which one to buy

[Sinclair Snake]

I am new here and just now starting research on which car to buy. I THINK I want either a Superformance or a BDR. I really want a CSX but dont think I will be able to swing it. Any input on future values of these three cars and quality etc. would be great. I am leaning towards the Superformance at this time and I am unsure about the rearends in the BDR since I want a TRUE 500+ hp car.
Thanks in advance.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Sinclair Snake

I am new here and just now starting research on which car to buy. I THINK I want either a Superformance or a BDR. I really want a CSX but dont think I will be able to swing it. Any input on future values of these three cars and quality etc. would be great. I am leaning towards the Superformance at this time and I am unsure about the rearends in the BDR since I want a TRUE 500+ hp car.
Thanks in advance.

You state you want a true 500+HP car, I have to ask every time I read something like this, "have you ever driven in a cobra (weighing less than 3,000lbs) with that much HP"? . Forget about future values as the only one that will hold any type of value is a CSX2000 or CSX3000 series car, the rest will lose value as soon as you take it from the showroom floor, just like any other used car. Take a look around at cobra country, take a look around on this forums classified section (marked "for sale" at the top of your screen). Do you really think you could build a new car for what people are asking for their "slightly used" cars? Then ask yourself which one is more desirable, the one where there are a ton of them for sale, or the ones where the owner holds on to them and does not want to sell it (unless he has good reason)? Plenty of Superformance cars on the market, plenty of BDR's as well, you can pick and choose which one you want based on what your budget is, what colors you like, or just about any other factor you want to throw in. However, before you throw numbers like 500+HP around, you better make sure you can handle that in a lightweight, short wheelbase automobile like a Cobra.


Just being a bit on a realist this afternoon.


I do hope you find it eye opening and helpful, as that is exactly how it is meant to be read.


Bill S.

PS: Regardless of whatever other car you might have owned and driven, none of them are like a Cobra, better get someone to take you out for a ride before you jump in and kill yourself.

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

You state you want a true 500+HP car, I have to ask every time I read something like this, "have you ever driven in a cobra (weighing less than 3,000lbs) with that much HP"? . Forget about future values as the only one that will hold any type of value is a CSX2000 or CSX3000 series car, the rest will lose value as soon as you take it from the showroom floor, just like any other used car. Take a look around at cobra country, take a look around on this forums classified section (marked "for sale" at the top of your screen). Do you really think you could build a new car for what people are asking for their "slightly used" cars? Then ask yourself which one is more desirable, the one where there are a ton of them for sale, or the ones where the owner holds on to them and does not want to sell it (unless he has good reason)? Plenty of Superformance cars on the market, plenty of BDR's as well, you can pick and choose which one you want based on what your budget is, what colors you like, or just about any other factor you want to throw in. However, before you throw numbers like 500+HP around, you better make sure you can handle that in a lightweight, short wheelbase automobile like a Cobra.


Just being a bit on a realist this afternoon.


I do hope you find it eye opening and helpful, as that is exactly how it is meant to be read.


Bill S.

PS: Regardless of whatever other car you might have owned and driven, none of them are like a Cobra, better get someone to take you out for a ride before you jump in and kill yourself.

Thanks for the reply, I have been looking at the for sale section for some time and just now joined. I just figured I would get some input before going SP. I was interested in a blue BDR that sold before I could pull the trigger on this board.
I have experience driving fiberglass race cars at 4.88 1/8 mile,however I do see me "ON THE WHEEL" with the short wheel base I would not use that much power,but I like to have it

[RedBarchetta]

I always tell newbies to sit in as many different makes/models that you can (to make sure that you fit), and then buy as much Cobra as you can afford. Sounds like you are familiar with a "raw" driving experience, as many buyers plunk down the cash only to realize that they should have bought a Corvette instead.

Good luck in your search. Both the SPF and BDR are decent cars, each with their own traits and fan support.

-Dean

[henrik]

I pulled the trigger first

Well, may I suggest the following car:

http://www.suncoastcobra.com/showroom.asp

It is a BDR - Blaze Red with Wimbledon white and tan cockpit.

I can be yours for approx. 37.000

The only reason why I did not take it was my fixed mind on a 427 engine...

Good luck - Jerry will take very good care of you, and with 37' you have spare $$$ to put any extra on the snake

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by henrik

I pulled the trigger first

Well, may I suggest the following car:

http://www.suncoastcobra.com/showroom.asp

It is a BDR - Blaze Red with Wimbledon white and tan cockpit.

I can be yours for approx. 37.000

The only reason why I did not take it was my fixed mind on a 427 engine...

