Questions About the GT40 MkI

[EZStreet8]

Hello Everybody,

I was researching GT40 kits and ran across Club Cobra which seemed like a great place to steer me in the right direction. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm EZStreet8 ((Paul) and I'm from Oakville, Ontario.

I have an aluminum block Ford Windsor made by World. It was going to be for a 10.5 Drag Car then I decided I would rather build a GT40 with the motor. I have a Callies Forged Crank and the stroke and bore will yield a displacement of 427 c.i.

I've been looking at the RCR GT40 MkI and wondered whether that vehicle would accept the 351 Windsor size block or would I have to go to a MkII.

I would also like to ask the opinions of the members here about which company makes the best quality Mk I or Mk II kits. I realize this isn't an
easy question to answer but hopefully it will help me concentrate my research on the few best manufacturers.

Thanks, EZ

[albanycobra]

Best quality / closest replica would be Superformance hands down. Then there are the other variants, RCR, Tornado , Pace , DRB, CAV and so on. All pretty good and final finish is how much effort and coin you put in. I would look at some of the Aussie variants as our dollar has crashed against the US making for some very cheap kits.

[Mark IV]

351 will fit the RCR MK I. Most all MK Is will take any Windsor variety. It is the "FE" that requires a MK II due to height of the exhaust bundle.

[Dwight]

Have you checked out the GT 40 Forum?

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[PSB]

351W will fit in a RCR, but RCR doesn't make headers for the 351, so you'd be on your own to make/buy headers.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by EZStreet8

Hello Everybody,

I was researching GT40 kits and ran across Club Cobra which seemed like a great place to steer me in the right direction. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm EZStreet8 ((Paul) and I'm from Oakville, Ontario.

I have an aluminum block Ford Windsor made by World. It was going to be for a 10.5 Drag Car then I decided I would rather build a GT40 with the motor. I have a Callies Forged Crank and the stroke and bore will yield a displacement of 427 c.i.

I've been looking at the RCR GT40 MkI and wondered whether that vehicle would accept the 351 Windsor size block or would I have to go to a MkII.

I would also like to ask the opinions of the members here about which company makes the best quality Mk I or Mk II kits. I realize this isn't an
easy question to answer but hopefully it will help me concentrate my research on the few best manufacturers.

Thanks, EZ

As you're in Canada, I trust you're aware of and have investigated the issues of 'kit cars' vs 'starter kits', particularly with regard to what Transport Canada will accept / allow. If not, I suggest spending some time on that before getting too deep into the issue of supplier selection.

BTW, it was my understanding Superformance can, once again, be imported into Canada after a decades-long embargo. That may apply only to roadsters / Cobras, but it would be worth checking with their Canadian connection. Check out this link: Kirkhams in Canada.

[trularin]

I'm not sure that is accurate about the RCR and exhaust.

I have not made it known until now, but I am starting a GT40 build - using the RCR parts. The detail to original is a matter of what you are willing to put in.

The 351W ( same engine I am using ) will fit without problems.

May I recommend you call Fran Hall at RCR and talk to him about what you are doing?

Tru

[trularin]

One more item - how tall are you?

Superformance GTs are not good for people six foot ( 6 ) tall or taller. When asked, they told me they had no intention to help with that limitation.

Tru

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by trularin

One more item - how tall are you?

Superformance GTs are not good for people six foot ( 6 ) tall or taller. When asked, they told me they had no intention to help with that limitation.

Tru

They are almost exactly the same as the originals, so if you are a little too tall do as Dan Gurney did: Poke a hole in the roof and cover it with a derby hat

[gsharapa]

CAV GT 40s will take a 351W and also accommodate tall drivers as their foot box is adjustable forward and aft. Mine doesn't have a Gurney bubble and my foot box is at the midpoint. With the seat all the way back a 6'2 driver fits. They are a fun cars.....

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by trularin

One more item - how tall are you?

Superformance GTs are not good for people six foot ( 6 ) tall or taller. When asked, they told me they had no intention to help with that limitation.

Tru

So my 6'4" owner can't drive his car? It is not the total height, it is the body proportion that can cause an issue.

[trularin]

I am just saying, I sat in a superformance and my head was sideways. I asked the guy if they plan to make it more acceptable for taller people and he said no.

I sat in a RCR and I fit fine.

Tru

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by trularin

I am just saying, I sat in a superformance and my head was sideways. I asked the guy if they plan to make it more acceptable for taller people and he said no.

I sat in a RCR and I fit fine.

Tru

As the SPF duplicates the original chassis dimensions, yes it can be tight for some. However without modifying the tub, additional room can be had with some custom seat contouring and pedal adjustments. I don't know who you talked with, but yes, the factory does not modify the tub. However at the dealer/customer level more room can be gained without hammering the tub. RCR, CAV and others chose to not duplicate the FAV tub dimensions but for SPF to gain the GT40 trademark and license it required a true dimensional copy of the 60's chassis and thus there is a limit to how much room you can find.

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by trularin

I am just saying, I sat in a superformance and my head was sideways. I asked the guy if they plan to make it more acceptable for taller people and he said no.

I sat in a RCR and I fit fine.

Tru

I kind of became curious on this so I did a little homework. Out of all the photos available of SPF gt40's sold or for sale it seems virtually all have single or double Gurney bumps. It's a non-issue.

[sea2jet]

Originally Posted by Tim7139

I kind of became curious on this so I did a little homework. Out of all the photos available of SPF gt40's sold or for sale it seems virtually all have single or double Gurney bumps. It's a non-issue.

So, leg room isn't a factor?

[Tim7139]

I believe, as stated above, these cars have marginal headroom.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Tim7139

I believe, as stated above, these cars have marginal headroom.

A Cobra roadster, OTOH, has lots of headroom.

[zots]

I am building a RCR GT40. The body is taken from an original. The aluminum monocoque chassis is a work of art and the engineering is top notch.

[albanycobra]

Have a look at the Absolute Pace GT40......Awesome gelcoat finish that doesnt need painting, alloy tig welded Mono chassis, bespoke inboard suspension and pretty cheap for you USA Guys.......