Hurricane Head-count

[Dan]

Can anyone tell me how many Hurricanes have been manufactured, and how many are on the road today?

Related question: For those of you that have gone through, or are still in the build process, what have been your biggest challenges, other than time and money of course  Have there been any reoccuring issues with the kit itself?


I'm in the market and Hurricane is on the shortlist. Lack of longevity in the marketplace, and therefore little or no data points from which to assess build issues and durability on the road are question marks in my mind.

Finally, Rich or Mike:  If I were to travel to KC, with advance notice of course, are there finished cars available to drive to get a feel for ride, handling, etc?

Dan

[Tom]

I picked up #42 about 5 weeks ago.  I don't know how many more have gone out the door since then.  I've changed my build process and am doing bodywork first.  I haven't encountered anything scary there.  I was very pleased with the quality of the "other" parts that they supplied.  The aluminum in the engine compartment fits well.  The brake lines are all pre bent.  Those little things really make for an easier build.

Can't help with the rest of the questions,

Tom

[66rdster]

Hey Dan,
Not sure the exact number sold but I think its in the low to mid 50's now. Mike or Rich should be able to tell the exact number.
On the road? Not sure on that either, I know of at least 7 and there are probably more. Durability shouldn't be an issue. All the parts, suspension etc. are top quality, brand name parts. I see nothing in the kit that is not top quality or well built.
As for ride and handling, Thats another one I can't personally comment on. From the little that I've driven mine in the go-kart stage it feels very solid, rides nice and handles well. Dean Lampe ran his at Run and Gun and was very impressed with the handling.
There are a bunch of us that are nearing completion. I have number HM1024 and got it last Sept. I have the go-kart assembled and am doing the body work now. The kit went together very smoothly with no real issues regarding the kit or quality of parts. I am very pleased with all aspects of the kit. One nice thing is that they provide nearly all the parts to assemble the kit. What I mean is, not just the major components, but the little things like nuts, bolts, wire loom, wire connectors, brake line clamps, etc. etc. You need to add very little other than the drive train. The body is very solid and nicely built. The seams are tight and small and little body work is required compared to other kits. Also, Mike, Rich and Jason are great guys and always return calls and emails if a question should come up. The customer service they provide is excellent, I don't think you could ask for better. If I can answer any questions about my kit or build experience, feel free to email me.

Good luck with your selection of a kit.

Mike

[Rich Burroughs]

Dan,
You are in luck. The shop car was out of commision for a while as a result of a spun bearing. But, we just got our engine back in after a rebuild and it is running great. Just let us know when you are coming and we will be happy to give you a tour and test drive. We always have several in the shop in various states of assembly so you can get a feel for the quality of the components as delivered.

[MFE III]

Dan, I purchased HM#1053 about a month ago and I expect it to arrive mid to late June. Although I can't comment on the build, I have followed this Owner's Forum pretty closely and I can't think of any persistent or chronic problems. BTW, there's a private section in this forum just for owners that has a tremendous amount of information. The owners are quite active in posting questions, observations and answers.
Also, I highly recommend a visit to KC. I did a couple of weeks ago. Mike, Jason and company have a real dedication to quality, their cars and costomer service.
Good luck!
Matt

[8milebaker]

I order my kit last week and got HM#1060 looking for a August shipment,got a little time to clean the garage out ,motor went in the shop a 68 289  .040 over aluim. heads 350 hp thats good enough for me,still want the weber's .......

[LMH]

Wow! Number 60!
I feel old!
Larry

[Tom]

Exactly.  Not too long ago I was the noob with #42.!

Mike & Rich must be doing SOMETHING right!

You'll be happy with the 289.  I've got another with a 289 and it'll scoot just fine.  Just make sur eyour engine builder builds it for top-end power.  289's like to rev!

Welcome,

Tom

[8milebaker]

well tom I don't know how much power it should have but he said the # he ran was 2500- 6000 rpm range,I just bid on t5 trans and some people  suggest 3.55 gears .I think if I run it at 6000 I"ll be going pretty fast, but mostly be cruseing the so cal beach area's and local runs ..

[Tom]

well tom I don't know how much power it should have but he said the # he ran was 2500- 6000 rpm range,I just bid on t5 trans and some people  suggest 3.55 gears .I think if I run it at 6000 I"ll be going pretty fast, but mostly be cruseing the so cal beach area's and local runs ..

Depends on how fast you want to go and how much you want your cam selection to "profile" for you.  My 289 will run to 9k RPM, but it'll barely idle at 1,200 RPM with only 7" of vacuum.  It does sound great at an idle.  I'm running a Tremec 5-spd. with 4.57 rear gears.  It cruises at 70 MPH in 5th at about 2,800 RPM.

It's certainly not the best combination for fuel mileage, getting about 13 if I baby it, but it flat rips.  I truly don't expect the 428 FE I have in the Hurricane to even come close to keeping up with it.  While my 289 is extreme, you may want to speak with your builder and ask about upping the powerband to at least 7k, if not 7.5k or 8k, as a stock 289 bottom end will handle that with ease.  Those short stroke engines can make gobs of power if you get them to rev!

Tom