Good luck - Jerry will take very good care of you, and with 37' you have spare $$$ to put any extra on the snake

Yes you did congrats on that car,it is exactly the look I wanted I will look at the link.thanks

[Don]

Consider attending a major event where you can talk with the owners and the manufacturers, such as:

London Cobra Show:

http://www.londoncobrashow.com/

Carlisle Events: Kit Cars

http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/import/

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Sinclair Snake

I have experience driving fiberglass race cars at 4.88 1/8 mile,however I do see me "ON THE WHEEL" with the short wheel base I would not use that much power,but I like to have it

That is in a purpose built car going entirely straight. Again there is nothing in the world that handles like a Cobra, nothing. Before you get in over your head, once again be sure to take a ride in a Cobra with 375 gross HP (capable of 12.8 second, 115mph 1/4 blasts on 17" Z rated street tires on a hot humid day). 500HP in a Cobra, you could never put that much power to the pavement and still drive the car on the street. My own 427 Tunnelport motor before we dropped the compression from 12:8:1 to 9:8:1 (so I could use pump gas) had almost 590HP, sure, I drove it on the street, but even with 20+ years of various race experience, it was a handfull. Even now the car has over 400HP and almost 500ft/lbs of torque, easier to drive, but can still do whatever I ask of it and then some......Again, think about it........


Bill S.

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

That is in a purpose built car going entirely straight. Again there is nothing in the world that handles like a Cobra, nothing. Before you get in over your head, once again be sure to take a ride in a Cobra with 375 gross HP (capable of 12.8 second, 115mph 1/4 blasts on 17" Z rated street tires on a hot humid day). 500HP in a Cobra, you could never put that much power to the pavement and still drive the car on the street. My own 427 Tunnelport motor before we dropped the compression from 12:8:1 to 9:8:1 (so I could use pump gas) had almost 590HP, sure, I drove it on the street, but even with 20+ years of various race experience, it was a handfull. Even now the car has over 400HP and almost 500ft/lbs of torque, easier to drive, but can still do whatever I ask of it and then some......Again, think about it........


Bill S.

Thanks for the input,Thats why I joined the board I really dont know what I will end up with as I continue doing the research. I am open minded and hope after a few months here I will have my mind made up.

[Dwight]

there are a lot of 408W motors making 525 + HP. More than enough for a 2400 lb short wheel base car.

Dwight

[Cashburn]

500HP is fairly common in a Backdraft so don't give that any second thought. It seems they either get a SB 427 of some variety or something about 350HP. You seem to have the experience to know what you are getting into.

I think the BDR's greatest advantage is the architecture (92" wheelbase and extra track width) that make it happier with some more power and some right foot steering. After that it would be price/value. Dealer support is very important too.

The used BDRs do seem to get bought up sooner if you track trends on CobraCountry.com so don't hesitate if the "right" one is presented. If you are purchasing a used one then you can contact the HQ in Florida to inquire if any "interesting" parts have been ordered for it like fenders, hoods, paint codes, and other mechanical parts that don't disappear without reason.

Good luck.

[gsharapa]

I'll take a different twist on this. I agree you should look and sample a bit before you land and buy. As far as the bigger HP motors.......I've had 6 Cobras over the last 15 years and the one common denominator was I always wanted a bigger HP motor in the next one. It's a common desire for most. If you have run those times in a 1/8 mile you understand acceleration and my recommendation is buy what you want not what other suggest!!!

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by gsharapa

I'll take a different twist on this. I agree you should look and sample a bit before you land and buy. As far as the bigger HP motors.......I've had 6 Cobras over the last 15 years and the one common denominator was I always wanted a bigger HP motor in the next one. It's a common desire for most. If you have run those times in a 1/8 mile you understand acceleration and my recommendation is buy what you want not what other suggest!!!

Thanks for the other view,Alot of people think a 4.88-5.20 car is a straight line car you spend as much time skating in the other lane and on the wall and dont forget its on two wheels until half track

[SKINNEDR]

Just respect the car and you'll stay alive....
I fully respect it whenever I get into it...
Three years now, and escape death two times, but I have a lot more experience....
Dex,,,,

[WardL]

I am nearing the end of what you just are starting. I liked the BDR and the SPF right from the beginning probably because there were more ads influencing me. I was able to lock on a few things of desire to keep it simple. If I did not keep it simple, I would have gone crazy wondering what to do. Soon I narrowed to the SPF probably because of the market influence, nothing about it is a "better" car. I decided I wanted a 427, 17" wheels on a late model (SPO#2000 or higher). There are still way too many choices and I had budget creep. $50k was my budget. Now I hope to get the used Cobra of my dreams in 15 days for $55k plus tax and shipping. I wanted to build, but I kept hearing about guys spending $80k, driving it for less than 2k miles selling it for <$60k! The most common reason for selling the car was because their spouse would not go along with them on a ride. Engauge your spouse in this adventure. Buy the way, the Cobra hunt has been one of the more exciting things I have done with all my clothes on in a long time! Good luck!

