Handling, Performance

Danonline · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 08:35 PM

I think Hurricane has a lot going for it. I'm convinced it would be a more straight forward build, but can't help but wonder if I'd regret the decision based on relative performance in terms of handling. The "#1 Seller" obviously got there based on the design of their frame and the resulting handling and ride performance. Can anyone that has driven both cars give me a sense of the degree of difference between the two from a handling/ride standpoint? I'm sure the Hurricane would go together easier and is cosmetically superior, but at the end of the day the driving experience is the primary reason people build these cars, in my opinion. As anyone had a Hurricane on the track that can speak to relative performance?

If I were to travel to KC is it possible to test drive a finished car?

Thanks

Buzzmobile · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 09:13 PM

Dean Lampe has had a Hurricane, B/B and Kirkham rides, and he races...ask him.

jayscobras · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 10:05 PM

The number one seller is price only. If you want to know the real handleing story contact Dean or me.

Jay

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 10:12 PM

I would think the #1 seller would be an FFR. I'm not sure they got there based on frame design, ride or handling as much as 'price'.

Or, are you referring to some other replica as being #1?

...and for the rest of the story with handling, contact Richard Hudgins!

(sorry Jay, couldn't resist).

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 11:38 PM

Yeah, send Dean a PM and get his thoughts.
I've driven more than a few FFR's but no track time in one. Lots of variables in how each is set up, so comparing is hard to do.
Larry

Dinobyte · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 12:26 AM

Why won't you guys who own a Hurricane comment in public as to the handling?

Ken Bisconti · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 01:53 AM

My Hurricane handles great. It goes forward , backward, left, right and stops.
It does each very, very fast . Factory Five is the only Cobra that I know of that really races at competive speeds with ther spec racers. I am not up to date on BD racing. What have they won?

LMH · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Why won't you guys who own a Hurricane comment in public as to the handling?

Dean has talked about how his car handled as has Ken. As for the other cars out there, a lot are not completed (mine included), so comment on handling will be forth coming. There are a number of them about to become street legal, so sit tight.
Larry

Dinobyte · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2006, 05:12 PM

I just find all the chat of "PM me and I will tell you" to be a bit odd. Not that I doubt the Hurricane, but what's the secret here?

I don't get it...

ChrisL · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 03:52 PM

Dinobyte,
Why the guys here say to PM Dean to speak with him about his car is beacause, Dean does not check these boards here that much but hes is a very good source to speak with seeing that he had raced his Hurricane and really dialed in his car for it .Dean could add alot of insight for someone as could Jay also. Noone here with Hurricanes is trying to hide anything. Hope this helps to clear things abit.

RichBurroughs · #11 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 03:42 PM

Dinobyte,
If your going to be around in London, I would be happy to give you a ride in our demo car to show you how it handles. I will tell you that it handles great and that we really do have excellent suspension parts in our standard kit, but, the real proof is in the ride. I strongly suggest that if you are interested in a Hurricane, you hook up with another Hurricane owner near you or at a show and see if they will take you for a ride. Also, be sure to evaluate according to your driving needs:

Cruizer only - These are softer on bumps, less road feel, "cushy" ride. Disc and drum brakes are common, as is an OEM, passenger car style suspension.

Performance Driver - Cruising and some performance driving like autocrosses and occasional road racing. These are a stiffer ride with more road feel, but still a comfortable ride. Large diameter 4 wheel disc brakes with an advanced, heavy duty suspension.

Racer - Full time racing. Performance is what is needed for these types of cars with little regard for comfort. A very stiff ride with a high level of road feel. The 4 wheel disc Brakes are very large with multi-piston calipers. Suspension is made up of fully adjustable, race proven components. Steering us usually quicker than on a cruizer. Full cage or enhanced roll bars are common. Special racing seats are required.

Most Cobra Replicas (from the factory) fall into the top two categories. I would say that our kit is a definite Performance Driver kit. To turn our kit into a racer, besides your custom roll cage and racing seats, you would want the IRS upgrade, a little bit stiffer springs, front anti-sway bar, and the Wilwood disc brake upgrades. You may also want a quicker ratio steering rack. The rest of our standard suspension components are up to the task. Our standard suspension is fully adjustable for trackside "tweaks" and almost every connection to the frame is via a heim joint.

I hope we get a chance to meet in London. If not, hopefully you will get a chance to ride in a Hurricane at another event or from one of our customers.

Rich

Ken Bisconti · #12 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 05:53 PM

Saturday 6/10: I just got back from a 3 hour drive with a lot of twisties. My Hurricane drove it better than my 911 SC Porsche. Faster and the suspension was less harsh. No rattles, stone solid. Much louder though. I'm very pleased with the handling. I know most people like the independent suspension better than the live axle, 3 link set up. But, I had a Jag. rear set up in my last Cobra and didn't want a bunch of moving parts to deal with when putting a lot of torque to it. The 3 link set up Hurricane uses with a 9" is great. All Factory Five Spec Racer also use the 3 Link suspension. So they cant be to bad. Hurricane offers both 3 link live axle 9" and a custom independent suspension.

jayscobras · #13 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 05:45 PM

I have probably owned more cobra replicas than onyone on cc. I just don't like typing. I figure if anyone really wants to know something...they should ask in person. Do you email your wife or girlfriend to see if they want to have sex? Does it work?

Jay

dlampe · #14 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 07:52 PM

Alright, Alright, I'm here! I was racing in Tulsa last week. You don't have to PM me or anything else for that matter. The truth is I type with two fingers and it takes me a while to tell you in the detail you need about the Hurricane. The short is.....The car is freaking awesome! What else can I tell you? The modifications I made, the suspension settings including bumpsteer, the brake performance, originality? That is why it is easier to call me. 618.322.6046 You can also check the past threads I have commented on. Also, look in my gallery for some pictures of my car.

1badmofo · #15 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 09:16 PM

I have Huricane 1022, i have driven it 1200 miles this spring with 0 problems.The car handles GREAT and drives like a DREAM, it is a very tight car.
I ordered the base kit ( nothing together all in boxes ) 5 mo later it was finished.The thing i really liked about the Hurricane kit was all new parts no DONOR car needed and it was very complete.
This is the only Cobra i have ever owned so i can not compare with any others.

Sid

profwacko · #16 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 03:28 PM

>>The modifications I made, the suspension settings including bumpsteer, the brake performance

Do you have a website to share the details of your modifications?

Or are there posts here that elborate on them?

Inquiring minds want to KNOW!!

ADVthanksANCE

-Jack

khansmith · #17 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

I just find all the chat of "PM me and I will tell you" to be a bit odd. Not that I doubt the Hurricane, but what's the secret here?

I don't get it...

It's an ancient chinese secret

Seriously, mine is not built yet so can't say. Other thing to note outside of this is that Hurricane recently added an IRS option (before I ordered)

But the 3 link with the 9 inch should be in parity with the FFR I help build.

Ken Bisconti · #18 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 05:24 PM

Why I bought a Hurricane Cobra. I liked their frame, body and suspension. I specificly wanted a 9" with the 3 link live axle set up for the following reasons. (Simple & Strong). You can use them at the drag strip. No wheel hop problems. No broken haft shaft and axle problems. Emergency brake problems. Factory Five Spec Racers only use the 3 link set up. Hurricane also offers independent suspension for people that want it. I did not. That is what makes Cobra's so much fun. You can build or order them with anything you want. Everyone can do it heir way. After all, their all just toy kit cars except for the hand full of originals that ended up making history.