In the market for a kit

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Karl, I'm the same height as you, but you've got a good 30lbs on me. Muscle, no doubt. If you decide to go with an ERA, it's pretty straight forward on how to fit you. I always post this shot of me when someone asks about fitting a tall person in to an ERA Cobra. This same shot is also on the ERA web site.

What you don't see, because of careful planning no doubt, is patrickt's knees buried in his chest

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

I, myself, am a fan of the Hurricane products, but I must admit that I am quite disappointed about one of their forum practices. While their product seems to be quite straight-forward to build, the forum has a "Dark Side" to which ONLY Hurricane owners are granted access. To me, this smacks of "We don't want the general public to know what kinds of problems they will encounter with our kits. so we'll keep that a secret until we have their money." Cheers, Dugly

Sorry, but I am calling BS on this comment because it could affect someone's decision to objectively evaluate Hurricane. The term "Dark Side" was coined by a few folks during the 2008-2009 "White-era" when Hurricane Part Deux went into receivership as a result of SEC fraud having nothing to do with the product. People were pissed at the Whites as new owners for not helping them with their builds, so there was some b*&^%g and moaning on the forum, as would be expected (BUT NOT NOT ABOUT THE PRODUCT). The new owners of Hurricane Motorsports have chosen to keep the owner's side of the forum closed but it not for the reason you mention. It is because we don't want all the mindless chatter and non-related commentary screwing up our build-related threads. There is nothing hidden about the product or any shameful ghosts in the closet. I am sure when you are ready to lay your money down Steve will grant you access ahead of time so you can see for yourself. I am including a screenshot below of the current threads on the "Dark Side." You're not missing anything.

With regard to the original poster, you should consider a Hurricane and see this thread. Its very original, people answer teh phone will you call, do what they say and and your body prep time will be significantly reduced over other kits, period.







Jim

[Don]

As part of your search and for comparison purposes, pricing, options, etc., etc., might want to check these two sites:

427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE

PhotoPost Classifieds - Main Index - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

Suggest that you actually drive your final choice to personally determine if your requirements have been met.

[patrickt]

I thought the "new Hurricane" cars were supposed to be pretty darn good ones -- like rivalling ERA. I was following their progress a couple of years ago, but somehow they dropped off my radar. I haven't seen anything on what they look like now, nifty things they're built with, etc. But, if they followed through on what was promised a couple of years ago, then they should be fine cars, and when built right, on a par with ERA. The thing is, when you're 6'4", you've got to have the car, any car, butt-tested. And that's just not Cobras -- I've had to do that with every car I've ever owned since I hit puberty....

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

This guy said he and his wife wanted to BUILD their own Cobra. Why would everyone & their uncle want to sell him one already built? Give him the info he requested. He realizes the rewards in building his own car. Tell him your BUILD experiences with the Cobra YOU built.

[Dwight]

We watch the Cobra market and see that you can buy a great Cobra for half of what it would cost you to build it. Pick the color, motor, trannie, brand you like and buy used. Spend all the money you saved on changing the things you don't like, a lot easier that a full build.

And you can drive it while you make your changes.

Best of both worlds.
I have a B&B in my shop that a guy bought and plans on spending a couple of thousand on maintaine items and a few changes. He will be driving it next month.
There are a few guys that can not and will not buy used, they must build their "own" Cobra. I'm one of those guys.
But the best buy in this Cobra market is a good use one.
Dwight

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Dwight, that's not what he asked. I realize what you're saying, but he asked for build info. When I decided to build my own car, my mind was made up. I didn't want someone else's car.

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Sorry, but I am calling BS on this comment because it could affect someone's decision to objectively evaluate Hurricane. The term "Dark Side" was coined by a few folks during the 2008-2009 "White-era" when Hurricane Part Deux went into receivership as a result of SEC fraud having nothing to do with the product. People were pissed at the Whites as new owners for not helping them with their builds, so there was some b*&^%g and moaning on the forum, as would be expected (BUT NOT NOT ABOUT THE PRODUCT). The new owners of Hurricane Motorsports have chosen to keep the owner's side of the forum closed but it not for the reason you mention.
Jim

Call BS if you want, Jim.

Then check out my membership data on the manufacturer's website, not the one Paul P started. You'll see that I have been a member of that forum for much longer than back when the "White" fiasco happened, and it WAS called "The Dark Side" back then, too. Get your fracts straight before you get all huffed up.

As for the perception that Hurricane is hiding something, I simply stated how it looks TO ME. I am a firm believer in doing one's due diligence before purchasing a big-ticket item, and the fact that Hurricane wants to hide the content of the "Dark Side" smacks of exactly what I stated, like it or not. I made a special trip to Lee's Summit to see the product, liked very much what I saw. I even took the time to call and talk to Dean Lampe personally, long before he built the new one (he was just starting his RCR40 build at the time, and he had nothing but positive comments for the Hurricane product).

