DrC
Well I have completed a year of on the road without any real problems. And importantly I have done trips up to 2000 k's (1600 miles)
A few stone chips on back roads behind trucks and a cracked windsreen being the only real problem.
I have done just on 37,800k's (about 21,000 miles) in a year.
I know "posts" above have covered some of my suggestions already:
# Build the engine for what you plan to do - road or track. There's no value having a big carby, cam and inlet manifold for down low driving around streets. May sound great but..
# Make sure you engine can use pump gas - compression etc.
# Have side pipes that bark, but make sure they are not noisy in the 2500 to 3200rpm range on the freeway or country roads.
Again sounds great but...
# Have a second set of pipes or removable baffles if you must.
I have gone from 105dBA down to 98dBA and I'm having another set built at 95 dBA...
getting old
# Build the interior similiarly. That is, have you seats down as low as possible. Pad the seats for comfort both under and behind your back.
# Consider a footwell under the pedals as this allows more comfort. Cut the floor and lower it now. (see my gallery).
# Keep roll bar extensions out of the cabin area.
# Coil over shockers are also important. Having adjustable shockers will allow you to play around a bit from track to road. You can have a car that rides like a Go Kart and then adjust for softer road use.
# Tire pressures also can make a big diffrerence. Invest in a good quality tyre gauge so that you can experiment when off track.
# Now is the time to consider an auto. This may give you better footwell room and comfort. This is personal choice though. You can get shifters that look genuine for autos.
# Have a fold up roof and a cover to leave your Cobra for short periods. Both will save you and the interior getting wet.
I spent more time making myself comfortable in the early build days than worrying about the engine etc. I left that part to someone else.
My gallery has a few photos.
If you plan on running an aluminium/aluminum interior have a cover for hot sumer days. I have one that just clips on over the tunnel and mats for the footwells - it keeps interior temperatures down.
Have fun with your build there..
Have fun driving it..
Bernie