[frankym]

It's hard to help you because you're all over the place. Spend some time looking at other threads that have compared different models. The cost of a first timer build will usually exccede the cost of a pre-owned cobra purchase and by the time you finish building it and start driving it, you'll realize that the car you built is not what you thought it'd be. On that note, I think you should just look for a used car that drives reliably. I think the mfgs you're contemplating offer about the same product, in terms of value at least. AC and power steering are not necessary, IRS = better handling. Carb vs. EFI should make no difference because you're looking for economy not super tuning. Get the buyer's guide, but just look for something that fits you and make sure it's got more than a few hundred miles. go to ffcobra.com, I have seen plenty of nice looking FFR cobras with 10-15k miles that run great, look great and can be had for @25k. Until you know that you want the cobra for life, don't get too crazy about making up your wish lists today, you'll know a lot better what you want after you own and drive one for a while, so get something at a reasonable price, adjust some items that make the car better without spending lots of money, and then when you determine that you really want a small block with 400+ hp you start over again. Don't buy something for $20k, only to put $15k into it, and then sell it for 20k a year later because the car still isn't what you want. If you know someone that's built one of these cars and is willing to help you, then there's a reason to build one, but you'll spend a good deal more money building one than you initially estimate. PS, if you find 2 cobras for sale that are identical except for the mileage, one has 1,500 and one has 15,000, pay a premium for the car with 15k miles, cobras are built to be driven, not to be fixed, torn down and rebuilt. Bring somebody along that knows these cars better than you, and I don't mean a mechanic, someone that's built a cobra or currently owns and tunes a cobra, it'll make a big difference. The cobra guy will be able to quickly pick up on where the builder made some mistakes. If you find a car you like, try to request help from someone on this site that lives near you to accompany you. good luck.