Like I said, I've always championed the Hurricane product...with a big BUT for the company's "secretive" choice to keep the build thread info on the "Dark Side" available only to owners. It kept me from being able to perform my "due diligence" research, in the end kept me from buying a Hurricane kit b/c I couldn't get the info I needed to be prepared for the problems that occur in the build (and problems do occur in every build, it's the nature of the beast).

If it cost Hurricane my business, it might well do so even more easily for someone who did not do as I did....take the time to participate on the forum and familiarize myself with the product. Other than one board, I'm prohibited from participating on the forum Paul P. started b/c I don't own a Hurricane. Paul is quite specific that his forum is for OWNERS (or, in a few cases and with the limited access I mentioned, for "potential owners") ONLY. The manufacturer's forum does have a lot of information on it, but IMHO hiding the "Dark Side" causes suspicion in most folks. Why hide things that might help people make the decision to buy their product? Right....it is quite easy to believe that the only reason to hide info might well be to keep people from finding out why not to buy their product. I was quite specific with Mike (had very little direct communication with Rich) about the perception with which the practice left me (I did suggest that Rich and Mike offer "read only" access to the "Dark Side" for those who feel as strongly as I do, but they sold the business before the issue could be resolved).

Like it or not, that's the way I see it, and I doubt I'm alone.

It may surprise you to hear that I still hope to be a Hurricane owner someday, but since I want a 289 model, I'm waiting to see if the new owners are going to offer one. Yet, the 289 mule I saw in Lee's Summit used their standard 427 model chassis, so before I put ANY money down, I'd still need at least read-only access to the "Dark Side" to make my decision. It's my $$....just as whether or not to grant access is their choice.

YOMV, as is obvious...I'm not saying you're not entitled to it, just that mine is not BS, as you called.

Dugly

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

As for the perception that Hurricane is hiding something, I simply stated how it looks TO ME.

And I am telling you that you are wrong. I am not disagreeing with the notion that you should be entitled to as much information as you can get before buying a product, and your decision to NOT buy because you couldn't get access to all the data is certainly your prerogative. But you inferred that upstanding business people with a bunch of money invested are hiding something:

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

To me, this smacks of "We don't want the general public to know what kinds of problems they will encounter with our kits. so we'll keep that a secret until we have their money."

This is an absolute misrepresentation that could impact the OP's decision (as it apparently did yours) not to consider Hurricane. With regard to the facts, I DO HAVE access to the closed forum and there is nothing hidden there that would cause anyone to regret buying a Hurricane. 130 sold, none returned after access to the Dark Side. Its because actually its the Bright Side, full of love and insight on Happy Hurricane Ownership.

To the OP, there is nothing hiding in the Hurricane closed forum to scare you off. There have been ~130 cars built and many of them are covered there stem to stern. You will not encounter one single problem that hasn't been discussed and resolved by some very talented owner/builders. Actually, you'll encounter LESS because of all the refinements that have been done in the last year. The car has a very original body and a very high-quality chassis. Numerous changes have been made recently to make the HM2000-series car very authentic and much easier to assemble. Hurricane's parent company has been making fiberglass bodies and steel vehicle assemblies for many years ( Scranton Manufacturing Corporation, Inc.) and they have spent a lot of time perfecting the Hurricane body mold in order to reduce your prep time. And the kit comes very complete so you don't have to go searching for parts. These things, in my opinion, make it head's above the majority of the other kits out there for the money.

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

And I am telling you that you are wrong....130 sold, none returned after access to the Dark Side....Its because actually its the Bright Side, full of love and insight on Happy Hurricane Ownership.

All the more reason to make the information available to those who might be considering the product. It could HELP sales, rather than leaving the impression I got (and I'm a fan of the Hurricane, imagine what someone who didn't know much about them would think !!).

Cheers, Dugly

[Bill Bess]

Please you guys, this entire issue is retarded. there is tons of information regarding Hurricane, ie. check out Dean's build posts and check their web site..or call them.......this complaint is kind of "picky".
Bill

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

And I am telling you that you are wrong.

So you say, but, then, you are a Hurricane owner and have access to the "Dark Side", don't you?

Originally Posted by Bill Bess

.......this complaint is kind of "picky".
Bill

So you say, too, Bill...but, then, you, too, are a Hurricane owner and have the access under discussion.

The OP wanted information regarding available kits.

I have never said anything negative about the Hurricane product; quite the opposite, I've been a fan of their product since its inception and I promote it every chance I get.

Surely, though, you must be able to recognize the impression that the secretive nature of "The Dark Side" of the forum must promote...

