More questions from a newbie - IRS or Straight

[Paul Proefrock]

I am still researching the purchase of a Hurricane - having problems with a decision on the rear end.

Road Racers say IRS is the only way
Drag Racers say straight axle for strength
Cruisers say IRS gives better ride

But my pocket book says $2000 is still $2000

How much better ride will the IRS give? is it noticeable? Let's face it, the Cobra is not going to ride like a Lexus. And after 8 hrs on a road trip, you'll still want to stop by your friend the chiropractor.

Can anyone offer an input to help with the decision process.

thanks

Paul    :-/

[jwd]

Paul,
   I just went through exactly what you're talking about. I talked to everyone I could to help make my decision. I talked to Mike Arps @ Hurricane at length. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Money was not a major concern but I wanted to get what I thought would be best for the purpose I was building the car. I changed my mind hourly for about a week. If you are going to autocross your car alot, consider IRS. If you're going to drag race, 9" is the only way to go. As far as ride quality goes, talk to Mike @ Hurricane. This car was designed around the solid axle and I've never talked to an owner of one that had anything negative to say about the handling or ride quality. One person I talked to said "if you had 2 identicle cars (one with IRS, the other without) and went immediately from one car to the other, you could probably feel a difference. If you waited a day between drives, you probably couldn't tell which one was which. I like the strength, reliability and simplicity of the 9" rear end so that's what I got. The main thing is to define what you are going to use the car for and build it accordingly. Good luck.

[66rdster]

Hey Paul,
I agree with what Jim said. I think he's summarized it very well. Like he stated, make your decision based on your intended usage of the vehicle. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either way.


Mike

[Tom]

I have IRS in mine.  But ONLY because I wanted to go top-shelf with this build.  My last Cobra had a 4-link 9" and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it that way.  Yes, if you are intent on SERIOUS drag racing the 9" is a better choice.  If you are into SERIOUS road racing, the IRS is a better choice.  But for us street-driving-folks who tend to screw around occasionally, yes, the IRS will give a better ride, but you have to decide for yourself if it's several thousand dollars better.  I was lucky enough to not be on too tight of a budget with this build, but had I been, I'd have not hesitated for a moment to stay with the 9" and would have been quite happy to do so.

I don't think I answered your question, did I?

Tom

[Paul Proefrock]

Decisions - Decisions - Decisions

Truth be known, I will never Autocross (never say Never  )

While my love is drag racing and raw power, I am a cruiser. The car will be used on the street for fun. Trips to the local Dairy Queen or back and forth to the office.

I have read the comments on the ERA site that implies driveshaft problems with a straight axle. Is this a commentary on their design or on the entire vehicle?

Still looking for input.

Paul

[Tom]

The driveshafts on these cars are only 12" long so driveshaft angles are definitely exaggerated at the U-joints with straight-axle movement.  BUT...  These cars are also tight enough that there's usually not much movement.  My last car with the 9" had about 12k miles on it when I sold it.  It also had 4.57 gears so the U-joints worked overtime.  They were just fine when I sold it.  But if you're looking at a maintenance issue, I imagine that if you put 100k miles on one of these cars you might end up replacing halfshafts on the IRS at some point.  If you think you'll EVER add N2O or a blower AND run drag radials or wrinkle walls, I'd go with the 9".  But that's the only way I think you'd risk damaging the 8.8 IRS.

So that's not helping with the decision any more than my first response, is it.  Seriously, either rear is a good choice and Hurricane's 3-link is a good setup for the 9".

[Alfredo Canalizo]

Paul,
I have a SPF with irs and the HM with 9", my SPF has a 427 Stroker Keith Craft engine with 638 Hp and I already changed the shafts bacause the power, so I think that all depends on what engine with how many Hp you will install and for what do you want the car.

Alfredo

[LMH]

All good advice.
I have a 9" in mine but considering swicthing to IRS when my check book allows. Hurricane's 9" is sweet, I just really want IRS.
One thing to keep in mind is, IRS tends to add a little value at resale. Not that your thinking of selling it but that day will come at some point.
Larry

[MFE III]

I concur with everything said above. I went with the IRS for two reasons. One, it's a little more authentic. Two, the kind of driving I will be doing. Although I might take it to the track once or twice to see what kind of 1/4 mi times it'll do, my "spirited" driving will be more on the street and windy roads through the canyons and mountains.  I also agree with Larry that it should add a bit to resale.
And, BTW, the IRS is a thing of beauty!
Matt