GT40, Second Rebuild
We thought the GT40 was finished. It drives great, everything works as intended, has been to
several car shows, and for more than a year we have done nothing other than routine maintenance. But we need a project. Our plans to build a Shelby Cobra 289 were cancelled when we learned that after waiting six months it would be several more before construction of the kit would begin. So what could we do to improve the GT?
Here is our list of possible updates:
1. Add separate fuel tanks within the side sponsons. This is not functionally necessary, but would add to the safety of the car. RCR has aluminum fuel tank inserts available for this purpose.
2. Replace the Classic Instruments gauges with original style Smith gauges.
3. Replace the BF Goodrich tires with Avons.
4. Replace the 302 with a larger displacement, perhaps a 347 engine. More power.
5. Return to Weber carbs, this time original style IDA.
6. Add the aluminum trim on the door jambs.
7. Add ribbed interior side sponson covers with the cover plate in place of carpeting.
8. Add ducting from the NACA vents to provide additional fresh air in the interior as per the original and as an alternative to air conditioning on mild days.
9. Add ducting to the brakes as per the original.
10. Fabricate an original style coolant expansion tank.
11. Add a Wimbeldon white racing stripe.
This should give us something to do for a while.
We thought the GT40 was finished. It drives great, everything works as intended, has been to
several car shows, and for more than a year we have done nothing other than routine maintenance. But we need a project. Our plans to build a Shelby Cobra 289 were cancelled when we learned that after waiting six months it would be several more before construction of the kit would begin. So what could we do to improve the GT?
Here is our list of possible updates:
1. Add separate fuel tanks within the side sponsons. This is not functionally necessary, but would add to the safety of the car. RCR has aluminum fuel tank inserts available for this purpose.
2. Replace the Classic Instruments gauges with original style Smith gauges.
3. Replace the BF Goodrich tires with Avons.
4. Replace the 302 with a larger displacement, perhaps a 347 engine. More power.
5. Return to Weber carbs, this time original style IDA.
6. Add the aluminum trim on the door jambs.
7. Add ribbed interior side sponson covers with the cover plate in place of carpeting.
8. Add ducting from the NACA vents to provide additional fresh air in the interior as per the original and as an alternative to air conditioning on mild days.
9. Add ducting to the brakes as per the original.
10. Fabricate an original style coolant expansion tank.
11. Add a Wimbeldon white racing stripe.
This should give us something to do for a while.