[bfunk850]

Another newbe in SoCal
I don’t have a Cobra yet but I have been looking since they were first being built in the 60’s. Back then I went with a new BB vette because it was to be my only car and the Corvette was a better fit for an “all around” car. I still have a C6, but can now handle having a total toy in the garage so I am looking to the body style I have always considered the gold standard for performance roadsters, your Cobra’s. In the long ago past I built several rods, Sprites, Healey and early Jags. Today (I’m 65) my building is largely behind me now, so I am going to buy a completed car on the used market. My concern is that I end up with something I want and not just jump into another project. 400hp is enough for me with tight suspension (independent) and big brakes, I love those curves.
So I intend to read here and ask questions about all aspects of these cars. Like most of you probably did, I am starting with dreams, but by buying on the used market I’ll have to eventually take as close as I can get to my ideal. I am sure there will be good cars to choose from once I can decide what I am actually looking for. Whatever I end up with I’d like it to cost less than $40K.
Questions:
I have seen lots cars with Mustang ll suspensions installed in the front. Is that really adequate for such a performance car? Are the spindles robust enough to handle high speed cornering? What about those brakes? Are there better options, perhaps on certain builds, that I should be looking at? I have seen a couple of cars advertised with BMW components in the front and I am sure that there must be others as well as custom builds.
I see some discussion about 3 & 4 link rear ends. I take it that is a std auto rear end and how it is controlled under the car? Which type is better known for handling and are you guys using parallel leaf or coil over or something else back there? I also wonder about having IRS, Vet or Jag perhaps. Is there any negatives to IRS in a Cobra? I would think with moderate HP and wanting a light car that handles curves the IRS might be my best option.
Seems to me that chassis/suspension decisions are where I need to start. Is there much difference in the handling ability of all the different builds out there? Are there some I should just discount from the get go?

Thanks, brian