[SSS]

David, I just ordered a turnkey myself, and I've been through all of these questions too. What determines your choices the most is your budget. If you're looking to save cost, the two best ways to do that are (1) a single-donor kit and (2) building it yourself. FFR is a popular choice for this situation. If you don't want to deal with a donor car, you can get a pallet of parts from a third party, or substitute any aftermarket part that plugs into a '87 to '93 Mustang. Of course, every new part you add to a single-donor kit jacks up the price.

Kit build: If you want a partially built car, FFR will not work for you, because they don't do any assembly. Many other manufacturers offer partially built cars. You have a few local choices in Florida, so I suggest to carefully compare them first.

Roller price: I would guess any roller for $11,000 would be lacking quite a few components to make a complete car. When you compare models, make a checklist of all the components in a Cobra and take note of what is included and not included.

Chassis: People get into heated debates over rectangular tube versus round and other properties of a chassis, but most Cobra models have plenty suitable frames for street driving and casual tracking. If racing is your top priority, then you'll need to spend more time analyzing this. Otherwise, any kit would be fine.

Body: I don't have much experience with this, but I would assume you'll pay more and more for a better fitting body. Also, a show quality paint job costs big bucks. When a kit comes painted, it only depends on the quality of the job. They're not all the same. Also, if the body is being shipped a long distance to you, the paint could get damaged.

Length: Anything longer than 90" will have more space, but look less original. You can't have both. My Carcepts has a recessed rear firewall which gives more legroom.

Engine: Get what you want. A 427 is original and super powerful, but also super heavy and expensive. I would think a 427 Cobra would be a real headache as a street car. I don't have any experience with motor builds, but I would guess a crate motor would cost more.

Suspension: IRS is more comfortable, but much more expensive.

Hope this helps.