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Hi Tom:
Your questions are very valid and in the long run you will have to come up with "the answer(s)" that is right for you. I think that one way of doing this, you being a computer type guy who understands analysis, is to build a spreadsheet that lists those factors that are important to you and then weight them against each other.... you can then build a decision matrix from data.


Examples:

Authenticity (is this important to you?)
Models offered
Completness Owners Manual
Post Sale Support
Ability to customize car to your desired configuration
Lead time to delivery
How you will use the car - road cruise or track
Components Used vs Cost
Optional Components
Quality of Build
Quality of Paint and Choices
Build/fabrication location (overseas vs US)
Transportation Fees
Engine Choices and relationship with engine builders
Trannie Choices
Suspension - Drivetrain Choices

Your Budget -- (this is a very very critical part. Some folks make a decision on cost and overlook value and quality, so know what you are paying for and what you are getting or NOT getting by paying less). There are reasons why one make is more $ than another... you must ask why and thend you must decide if that is important to you or to the aftermarket)

These are major categories and each has MANY sub-topics upon which you can embelish. The paralysis of analysis is a good learning experience here. You may also want to contact guys here on CLub Cobra who are in the build or order and wait stage to pick their brains. Many of them have already been down your future path or are a bit further along it... as it were....

I would highly recommend Curt Scott's book "The Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas - 3rd Edition". He has a real nice website and you can call him and pick his brain. He does not own a Cobra for ethical reasons, but is very very knowledgable on each make. Also there is a book by Ian Stent called Cobra Replicas which focuses on English kit builders. It has a nice set of early chapters which define an analyis process.

I would start with choosing a model of cobra and style...

ie: 289 FIA or Street vs 427 Street or 427 S/C

This is all part of the fun.
I hope I have been objective and helpful in this reply?