Referred to Hurricane by a friend

[120mm]

Back to the actual machine. I find it useful to write about my ideas and have people offer constructive criticism, so I can improve my plans.

To me, it is less about creating a 100% faithful replica, but more about capturing the essence of what a Cobra "is".

I started my fixation with the Cobra in 1976, when at the tender age of 13, I had $3000 burning a hole in my pocket from the sale of some feeder cattle, and I happened upon a clapped out race Cobra at the Spencer, Iowa race track. My dad talked me out of buying it and I got my 1967 Mustang convertible, instead. I always regretted that decision, and swore to some day own a Cobra like the one I saw.

So, I want to create the essence of that machine, but not copy it. Unfortunately, while I can finally afford to build a Cobra replica, my funding is barely adequate, so I need to be deliberate in my build.

I have thought about it for literally decades, and have come up with the following criteria, in the order of importance:

1. Body shape. Has to be clean and true to the original shape. (Hurricane Motorsports, FTW!)
2. 15" wheels. In my opinion, the 15" fat tires are a hallmark of the breed. Will probably go MT SR, as I think the Firestone Indy tires from Coker are too limiting in application.
3. FE powered. To me, the displacement is not crucial, but the sound, power and appearance of the FE engine is pretty important. Unless it's a 289 Cobra, and then it should be SBF powered. Plus, I have a built 390 sitting in my mom's machine shed, and there is a certain kismet to using that engine I built over 30 years ago that I pulled from my grandfather's Mercury in a Cobra replica.
4. IRS. I am so tempted to cut corners with a live axle in a 3 link suspension, yet I think the IRS, or at least the idea of the IRS completes the concept.
5. Pin Drive. The last, and least important aspect of my prospective build, but Pin Drive really is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, I don't particularly care for the wine glass wheels that are available. They are too angular and stark. I prefer kidney beans, and am tempted to abandon my idea for pin drive for Coker Tire's Rocket Igniter wheels with fake spinners in the hub.

As my impending deployment has stretched out my plans yet another year, I am currently going back and forth over two different concepts.

1. Murdered out black on black. Black wheels, gloss black paint, flat black stripes and number roundels, with black exhaust.

2. Dark blue with LeMans gold wheels and black exhaust.

I have my own paint rig and booth, so I may end up doing both.

It's frustrating to finally have the money available. It is going to be a long year.

[moore_rb]

Originally Posted by 120mm

5. Pin Drive. The last, and least important aspect of my prospective build, but Pin Drive really is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, I don't particularly care for the wine glass wheels that are available. They are too angular and stark. I prefer kidney beans, and am tempted to abandon my idea for pin drive for Coker Tire's Rocket Igniter wheels with fake spinners in the hub.

You can have both if you want-

Here are some 15 inch, pin drive Kidney Beans for you to think about:

Kidney Bean 15inch custom set up to 12 wide adapters/spinners : Vintage Wheels, Mustang, Hot Rod and Muscle Car

[bwcobra15]

Originally Posted by 120mm

So, I want to create the essence of that machine, but not copy it. Unfortunately, while I can finally afford to build a Cobra replica, my funding is barely adequate, so I need to be deliberate in my build.

I fell in the same category. I wanted to build a cobra that was as close to original looking as possible, and affordable for me. That excluded SAI/CSX and Kirkham/KMS.

Along with your originality traits mentioned below, the new Hurricane also comes standard with original style floor-mounted clutch and brake pedals, dash support tubes, rolled body edges in the cockpit that simulate aluminum over tubular frame, correct roll bar shape and angle, aluminum fuel tank, correct dash design and layout, front suspension cross-bracing, and probably a few other originality features I can't remember just now...

Originally Posted by 120mm

1. Body shape. Has to be clean and true to the original shape. (Hurricane Motorsports, FTW!)

As you stated, Hurricane body is molded from CSX3235

Originally Posted by 120mm

2. 15" wheels. In my opinion, the 15" fat tires are a hallmark of the breed. Will probably go MT SR, as I think the Firestone Indy tires from Coker are too limiting in application.

I agree, and I have 15" Goodyear Billboard bias ply tires. After I get on the the road and wear them out I might go to MTs. Or Avons if I can afford them.

Originally Posted by 120mm

3. FE powered.

I went with 351W-based 427cid SBF, for affordability and drive-ability. But I hope to make it appear vintage looking with pent-roof valve covers, FE-style expansion tank, etc. And while making 600hp, and 3" I.D. side pipes it should make quite a 'loud' impression.

Originally Posted by 120mm

4. IRS.

Again, Hurricane offers a very well-engineered IRS option.

Originally Posted by 120mm

5. Pin Drive.

With the Hurricane you can go either pin-drive or 5-lug, or upgrade to pin-drive at a later time. There are lots of wheel choices. I went with Trigo's standard 427 style 5-pin "Hallibrand" looking wheels with dark grey powercoat.

Originally Posted by 120mm

As my impending deployment has stretched out my plans yet another year, ...
year.

Good luck on your deployment and thank you for your service!



.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 120mm

My dad talked me out of buying it and I got my 1976 Mustang convertible, instead.

Did Ford make a 1976 Mustang in a convertible?

All good choices based upon your personal taste. Based upon what we know so far, appears to be a very good plan.

BTW, last night's met con:

3 RFT:

10 DL's at 225
15 HSPU's
20 BBJO

[120mm]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Did Ford make a 1976 Mustang in a convertible?

All good choices based upon your personal taste. Based upon what we know so far, appears to be a very good plan.

BTW, last night's met con:

3 RFT:

10 DL's at 225
15 HSPU's
20 BBJO

Ah, you got me.

I bought a 1967 Mustang in 1976 as a "new" car. A 16 year old wrecked it on a test drive in 1967, and while it was fixed, it languished for the next 9 years at the dealership, as no one wanted a "new" wrecked Mustang.

BTW, I managed to hold on to that car, and it is pictured in my avatar.

[bwcobra15]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

BTW, last night's met con:

3 RFT:

10 DL's at 225
15 HSPU's
20 BBJO

Tonight for me:

Tempo Front Squats -2×5 @70% of 1RM, 33×1

Then,For Time:
-15 Thrusters, RX (95/65)
3 Rounds of:
-200m sprint
-10 Burpees to a target 6″ above highest reach
Then,
-15 Thrusters

Core: -Accumulate 4:00 in a plank


Fun Times - okay, now this thread has gone WAY off topic