Another newbie, figuring out how to buy

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

There's no way,.... I could have a Cobra, or any other car as far as that goes, in my garage & not drive it. That's why I could not have a car collection of non-drivers because of their worth. Hemi Cuda, 427 Corvette, ect.,... or a original Cobra.

I met a guy that has a original 427 Cobra in his collection. He takes it out once per year, and he said "you don't want to know how much my insurance company charges for that day" lol

If I can't or won't drive it, I won't have it. No trailer queens in my stable.

I agree Kevin.

[kayakjack]

Originally Posted by WardL

What is most scary about this purchase is the number of 3 year old Cobras out there with less than 2,000 miles! Why is that? 90% of the time the answer is the wife won't go for a ride. I'm betting the $50k Cobra sits in the garage and is not a fun discussion with your wife about why it has been 6 months since you have started it up. You can't start it up because it is so noisy! It will wake the kids, the neighbors, the wife. Just let her burn herself getting out once, and your little Cobra is screwed!

Have fun!

Interesting. And true.

Also true - this is one of the reasons my Superformance is a "street" version with undercar exhaust. My wife told me to get the Cobra if I wanted it (she is great!!), but said she would not get in it if she had to risk burns from sidepipes. Now having owned the Superformance for three years, it was the right decision for both of us. I prefer the look of the "street" version. Also, the hardtop makes the car usable for many days when it would otherwise have to stay in the garage. I bought the car to drive. Every "Cobra day" is a good day.

Jack

[Larry Spillman]

First look for quality in body and frame and interior finish as this is what you will see everyday and what people will judge your car on. Stay away from big big motors you dont need 500cu in in a 2200 pound car. I have raced cars and bikes for years and the average person will scare the hell out of them selves or there wife or passenger. Get a car that does it all and everything must be working for 50K to 60K purchase price. I bought a 1985 NAF 427 bodied Cobra last year for approx 40K it is a beautiful car but i need to sort out rear brakes .and wiper motor isnt working I will never use wiper motor but it should work as delivered in 1985.My motor is a bored out 351 clevland with 4 speed top loader and Lincoln Versilles rearend with 3:80 ratio so its a rocket in traffic but reves too high at 75 MPH.Never over heats steers great and Is fun to drive if you dont have fun in the car why own it?Good Luck drive the hell out of what ever you deciede to purchase to make sure it correct for you.Lawrence Spillman 60 years of hotrod building.

[whichonetodrive]

Dallas, I believe we talked on the phone last week about a ride in my car. that offer is still on the table, and this weekend is going to be great weather. I have read all the reply's and even though its alot to think about, it all comes down to riding in one first and see if its for you. Your not going to put alot of miles on this car and its going to kill you looking at it all winter in the garage. Then just when you really want to get it out, battery is going to be dead or carb needs adjusting. But there is nothing like driving a cobra around town when its all said and done.

[Slick61]

I searched for about 7 months before I found what I wanted. After looking at the first 3 or so, I was able to zoom in pretty quickly on the exact features I wanted, and had a very focused list desirables, re: manufacturer, engine, trans, suspension, etc. After that, it was just a matter of time.

As for not getting driven... hey, life happens... things come up. My driving has tapered off a bit each year... just too many things getting in the way. I'm the third owner of my Backdraft, and it had 4000 miles on it when I bought it 2.5 years ago (currently at 7300). It's not that I don't like driving it... but you DO have to think about where you're going & where it's going to be parked. There IS a fairly high turnover rate with these cars. To me, that's to be expected. This is a VERY limited-use vehicle, completely impractical, and BEGS for attention wherever it goes. It's loud, hot, and uncomfortable. It's not for everyone, nor should it be.

[WarrenG]

Unless you are really stuck on a "427" Cobra, I'd recommend you take a look at the ERA and Unique 289 FIA cars and the ERA 289 Slabside also.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Unless you are really stuck on a "427" Cobra, I'd recommend you take a look at the ERA and Unique 289 FIA cars and the ERA 289 Slabside also.