[xlr8or]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

500HP in a Cobra, you could never put that much power to the pavement and still drive the car on the street.

Bill S.

You always say that to the newbies but I don't know why? I know several people with 600+ in these cars with pump gas and can put the power down just fine and drive around town when they want. Me included.
Try making power with heads and cam instead of compression and broaden that torque curve. I certainly had no problem driving casually around town or pulling 7.40's at 100 MPH in the 1/8 mile in my car.

[Thrlls]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

That is in a purpose built car going entirely straight. Again there is nothing in the world that handles like a Cobra, nothing. Before you get in over your head, once again be sure to take a ride in a Cobra with 375 gross HP (capable of 12.8 second, 115mph 1/4 blasts on 17" Z rated street tires on a hot humid day). 500HP in a Cobra, you could never put that much power to the pavement and still drive the car on the street. My own 427 Tunnelport motor before we dropped the compression from 12:8:1 to 9:8:1 (so I could use pump gas) had almost 590HP, sure, I drove it on the street, but even with 20+ years of various race experience, it was a handfull. Even now the car has over 400HP and almost 500ft/lbs of torque, easier to drive, but can still do whatever I ask of it and then some......Again, think about it........


Bill S.

This is the part I'm interested in...just exactly how does a Cobra handle?
Seems like most people are pointing to it being very squirrelly, especially with a short wheel base high hp/trq.
How forgiving or unforgiving is this car?
When you say nothing handles like a Cobra, is this in the positive or the negative?
I don't do straights as much as I like to do curves...hence my questions about handling.
You have some very valid and important points to consider, and 500 ponies on a light carriage can be a handful.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by xlr8or

You always say that to the newbies but I don't know why? I know several people with 600+ in these cars with pump gas and can put the power down just fine and drive around town when they want. Me included.

600+ HP on an engine dyno or a chassis dyno? Do you have the dyno sheets to prove it? Also, now that you are in California and they have banned race fuel, how are you going to run your high compression motor? Biofuel Driving around town vs highway driving?

Originally Posted by Thrlls

This is the part I'm interested in...just exactly how does a Cobra handle?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpLqCxa4ee0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTEvJ2Tl8Ss


How many times have we heard of new owners who "knew they could handle it" and "knew what they were doing" who have been killed, or killed someone with their cars? How about how many that have crashed them? Really does not matter if it's a high or low HP car, if you cannot adapt to the short wheel base and the HP vs light chassis then you had better treat the car with kid gloves. I side on caution with each and every potential buyer for any of my Cobras. I'd rather lose a sale and save a life than the opposite...But then again, that is just me.


Attack me for what I say, I'm a big boy and I can take it....However, I do speak from 25+ years playing around with these cars (real and replica) on a semi weekly basis.Street and track related....With my first one I had something to prove, with my 20th one(purchased for the track last month), I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself.

Bottom line, buy one because you like it and want it, regardless of who's kit/brand, beware of those who say "mine is better than theirs"(sales technique is a sales technique, be it a new car or a used car), but most of all, treat it with respect, build your abilities in the car slowly, or it could kill you or someone you care about.



Bill S.

[RedEsprit]

Hi Sinclair,

Since your original post referenced "future value", generally you will find the cars that are made to replicate the original car the closest will hold their value the best. For example a true FE seems to have a slightly higher residual value than a bored small block regardless of horsepower. Those with real knock-offs and and the right interior, etc., etc, usually will retain more value in the long run. Some cars, obviously the Kirkhams, but also Shelby fiberglass, ERAs, that are completed by the owner to be closest to the image of the original (right parts...right look) will have slightly higher residual values than others. A continuation Kirkham/Shelby aluminum product with the ol' man's fingerprint on it is probably the only car that has any chance of appreciation in the future if production were to cease for some reason. All that barring Bernanke dropping dollars from helicopters and the price of bread going to $22.50 a loaf. Maybe a good BDR could get to $500,000

[mdross1]

Before I ever jumped in with both feet,spent a lot of time,talking to Cobra owners,riding in different cars.After looking at most of the offerings back in the early 90's,found what I was looking for in the CMC car.One long time Cobra owner always cautioned me on the BigBlock powered cars,especially when ready to pass another vehicle.He always said never hit the throttle directly behind the car,get into the passing lane then nail it.Until I got used to my car 460/500+hp,found that to be somewhat true.It is all about feeling out the capabilities of your ride.Keep this in mind,whatever you decide on make sure the brakes are up to the task! Good Luck