Race Cars and Motorsports

Hello Everyone
Well I'm finally starting to start the planning stage of my next car. A Convertible TR8 Race car similar to the Huffaker cars.
I have little to no info on what was used to build these cars so I'm asking the list here to share any knowledge they may have on what parts were used by Huffaker and Group 44

This car will have to be "period correct" so no parts later than 1980 should be suggested.
So far I have a fresh mild 3.5 rover engine Nine inch Ford rear end (I understand Group 44 ran a eight inch ford)
Huffaker fenders front and back Fiber glass hood and trunk lid Roll cage, fuel cell and new cross member and of course a nice convertible donor car.

Some of the information I require.

What Transmission was used?
Period correct rims 8 inch front and 10 inch rear? these look to be five stud so Rim manufacturer? and what front hubs/shocks?
Sway bar?? where to find 1 inch diameter
Rad? custom?
Brakes for the front?
Brakes on the rear? disc or drums?

Any info is appreciated It is not my intent to make an exact duplicate I really want my own car but similar to the black Huffaker cars.

Thanks
Mike

I own "H5" Huffaker TR8 coupe. BL required as many oem and motorsport dept. parts as possible in concert with SCCA rules restrictions. This means oem trans and rear end,(with allowable mods). Racing radiator is brass/copper, heavy and hi-density. Brakes are "AP" disk, frt./rear.These cars are more restricted by rules than Group 44 cars,(different sanctioning body). 4L, 350 hp.,(Joe Huffaker rating). Good Luck. Art G.

No advantage to using a heavier 9 inch Ford rear, IMO.

9" would be overkill for anything short of an 8 second car. (MGB)

An axle with an 8-1/2" ring gear will be good for 500 hp in a 4000 lb car. (many applications: Corvette, Viper, Jaguar, Jeep, Dodge, I-H, etc.)

8" is generally considered acceptable for 300 hp in a 2900 lb car. (Maverick)

Gear life is inversely proportional to load but the curve is not linear. Above a certain load point life plummets dramatically.

Jim

Both of these Huffaker TRs and the TR8 behind them belong to a Curt Johnston in Fairfield, CA. For all the info you're seeking, why not go to Huffaker Engineering's website (link below) check them out on facebook


[www.huffakerengineering.com]