I mean, really, guys, are we adults or are we adolescents, who are so proud of their membership in an exclusive "club" that we can't see the forest for the trees?

I'm just sayin'......if the OP wanted to research the Hurricane product, Hurricane might well be cutting off their nose to spite their face with their continued secrecy regarding the build process. It is certainly not the industry norm, and if I were a potential buyer who was just starting the search, I'd have sincere reservations despite your well-meant protestations to the contrary.

[EDIT--to KrackShotKarl, I see from your member info that you are a Texan. You are lucky, there are quite a few Hurricanes in Texas and the Texas Cobra Club is quite active, hosting an annual get-together near San Marcos every year. If you want to see Hurricanes in person, go to that event when you get the chance, you'll probably get to see a few. I've seen Greg Herdlichka's Hurricane, it was quite impressive even though it wasn't fully completed. The Hurricanes have an incredibly well engineered chassis with cross-bracing in the front end, and perhaps the biggest draw for me was (at the time I was researching Hurricane) that the Hurricane build process allows for (after a couple of fairly minor processes related to mounting the windshield and the trunk mechanism) the body to be sent to the paint shop while the chassis is being completed. That could represent a huge savings in time for a build. Another thing I like about the Hurricane is that their IRS setup (an option at the time I was researching Hurricane, not sure now) uses a FORD center section, not a Jaguar item...that could, IMHO, mean considerable savings if service were ever necessary. They really ARE a fine product...so, when you return to this country, spend some time in central TX visiting a few Hurricane owners, take time to go to the San Marcos event, get whatever information you might feel is necessary. Cheers, Dugly ]

Cheers, Dugly

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

the biggest draw for me was that the Hurricane build process allows for the body to be sent to the paint shop while the chassis is being completed. That could represent a huge savings in time for a build.
Cheers, Dugly

Same for Unique... and no secret code, signal, or handshake for membership!

[elmariachi]

Oh it gets better. In addition to the novel requirement that one must own a Hurricane to be a member of the Hurricane Owner's Forum, you should also know that we are also all members of the Bohemian Club and we all have Black American Express cards. Weaving Spiders Come Not Here.

[onetrackrider]

KrackShotKarl,
PM sent....

[eschaider]

KrackShot,

To your original desire to use an 03/04 Terminator powertrain, I think you will be very happy. Those engines can easily put over 600 RWHP to the ground and have a table flat torque curve from below 2000 rpm all the way to redline. They will cruise on the highway below 2000 rpm without bucking and farting or other unpleasantries - and deliver 25 mpg when your foot is not in it. When you are on the loud pedal it is an 8 mpg or so experience.

Like all high powered Cobra's you will have to be attentive in first second and third gear. Because the torque curve is so flat and so early it is quite easy to light the tires without intending to. This usually leads to all type of squirrely behavior that only is a problem in traffic or near trees and other such items. Big rubber in the back will go a long way to moderating the problem but in the end it will always be your responsibility.

The Terminator engine is massive in size. It is actually larger (only slightly) than a 427 SOHC. That's the bad news. The good news is that if you use an aluminum block the engine, size not withstanding, it is as light as a SBF. Mine with a Whipple weighs in at 450 lbs. This makes for a nice light car with stunning throttle response.

Because of a lot of things, including size, the 03/04 Terminators only fit a few cars easily. They can be made to fit any Cobra if you are willing to do some fabrication and modification to accommodate their size. That I am aware of Factory Five, BDR and Superformance have chassis specifically built to accept the engine and also have installation kits with stuff like mounts and headers to match up with the side pipes. There may be other manufacturers today.

When you open your 'bonnet' you will literally be greeted by wall to wall engine with a blower mounted top center just where you intuitively though it ought to be. When it comes time to resell the car (if that time ever comes) the more traditional SB Windsor and BB FE powered cars could easily be more attractive to your buyers especially if originality is important to them.

When you choose to build a Terminator powered Cobra you are straying from the beaten path and building just for yourself - which is OK. You just want to go into it with your eyes wide open. The 03/04 Terminator engine will be unlike any performance engine you have ever experienced before.

Ed

p.s. The Terminator engine does have the right DNA though, after all it came from a modern day Cobra ...

[KrackShotKarl]

@eschaider- You've hit upon my reasoning for posting on here, and that is, I want to make MY OWN Cobra, I don't want to buy anyone else's. The wife and I have brain stormed over how we want this car, everything from color to rubber, and frankly, I didn't check on this site for some weeks due to people arguing about light and dark sides or what have you, I honestly just want to hear what people liked and didn't like about there builds, that will tell me more than someone telling me what they think it would be like to build another model they haven't. So thank you for reading my post!