[Mark IV]

See notes below

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

I had a thread going in the Superformance subforum, but what I learned there, and the rabbit hole it sent me down, has prompted me to ask a new question (I’ve searched, but have come up fairly empty):

What are the differences between the Superformance MKII vs. Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars? Below is my understanding based on the last few days of research.

• Both are built in the same factory at Hi-Tech Automotive.

Yes

• The Superformance MKII uses the same Ross Henry designed round tube chassis as the current Shelby CSX7000 cars. The Ross Henry design is very similar to the Tojero-style round tube chassis in the original small block Cobras.

The frame design is as original. The main tube wall thickness has been increased and the tubes have a reinforcement inserted into them. This eliminates the flex that caused cracks in the alloy AC built cars under the door. The lower control arms are "Ken Miles" design with Heim joints for easy alignment and double-shear mounting brackets a s opposed to the AC single-shear design.

• The Superformance MKII uses the same fiberglass body as the current Shelby CSX7000 fiberglass cars.

Correct

• The current Shelby CSX7000 cars use the same Salisbury differentials as the original cars, while the Superformance do not. I think the Superformance uses a ZF differential, but unsure.

The SPF has the ZF but a Salisbury can be optioned. The Shelby "Salisbury" is a Kirkham aluminum unit. My 289 has the Salisbury but is a Jaguar unit with mounting brackets Ross designed to allow it to mount to the Cobra frame points. If I was doing my car today, I would go ZF; constant velocity joints as opposed to the U-joints and plunge axles.

• The brake calipers differ between the two, but I am not sure how.

SPF branded "WILWOOD" and Shelby are marked "SHELBY".

• The same options are more expensive on the CSX7000 than the Superformance, sometimes significantly (Tonneau Cover for a CSX is ~2x the price). I do not know if the optional parts are actually different between cars. Does anyone?

Parts are the same. Why the price difference? Becuase they can!
It would seem that the Superformance MKII is the cheapest way to get a Cobra replica that handles (mostly) like the original small block cars. If that’s right, it’s a pretty compelling option or somebody looking for authenticity but not ready to dole out the extra $$$ for a CSX number and a few small differences. The CSX will sell used for more, but it costs more new. As Bill S. pointed out the potential upside on the SPF is likely a higher percentage.

Am I thinking about this the right?