thanks!!!

[LMH]

All of the nuts/bolts/washers are grade 8.
The windshield angle could be set with more rake if you wanted. It's the first thing to do when the build starts.
The best way to make the brakes work on an FFR would be to use a master cylinder not designed for power brakes. There is a vender making a Wilwood master cylinder/pedal kit for FFR that is very nice and gives you the same basic set up that Hurricane already comes with. IMO, that's the way to make the brakes work.
The tub rivets and bolts on to the frame. I added sealant to the joint to make it water tight and I added more rivets than the manual called for. My tub is also coated with Herculiner on the bottom and fender wells. Some builders are bolting the body on and glassing it to the frame/tub. It isn't removable then but it makes everything real tight and solid. Others don't.
As far as ride height, Ken has HM1001 set fairly low and I think it looks good.
Good luck with your research!
Larry

[cobrachris]

Thanks!!! Yes, that is the look that i am aiming for. Iv'e noticed that some of the original cobras sit pretty high as well.
So, do the brakes work well on the hurricanes?  not to keep mentioning FFR, but i hear that even the people that use the older style jeep master cylinders dont have the braking power they want.
Timewise, this looks like the kit to go with.  The body is clean enough that i can do my own bodywork and then get somebody to spray it, which will save a bundle as well.  
I am going to guess that the average for completing one of these cars, with some of the favorable options, is going to be around 30,000 with a small block and a nice transmission.

[cobraspit]

i keep reading every one is all tossed up,
my GUT told me put my money where it would matter most i know i did the right decision.
use the Force, and you can not go wrong with this kit it has been a blessing for my son and i.
the People here helped make my mind up  they are nothing like the other side.
all the talk has started from the other side, and that is why i have commited on every aspect of these posts.HURRICANE MOTORSPORTS has only made this vehicle better by the months since ive looked into their company, our purchases and orders and postings, we are togeather in building one of the Finest Cobra replicas on earth they (HMS) listens to all their customers we want it sound ,we want it right, but all and all it is FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
choose what you will ,but feel what is right, this company offers the most and it is not the least.
It's Hurricane and it's coming down on you!
COBRASPIT
The Legend, the venomus flem.
words are truly power, actions are truly noted, so truly hug your kids today those words  so I live.
for tomorrow may not be here for you.

[cobrachris]

Would anybody like to sell me their old build manual. I would really like to look over one before my final decision.
Also, can anybody comment on the brakes. Are they good, bad, ok, room for improvement and if so, what are my options?  I know the wildwood upgrade kit is available, but i would probably only be interested in doing the caliper upgrade.

Thanks!!!!

[jwd]

Chris

Unless you plan on auto-crossing your car, the stock brakes are more than enough. After all, we're talking a 2400 lb. car with 4 wheel disc brakes. Mine stops like you dropped an anchor.

Jim

[Eric]

Chris,

Call or email Rich or Mike at HMS.  They'll sell you a copy of the current build manual if you want one.  There have been lots of changes/improvements to the cars since HM1001 shipped, so you'll want to see the current manual.

Cheers,

Eric

[HAVASUBILL]

Chris,  I can give you my 2-cents regarding Huuricane.

It's taken me about six months to complete, but I'm an old retired guy.  My friend has FFR and it took him six month to build..he's also retired so that may give you a good reference point as far as build time.  

The Hurricane has numerous attributes, one of which (to me) is the fiberglass cockpit tube.  I wanted something that will keep out water and prevent against debris from the road ever coming through the bottom of the car.  I liked the steel foot boxes (lowered footboxes),  much more leg and foot room that others don't have.  I also liked the ford 9" rearend for strenght with my FE motor.  The brakes that come stock have worked great so far, so this is not an issues unless you just want to upgrade them.
Another and one of the very best attributes is that the kit is very complete with high quality materials and the factory service is over the top.

The entire package was the right one for me and I'm very satisfied with my car.  

Anyway, Best of luck with your plans.   Just remember most all the replicas are good.

Bill  

[syrupmaker]

Ive also been following Cobrachris' thread as I also have alot to learn about HMS.Ive heard there are some clearance issues with the FEs in the Hurricane with the headers hitting the foot boxes.Just a rumor I heard,can some of you big block guys chime in ?maybe it was an early model and has been corrected as I can see the guys at HMS seem to be improving their car all the time.HMS from what I can tell seem to be commited to building a quality product and I like the looks of everything.Ive checked out several build sites and they look as good as anything Ive seen on the market.You guys should all be proud

[Chris Doss]

There are many of us with Southern Automotive FE engines.  There hasn't been a problem to my knowledge with the header clearance.  When you order the car, you specify which engine you will use and your car is custom made for that engine.  If you have clearance questions, a call to Mike or Rich will set you straight.

Regards,
Chris

[syrupmaker]

thanks Chris,like I said as far as I know it was just a rumor I think one of the guys from the competition said they saw on one of the cars at the London show that it looked like the headers were hitting the footboxes,they may have been a little biased though

[berzerko]

I'm runnning the bigest of the big blocks a 4.6 mod motor(at least in size!) with no interference issues I will tell you it is very tight but it fits
I just helped a friend put a gen 5 chevy big block in a vette with hydro rockers and I think that motor is smaller then the mod

Bobby