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Originally Posted by Chuckster
Slick,
How do you like the BDR? It's high on my list as they all look gorgeous. If you don't mind, what did it go far when all was said and done?
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I'm very happy with my Backdraft! They were on my shortlist from the beginning, and that's what I was fortunate to find!
My advice is to start going a looking at the various replicas & kits. The more you look, the better idea you'll have of what you want. The differences can be subtle, but significant to a particular buyer... i.e. how the rear fender lip is rolled, whether the hood scoop is molded in or riveted on, the size & shape of the rollbar, how the various parts of the car are finished (interior, engine compartment, wheelwells, etc.). Dimensional differences are also somewhat subjective. I really don't notice the 2" stretch of the Backdraft wheelbase, but I really notice the 4" stretch of the Lonestar. I also notice the larger overall proportions of the West Coast Cobra- moreso in the way the cockpit is finished. As long as you're not a purist, they each have something unique to offer. I wasn't terribly hung up on authenticity... I wanted as many benefits as possible from the technological advantages of the past 40 years (stiffer frame, better suspension, etc.), wrapped in a reasonably "correct" looking package.
A stroked small block was at the top of my list, tho I would not have ruled out bigger or smaller engines. I like having the power of a big block with the weight of a small block. It doesn't fill the engine bay as well as a big block, but there's more room to work & more room for air circulation. I tried to look at the overall execution of the build.
The engine was WAY more than I was looking for (615 hp/tq), and is not the most streetable engine for tooling around town, but was so nicely done I couldn't resist.
After I looked at, and rode in a few, I knew I wanted IRS... I knew I wanted a 5 speed... and a stroked small block was my top choice for engines. It will probably be different for you and will also depend on what you want to do with it (and how much money you want to spend).
I think the Backdraft is a heckuva value, & stacks up favorably against other replicas & kits. Others offer more authentic features (and slightly better quality), albeit at a higher price point that was simply out of my range for a weekend toy.
As for pricing, I prefer to keep that to myself for now... Suffice it to say that it would be in your price range. To me, assessing the pricing on completed replicas was THE MOST difficult task... they're all so different and there are SO many factors to consider. Just do your homework, figure out what YOU want, and what you're comfortable paying...