Sean's RCR GT40 build

[Sean S.]

I like it. The baffles sound great, and I prefer the straight pipe look over a pair of mufflers. I think you have a win, win here Sean! What's your take on them? They didn't sound too loud on the video. The motor runs well too!

Hi Vinny,

I liked the way they sounded a lot. Even running them in the garage, they didn't sound too obnoxious. But they are loud. I will need to see how they sound under a load to make up my mind if they will be okay for most of the driving I will do.

That being said, I do plan to keep them if nothing more than to swap from muffled pipes to these at car shows etc.

Sean

 

[Marian Kapusta]

Phil,

I thought at first I would have to notch it, but found a smaller belt did the trick. I went from a 15405 (40.5") to a 14395 (39.5") now the Only issue is I have to remove the alternator to change it. I ordered a 15400 (40") to see if its better, but if not the way it is now works well and still allows for tension.

*EDIT* If anyone uses a CVF Alternator bracket for a 351W the correct belt size is the 15400, it fits perfectly.

Sean

Hi Sean, What was the part number on the alternator and alternator bracket that you are using ? Thank you.

 

[Sean S.]

Hi Marian,

I ordered everything through CVF. Part numbers below.

CVF Racing | Serpentine Kits, V-Belt Systems, Brackets, Pulleys and Hinges for Ford, Chevy, Chrysler and more.

CVF designs, manufacturers and sells premium Serpentine & V-Belt Kits along with Billet Aluminum Pulleys and Brackets for Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Chrysler (Mopar), Cummins, Oldsmobile, AMC Jeep, Buick and more. We offer incredible prices with our buy direct model to enthusiasts of hot rods, street...

www.cvfracing.com

Regards,

Sean

 

[Marian Kapusta]

Hi Marian,

I ordered everything through CVF. Part numbers below.

CVF Racing | Serpentine Kits, V-Belt Systems, Brackets, Pulleys and Hinges for Ford, Chevy, Chrysler and more.

CVF designs, manufacturers and sells premium Serpentine & V-Belt Kits along with Billet Aluminum Pulleys and Brackets for Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Chrysler (Mopar), Cummins, Oldsmobile, AMC Jeep, Buick and more. We offer incredible prices with our buy direct model to enthusiasts of hot rods, street...

www.cvfracing.com

View attachment 124008

Regards,

Sean

Thank you very much !!!! big help for me.

 

[Marian Kapusta]

Hi Sean, did you have any issue with your front wheel and tire fitment ? i have the same wheel and tire as you and cant seem get the nose and rockers set to not rub when turning the wheels from side to side.

 

[Sean S.]

Hi Sean, did you have any issue with your front wheel and tire fitment ? i have the same wheel and tire as you and cant seem get the nose and rockers set to not rub when turning the wheels from side to side.

Hi Marian,

I had issues with them rubbing before I did the wheel alignment. After the alignment the Passenger side rubbed on the fuel tank cover, that was an easy fix by adjusting the tie rods on each side of the steering rack to center it better.

Hope this helps,

Sean

 

[Sean S.]

I took some time away from the car the last month and a half, but now its time to get some things done. I am moving forward with body fitment now. I am starting at the nose of the car and working my way back. I found that the radiator mount was twisted a bit and needed to be sorted out before moving forward. I ended up slotting a couple holes where it mounts to the chassis to get everything to line out square.

 

[Sean S.]

Once the front was squared off, I started fabrication some hinge brackets for a flip nose. After a couple tries, I now have a hinge design that works well. I still need to stiffen up where it will mount to the fiberglass on the nose, once completed I will post some details of the brackets. I will also need to research some gas struts to hold the hood up.

Next I moved to the rear of the car to get the clamshell centered and hinges mounted, all the lines are matching up pretty well thus far. I still need to make some brackets for the rear hinges to mount to the fiberglass, I am hoping to have those completed this week.

 

[Sean S.]

The hinges worked out very well. It is a bit overkill, but I decided to use pillow blocks for the hinge point. I needed to make where the bearings mount level to add strength. I did this by adding an aluminum plate with body filler under it. Then glasses over the whole mount. This made the front mounting point very solid on the car, and it allows the nose to lift very smoothly. I still need to add shims for side to side adjustments on the nose.

 

[Neil]

One suggestion- round off the sharp corners of the angle. Sharp corners concentrate stress and will eventually cause stress cracks in your fiberglass. Round corners look good, too.

 

[Sean S.]

View attachment 124550
One suggestion- round off the sharp corners of the angle. Sharp corners concentrate stress and will eventually cause stress cracks in your fiberglass. Round corners look good, too.

Thanks for the Feedback Neil,

I plan to round the back and make a bit of an angle towards the hinge pivot side the next time I take it off.

Regards,

Sean

 

[Trevor]

Today was exciting. The engine block got delivered. I went with Ford Racing’s aluminum 351W block. I have never had an engine block that could be picked up so easily. The 427 rotating assembly should be here tomorrow and then it’s off to the machine shop.

The flywheel and clutch Assembly from Kennedy won’t be here until late December, so I will need to wait a bit to get it balanced.

I couldn’t wait and had to bolt a few things together to see how it looks.

Great build Sean!
Happen to stumble over any more Ford Racing aluminum 351s? Im looking for one for a similar 427!

 

[Sean S.]

Great build Sean!
Happen to stumble over any more Ford Racing aluminum 351s? Im looking for one for a similar 427!

Thanks Trevor.

Its Crazy how scarce all the parts are getting. I haven’t looked for that block in a while, but summit has it listed for $1k more than I paid for mine. Unfortunately with no date available from ford.
I see dart blocks are available at twice the price $9k

 

[Brian]

I tried to buy one (Ford Performance alum 351 block) back in March, and it was a 1 year wait. I opted for the Man-O-War. I'm thinking I'll paint it silver and pretend.

 

[Sean S.]

I found some gas shocks that work well. I was able to get them on Amazon. Link below for anyone else looking for them

BOXI 2pcs Rear Glass Window lift... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GH8TFH2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share.


A little more cleaning up and replacing with proper fasteners and the flip nose will be completed.

 

[Vinny P]

Great build Sean!
Happen to stumble over any more Ford Racing aluminum 351s? Im looking for one for a similar 427!

Sean what is the firing order ?

 

[Sean S.]

Sean what is the firing order ?

1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8

 

[Trevor]

Are the gas strut mounts standard?

 

[Sean S.]

Are the gas strut mounts standard?

Hi Trevor,

I'm not sure I understand the question. If you mean standard on these cars, no they re not. The normal mount for the nose is bobbins than allow the front to slide off. I like the look of the flip nose better and decided to go that route.

Regards,

Sean

 

[Sean S.]

I fabricated some brackets for the hinges on the rear clam shell. I was surprised at how different each side was. I also made some panels to cover the holes in the front wheel wells while I was at it.

I'm working on dialing in the adjustments for the front clip and rear clam shell so that I can mount the spider. I am definately starting to see all the differences in these cars from side to side, got a lot of tweeking to do on this body for sure.