[Tutosnake]

Hello Everyone. My name is Hector and I live in Louisiana. I joined CC a while ago, when I had just ordered a CSX car from Shelby American. Since an un-dertermined amount of time would pass before I could even see pictures of the project, I had not felt the need to post here.

Now, things have changed. I have received a few pics of the painted body, and it looks pretty awesome. I have been informed by the Shelby Dealer that the car will leave South Africa by the end of this week. I'm really excited.
This is my first Cobra Roadster, and my first hobby car, really. I do not know anything about mechanics, but am looking forward to hours of learning and fun.

I have two major issues and would like anybody's opinion on these.

First, the Shelby Dealer called me and announced that I will be receiving an invoice, and the balance of my order is due BEFORE they ship the car out of South Africa. I always thought I would pay the balance when the car was ready to ship out of Las Vegas, NV. The Dealers tells me this is not the case, and that this is the standard procedure. I am worried about paying the car off, and having 6 weeks of uncertainty! I mean, I know I will get a shipping tracking number, or the such, and I imagine the whole process is insured. I was wondering, though, if this is what everyone else out there has done, or if I have the right to hold payment until the car is in Las Vegas (US soil).

Second, I would like your opinion/recommendations on an engine builder and/or installer. (I know these can be two different parties altogether). I have been doing some research, but unfortunately (and fortunately) it seems that everyone out there is "the best".

I know this is a volatile topic. I have silently read over tons of posts/threads here and on other forums. It seems it is almost impossible to touch on this subject without hurting someone's feelings. I just want your "guy". I want to hear who builds/installs the best Period Correct 427 S/C engine (preferably iron block, aluminum intake, single carb, turkey pan, pentroof covers, puke tanks, around 500 hp, 4 speed Top Loader... basically the old set up).

I really would not like to hear the negatives, if you can help it. I do not want to hear who sucks, who has no matters, who does not not answer the phone, who is too expensive... Don't get me wrong, money IS an issue, but I am very aware that he old adage "You get what you pay for" is ever so true here. I just don't want this topic to be negative and hurting to anyone. Just tell me your positives about someone. I would like to just tally the names at the end of a few days.

I know the topic is boring to some of you (it comes back every year, right?) Do not opine if I am wasting your time. I figure many of you here have posted the question at some time, or another.

Please feel free. I am aware that ultimately, this is my decision, and my decision only. If I go one way, and it does not work out, I will not be coming back to the forum to complaint/trash/fault.

For the sake of honesty and disclosure, I will tell you guys whom I have spoken to in the last 6 months or so:

-Mitch Hughes at S/C Motorsports in OK
-Bill Parham at Southern Automotive in GA
-George Anderson at Gessford in NE
-John Garuti at Cobra Automotive in CT
-Eric Hinderberger at Performance Engineering in OH
-Mathew Gregory at Gregory Motorsports in CA
-A few others that were not interested.

Thanks everyone for your time and input.

Sincerely,

Hector