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Originally Posted by scm6079  I have been 'lurking' on this forum for almost a year now, and am now almost ready to purchase my GT40. As such, although I've learned a fair bit reading here and on the 'net I was hoping some of you would spare a few minutes to weigh in on opinions on the best replica in my situation.
Here is my situation:
- I am looking for a MKI.
- I will never competitively race it. I may someday go to a 'track day' event, but this is not why I am buying the car.
- I am only 5'8" tall
- I must have A/C, as I spend my time in Phoenix, AZ and Death Valley, NV
- I am not concerned about being 'perfectly' historically accurate
- I will drive the car, it will not be a "show" car
- I live in a CARB state, but would still like to make 500bhp (Roush engine?)
- I have not decided on transmission yet
- I have a budget, but can afford some flex in it for the right car. Authentic (real) GT40's are out of my range, and the very small production kits are too.
- I have auto-body experience from many years ago when I put myself through school working in a shop. So "some assembly required" is fine.
- I am patient, and am willing to wait.
- Glass breaks in phoenix because we have 'desert' landscaping (rocks) everywhere. Thus, availability of replacement glass for the front window is a must.
I know "best kit" threads have happened alot over the last year, and are not always beneficial. However, I was hoping this thread could have some value to me and others in similar situations. If anyone has any hidden costs or experiences with various kits/rollers I would also love to hear about those.
Thanks in advance for your opinions, I've been saving for years for this moment, and it is a big decision.
_Scott |
Hi Scott,
You're in good shape for moving ahead it sound like. Your modest height will certainly make fitment problems a non-issue which is great.
Not racing the car will keep things simple and less costly. My impression is that all the manufacturers supply car with plenty of good engineering to easily and reliably handle road time provided the build is done carefully. Track days will certainly put a strain on some makes - my only hands on experience is with CAV and there are a number of upgrades for older CAV (better uprights, yokes, etc.) which are essential for track time although most of these are included in new CAVs. Superformance seems to have a good record for right-out-of-the-box track time and the Superformance GT40s that I've seen in person looked to have a nice high level of spec (beefy uprights, larger yokes, strong chassis, etc.). I don't have any hands on experience with other makes so I can't comment.
The A/C is good in my CAV, not sure how others perform. It won't take your black painted GT40 sitting in the AZ sun down to freezing but it'll take the inside temp from 130 down to a reasonable 75-80 in a 105 degree AZ day.
Regarding transmission, if you keep it below 350hp (and don't do drop clutch burn outs) you can get away with an Audi Getrag and save a good six or seven thousand dollars. Believe me, you don't need 500hp in a GT40, particularly if you buy/build one which is sub- 2,300lbs (as many are). Think volkswagen bug with major American V-8 power. There won't be anyone passing you, I promise. Besides, a lot more hp can cause some realy headaches.
Regarding glass, as I recall there is a UK supplier with reasonable rates for GTDs but shipping will eat you up. CAV can get you a new windshield domestically but they're expensive, same with Superformance. Not sure about others. You might find that the healthy rake of the GT40 windscreen makes is a little less prone to breakage - I've found that to be the case at least.
Hope that helps and enjoy, you'll love your GT40.