The kits

Will be 1 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 09:48 PM

I'm trying to decide which kit to build. I'm looking at the Hurricane and Midstates. Do any of you have perspective on any of these? Or would it be better to buy a car already registered with the DMV?

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 09:52 PM

Registering depends a lot on what your state rules are. Some are more difficult than others for sure. Best to contact a couple owners in WA who have gone through the process and get their advice as far as registering.

Midstates I don't know much about but I can answer just about any question about Hurricane. So ask away!
Good luck with your search.
Larry

Will be 1 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 10:28 PM

Thanks. How does Hurricane list the car in the sell paperwork? Did you get the IRS? Is IRS worth the extra money? I have heard that the solid rearend was not the best ride, because of the limited movement. Correct or sales pitch?

LMH · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 10:47 PM

The paperwork shows ownership and chassis number. Your state will assign a year to it when you register. In AZ, it is titled as a 65 but each state does it differently.

I am in the process of switching my car to IRS. It wasn't in production when I bought my kit but luckily, it can be bolted into the chassis. Is it worth it... IMO yes but it's kind of a matter of what your intentions are with the car and what's important to you. The solid axle can be smooth riding if you use softer springs. Kind of depends on how you want to set it up but all things being equal, the IRS car probably rides a little smoother and handles a little better.
Personally, I like IRS and would opt for it if buying new but I can't give any first hand experience with it in a Hurricane as mine isn't far enough along for feedback.
Larry

Andrew Teal · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 11:00 PM

Kits,
I dont know anything about Hurricane. I due know that Midstates is one best Co. to deal with in the kit car world They have been around for lots of years and thats means something. Rear ends, soilds one are stronger but have more weight moving up and down very good on smooth road where as indpendent rear ends have less unsprung weight but have more moveing parts. To build or buy. You can buy a very nice used Cobra for 20 to 35,000 that would cost you more to build. How much time due have and due you have a place to build it in?etc,etc.
If you want to talk sometime I could give you my two bits worth, I did build my Cobra from paint to wireing and have had one for 14yrs. 360 731 2258 anytime.
Andy Teal

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 11:54 PM

I had a solid axle (9" Ford), maybe it just wasn't set up properly? I've now got IRS, no comparison. The IRS is WAY better riding, handling and axle hop controlling than the solid.

All though axle hop can be a problem with ANY rear end, thats a whole thread by itself!

zipzip · #7 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 11:30 AM

I favor the Midstates kit, but I didn't do a lot of research on Hurricane (I think they weren't selling at the time I bought my kit). I would recommend a Midstates to anyone - they have a great frame and body and the customer service cannot be beat! From what I know, Midstates would be more a-la-carte type of selection: they will do just about any engine/frame style/suspension setup you may want. I went with a solid rear end for cost, ease of assembly/maintenance, and partially because some of the issues presented here with breakages. Did I mention cost? I personally think an IRS setup would be better performance, but are you the type of driver that would notice?

There are a ton of factors that you will have to decide for yourself, and that may lead you to favor one over another. How "involved" do you want to be in the build? What will be the main use of the car? What's the budget/timing?

Let me know if you have some specific Midstates questions - I'd be happy to chat!

Also - look here!!! http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...400#post689400

rbray · #8 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 12:05 PM

If you go with Midstates I know a guy that has a new pair of Midsates sidpe pipes ( 460 ) and one of their wiring harnesses for sale.
Let me know and I will put you in touch with him

DonC · #9 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 04:29 PM

If the car is to be used primarily (read drags) for straight line driving go with the solid rear end. If it's going to be a road car I'd recommend the IRS. The thing to keep in mind with the IRS is that for the occasional hard launch you might want to triangulate the rear end with a couple of additional radius arms to prevent wheel hop. There have been a couple of threads addressing wheel hop with the IRS. Not a particular problem to correct.
I've got the modified IRS in my ERA with the outboard disks and have never had a wheel hop problem with it on hard launches. The setup has two radius arms (top and bottom of the hub carrier). Here's a link to a quick look page to see the type of setup they use. http://www.erareplicas.com/427/frsusp.htm
DonC

kbisconti · #10 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 04:41 PM

HM1107: I have the solid rear Hurricane suspention in my car and no problems. They have a good rear 3 link system. Factory 5 Cobra Racers use only a solid rear 3 link system. Can't be all bad. Not many drag cars have independent rears. Hurricane make a very accurate and solid Cobra. ken

jwd · #11 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 05:54 PM

Will be 1,
I researched them all and bought a Hurricane. I'm in Gig Harbor. PM me your number and I'll answer all your questions.
Jim

dlampe · #12 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 08:40 PM

You should PM ChrisL here on the forum. He has a lot of experience with BOTH. That might give you an honest opinion. I had the first Hurricane, "the 98 car". I traded it for my completed Kirkham roller and I didn't pay boot! Enough said.

Andrew Teal · #13 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 10:07 PM

Don C
I looked at your IRS set up very nice

Excaliber · #14 (**permalink**) 11-21-2006, 11:54 PM

Theres a bunch of replicas in Hawaii, some are REALLY nice. Like the polished Kirkham for instance. Another is a beautiful Hi Tech, pretty accurate to original specs, I love that car.

I think my favorite of all of them is a Midstates, no kidding! But wait, theres a twist. The fellow that owns it has put a 100K miles on it! Drives the heck out of it, everywhere! Shipped it to the mainland and drove cross country with it! It's BEAT! Seats showing their age, paint far from perfect, carpeting, er, there used to be carpeting. So whats to like? Man does it LOOK like an original real Cobra from 'back in the day', unmolested if you would! I really admire the DRIVERS who built and maintain their own car and don't loose sleep over 'car shows'.

Solid Midstates fan here!