LS40 Status and Info

wolfmantx1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 11:16 AM

I haven't seen any good info on the status and production of the Lonestar LS40.

I have been to your website but it only shows a price listing.

Any build pics or details on frame, body, interior, motor options?

I am doing homework/research on the different manufactures and kits for GT-40 replicas and economics of course is one of the big considerations as well as looks (original) and drivetrain options, etc.

Any costumer builds yet?

I really am only considering V-8s so am wondering if yours would/could be used as a platform with little modification.

rlearp · #2 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 02:03 PM

Com'on over to www.gt40s.com if you aren't already. There are lots of GT40 folks there and lots of information on the cars.

wolfmantx1 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the invite...

I have already been lerking around the GT-40 forum for awhile. I built my FFR cobra about 3-4 years ago and really have enjoyed it. Just doing a little "research" on my next potential project.

I have been reading a lot on the transaxle subject and it seems there is only a few choices out there for the higher HP small blocks but am keeping my mind and ears open while still in the "research" stage.

I am looking at Lonestar since they are very close to me and the fact that their pricing (from what I've seen initially) seems to be more in line with my budget plans.

The wife has pretty much shot down me building my own airplane so I guess I will stick with what I can get away with.

I am still 3-4 years out from a firm purchase since I am in the military and will be moving again soon. I will wait to see if it will be an overseas assignment first before getting really serious on which kit is for me but know that my budget wants to be less than $30K in parts since I will be doing all of the building, construction, and painting just like I did on my cobra.

rlearp · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 05:03 AM

Pricing might not be out of your ballpark. I know that RF has been trying to address this issue of cost with three build stages. You get one now, build it, buy the second, build it, etc. Allows you to spread the cost of a complete kit, around $45,000, over a longer period and absorb it more slowly. The other companies might do the same. Contact Hershal Byrd, he can help. GT40 Australia might do the same but I don't know the fellow you need to talk to.

The LS40, if it looks like it did 2 years ago, is only a GT40 in the loose sense. It other words, the body was far off and the molds were not pulled from an original car. Also, keep in mind what you might spend on one of these to complete it, I'm sure you know how a build goes. A COMPLETE running titled on the road CAV GT40 just sold for $46000 last week. The car was an eariler space frame model and was reasonably nice. No history on it though, which is why I think it sold for beans.

Best,
Ron

CowtownCobra · #5 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 05:29 AM

wolfmantx1

I have seen the LS40. It is set up for a 4 cylinder from a Focus ZX3. My take is that it is aimed more at the ricer croud. Would still be a fun car and affordable, but not a true GT40.

wolfmantx1 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 07:59 AM

rleap...

Thanks for the info...I just think that if it will cost me $45K+ in the end just for parts, I may consider a lot of other higher end cars like a used/wrecked viper coupe, pantera, etc.

Believe me I fully understand that some of the parts cost a lot more (e.g. transaxle, pipes, hubs, etc) than a cobra build. But I also realize that I won't be getting a truely accurate to the original replica for the $$ I am willing to spend.

I was hoping to find another company out there similar to Factory Five that is offering a decent-good quality kit at a reasonable price and sarcifice a little "originality" or little less quality to make my budget more palletable for me and the wife.

I love the GT-40 but like you pointed out...I could look to buy a built one for ~$45K or spend the same to get a bunch of parts.

Cowboy Cobra...

Did you get a close look at the frame and "quality of the kit".
Believe me...I am the last one that wants something like a ricer!
However, my thoughts are to modifying the LS40 platform to work a V8 if it would even be close to what I am looking for in everything else of the price was under $25K for everything else.

Is it a tube frame or some frankenstein nightmare VW pan like I've heard rumors about?

I would think if it were a tube or space frame design that it could be easier to mod for a proper V8 under the bonnet.

CowtownCobra · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 09:42 AM

wolfmantx1

I don't pretend to have all the facts, however, I recently finished an in-house build at Lone Star, so I saw the LS40, peaked into it, even sat in it. It appeared to me to utilize the same type box frame as the cobras, not a vw... The engine I saw being put in was (I believe) from a Ford Focus ZX3 which can be modified to make some considerable hp. If you are here in Texas you owe it to yourself to go visit them and find out for yourself. I'm satisfied with the structural integrity of my cobra. To modify a chassis made from lite weight thin-walled tubing (everyone build cobras this way) can result in a good car or a heap. Depends on you skills. Also, from what I saw, that car really moved despite the 4 banger, because of its lite weight probably.

Good luck.