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1965 Shelby GT 350 R Model replica
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In 2003 I built a Factory Five Mark II and used the car for 6 years before selling it.
I used the sales proceeds to build a replica of a 1969 MGC GTS Sebring Factory race car
which I have used at track days, time trials and hill climbs for the past five years.
Earlier this year, I purchased a 1965 Shelby GT 350 which had been built in 1985 as a track
car by a paraplegic in New Hampshire. The car had a stitch welded frame, complete
roll cage and zero rust. However, the front end was one piece fiberglass. I have
replaced the entire front end, added a glass windshield and the R model rear
window with the opening at the top from Cobra Automotive, which has supplied
me with most of the proper parts for my build. I had the 289 rebuilt professionally
at Reid Automotive in Witman Ma and the engine dynoed at 380HP with 360 torque
which should perform quite well on the track with a 2600 pound car.
When I purchased the car last March, I discovered that the car had about 200 pounds
of hydraulic pumps and air tanks for the hand controls that operated the steering,
brakes and the accelerator from the owners chest area. Before I did anything to convert
the car to a GT350 R Model, I removed all of the handicaped gear and pulled the
engine and automatic transmission. The owner claimed that the engine was a stroked
289 with 500HP, but it was determined to be a fairly stock 289 when Reid Automotive
disassembled it for the major rebuild. The engine is now a 289 HI PO balanced and
ported with a Holley 750 double pumper carb, aluminum flywheel, competition clutch,
and a Tremec 600 TKO close ratio transmission, Cobra Automotive racing driveshaft,
Wilwood six piston front 12" brakes, Total Control front suspension, and Maier race springs
in the rear. I installed a new Fuel cell and an electric fuel pump to boost the fuel to the
racing manual fuel pump on the engine. I also installed an FIA approved fire suppression
system. The custom stainless 3" side pipe exhaust has high performance flowmaster PRO mufflers
for Lime Rock, and I also purchased a 3.5" NASCAR Boom Tube exhaust for Watkins Glen
where there are no sound restrictions.
I expect to race the car at Watkins Glen several times next year, also at Lime Rock, Mosport,
Palmer Motorsport Park, and possibly VIR.
Last edited by Sandy Washburn; 11-28-2015 at 10:10 PM.
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