Superformance Gt40 MKI vs MK2

[ermenasce]

I am back in the market to buy a MKI or a MkII.
Mostly for track use.
What are the main differences between the cars on the track?
I would love to hear experiences that any of you have about these cars.

[twobjshelbys]

It is my understanding that the differences are only in body panels.

[gsharapa]

The MK I were mostly 289 small blocks and the MK II were big block 427 FEs. All the rear scoops on the MK II were for cooling those big engine. You will find the MK II nose is quite different also to provide more down force.

[Mark IV]

There are no chassis differences between the two models. By 'track use" are you talking open track/driver schools or organized vintage racing? If VR there will be numerous differences in the required specs between a MK I and a MK II.

There are other differences beyond the front and rear clips such as the rear subframe but in general the functional parts are the same on the SPF.

https://www.facebook.com/TimeMachine...rtsLlc/?ref=hl

[ermenasce]

I am referring to open track/driving events

[Dwight]

go to RaceLine Digital to see the difference in the Mk1 and MkII bodies

GT40 Mk I Kits : RACELINE DIGITAL, Hull and Deck Graphics | Motorsport Graphics


GT40 Mk II Kits : RACELINE DIGITAL, Hull and Deck Graphics | Motorsport Graphics

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by gsharapa

The MK I were mostly 289 small blocks and the MK II were big block 427 FEs. All the rear scoops on the MK II were for cooling those big engine. You will find the MK II nose is quite different also to provide more down force.

Gary - how are the front clips different between the Mk I and Mk II cars?

Cheers,
Glen

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Gary - how are the front clips different between the Mk I and Mk II cars?

Cheers,
Glen

MK II front clips have raised "wings" over the wheels, they are about 1.75" inches taller tan the MK I model. Also all MK IIs have the single large radiator air exit as also used on the late MK I cars (i.e. "Gulf" style) where early MK Is used the twin triangular outlets and a MK II does not have the center NACA duct of a MK I nose. The center spider and doors are identical in shape between the models. I suspect there is no difference in "downforce" between the MK I and MK II noses.

[SwiftDB4]

As Rick said there are only cosmetic differences between MkI and II SPF's. I've done a fair # of track days with my MkII. Can't see any difference between the two unless you get a smaller engine MkI. I'd say buy the one you like the looks of.

[ermenasce]

Swift DB4,
I would really appreciate if you can tell me about your driving experience
at the track.
I have done a lot of track time, but most of the times with Ferraris and
Porsches, such as 458, GT3RS, mostly modern cars with a lot of electronics.
My only experience with a pure car (like the GT 40) was with a Ferrari 512 BBLM, a racing car derived from the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer.
Loved it by the way.
So, a substantial difference with the modern cars.
I loved it, and your inputs about how to drive the MK II on the track,
what do you recommend if there are any weak points, etc. would help me
a lot in making a decision.

[Mark IV]

So it is this:

No power brake booster
No steering assist
No ABS
No traction control
No magnetic adjustable shocks
No torque vectoring differential

No lack of fantastic, visceral, seat-of-pants input, best time you ever had driving experience!

The GT40 is 50 plus years old. It is "old school" but was "state of the art" when new...........and it still will thrill, scare and entertain a driver who is willing to put some effort and concentration into going fast. It is 10/10s of car to my 8/10s of driving skill. It will constantly remind me of why I was never recruited by Ferrari as a factory driver. It will allow me to put myself in Steve McQueen's "LeMans" in a starring role in my imagination easily passing those Porsches and Ferraris. It is the car that doesn't take years off your life (unless you are stupid) but rather takes years off your age (thank you P. J. O'Rourke for giving me that line when you test drove our AC Mk IV some years ago) and lets you be Ken Miles, Chris Amon or Dan Gurney or whatever your fantasy is.

In short, you need one.......................

[ermenasce]

Mark IV,

This is exactly how I feel.
I would have a hard time to put it into words, but you are spot on.
Whenever I buy a car, and I have had t A LOT of cars, one of the driving
forces is the story of the car - the people, the tracks, the success and
failures - and of course the car itself.
The journey not necessarily the result.
I am 70 years old, and in 1966 I was 22 , and although
being a Ferrari fan, the images of a Ford GT 40 - so advanced for that
period - are still in my mind.
In the process of looking for a Ford GT 40, continuation car, I went back to that time,
procured all the books, videos, you tubed every episode, and came back
to that story about Ford vs Ferrari, which was somehow different
than what happens today.
Henry Ford II, vs Enzo Ferrari.

[ermenasce]

By the way MkIV, you made a decision for me.
I will buy one as soon as I find one that I like,
Thanks a lot

[twin turbo]

Congrats on the purchase! SwiftDB4 gave me a ride during a track day at PIR and it was a blast [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMsEJLQZu8&feature=youtu.be[/ame]

[ermenasce]

what would be the weight of the car I just purchased?
it has a 7.4 liter engine, so it is big, and therefore should be relatively heavy.
i heard numbers between 2700 to 3000 pounds.
i will weigh the car when I get it, but any information on this?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by ermenasce

what would be the weight of the car I just purchased?
it has a 7.4 liter engine, so it is big, and therefore should be relatively heavy.
i heard numbers between 2700 to 3000 pounds.
i will weigh the car when I get it, but any information on this?

Weighing the car is the only way to confirm. That the engine displaces 7.4 L has no bearing on the chassis weight. Is it an FE engine or a stroked Windsor? Is the block iron or aluminum? For a GT40 to weigh 2700# someone has hidden a bunch of Mallory Metal in the tub!

With less than 1000 miles I assume this has been a garage queen and I suggest you do a end-to-end nut and bolt inspection to ensure that this is "track ready". Also you need to know what oil pan setup it has and what sort of baffling the pan has before you track the car unless you are prepared to do an engine rebuild.

[ermenasce]

The car is a 427 FE side oiler, 454 cid, built by Olthoff.
I have a full spec sheet on the car, which quite frankly I do not
understand a lot.
I will send it soon.
Anyway the car will go straight to my mechanic who has an extensive experience
in Cobras, Cobra Daytona Coupes ( he has worked on my Coupe) and Gt 40 s
Thanks for your advice.
Very much appreciated.

[ermenasce]

Well the car arrived, and I am in love!
Cannot stop going out looking at the car, learning how to drive it, listening to the sound, it is a fantastic car.
Never mind that it is a workout to get in and out, at first I was not removing
the steering wheel, so I realized that my flexibility is not the same as when I was 20 years old.
Never mind as I know feel 20 years old!

[SPF1061]

Originally Posted by ermenasce

The car is a 427 FE side oiler, 454 cid, built by Olthoff.
I have a full spec sheet on the car, which quite frankly I do not
understand a lot.
I will send it soon.
Anyway the car will go straight to my mechanic who has an extensive experience
in Cobras, Cobra Daytona Coupes ( he has worked on my Coupe) and Gt 40 s
Thanks for your advice.
Very much appreciated.

Pretty sure Olthoff does not do any engine builds in house.

[LMH]

Sorry for the hijack! Question about SPF MKI... Can Borrani wire wheels be used on one? Are standard rear fenders available?
I absolutely love the look but never knew if SPF makes their car that way.
Larry