FIAs are for eunuchs. Stick with the 427. And the slabside is only suitable for parking prominently outside of Connecticut country clubs....

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Dallas56

I am not a car guy, and have some very basic questions.

Are there any engine types that are prone to problems and that I should avoid? Any particular engine types that you would recommend?

Any specific thoughts about transmission?

Once I own this bad boy, I'll need a mechanic.

Define "not a car guy". Not mechanically inclined, never like hot rods, or cars just never turned me on?

Automatics hurt the value of the car. Other than medical reasons, if you want an auto, maybe a Cobra is not for you. It takes all kinds of people, so it is still up to you. The Bill Cosby super snake, I think had an auto.

The 427 Cobra's came with either a 427 or a 428 which were FE family engines. If originality is important, it is the only choice. Many other good reasons to use an FE. Although they make good power and are great looking engines, the design is difficult to work with and prone to many problems, most of which are mistakes by the assembler. They can be reliable, all though oil leaks are common. Small blocks are a simpler design. More parts available and more people who can work on them. Less problems. Easier to find a mechanic capable of doing good work on a SB.

The 385 series (429/460) is likely to be what the 500+ cid you talked about is. They are great engines. Make lots of power, and relatively cheap to build. They are physically bigger than an FE. Every time I see one in a Cobra, I am amazed they shoe horn them in. I expect they are hard to work on.

You really need to think more about how well you will tollerate a wild cam. A radical engine is no fun to drive for some people, others love 'em. Which type are you? If you do not like a radical engine, go for a big cubic inch engine with a mild cam and good heads.

It's been 25 years since carborated cars were sold. A generation now does not know how to start an engine with a choke. Most people are used to EFI. That will be another big choice.

[Dallas56]

Olddog, thank you for the thoughtful post. By "not a car guy," I mean I have never learned to work on cars (other than simple stuff like oil and coolant changes, and years ago, tune ups). I have always been a fan of cars like this. I would not consider an automatic transmission, but don't yet know anything about what to look for in a manual transmission (for example, five or six speed?). I have no clue whether I should get fuel injection. I don't know if I need independent suspension, don't know what to look for in brake system. So I still have a lot of homework to do. I should make some progress on engine selection today. A couple of owners in Dallas are going to let me ride in their Cobras, one with a 351, the other with a 482.

[Rickd]

Dallas, I highly recommend that as part of your research you burn some frequent flyer miles and get an airline ticket to Hartford, Ct., then drive over to New Britain, Ct. and visit the ERA replica car company. They normaly have 15 or so cars in the finish shop - a few 289 FIA cars, a bunch of 427's, and at their other assembly shop - the unbelievable GT40. I've had a cobra photo on the wall since '63. Always loved the 289 cobra body - to me IT IS the cobra - period. ERA's 289 is a dead on, 100% visually accurate body, cockpit, engine compartment, and trunk - spare tire spot and all. It is a work of art. Their chassis - in my opinion - is THE strongest and best designed in the business. The only car better = Kirkham, aluminum body, unparrallelled engineering. I would rank them Kirkham, ERA, Superformance - as the top 3 - with very very reliable quality. Backdraft is also a very good option from a reliable builder with a presence in the market for support. After that there are a lot of alternatives - some outstanding cars - and the final product really depends on WHO built the individual car that was purchased, most commonly, in a kit form with "donor" or no donor parts etc etc. There are builders - like Levy Racing - who will build you either a roadster or a Coupe - to your specs. They build a lot of Factory Five Racing cars for customers, and are real pros. They race cars and can build a street or race capable car. With ERA you could buy used, buy a turnkey from ERA (takes 8 - 12 months), or have a builder receive the ERA chassis (as a roller - custom rear, brakes, and all installed) and finish the car for you. I opted for an ERA 289 FIA turnkey (it was my second cobra). If you have the chance visit Kirkham's factory in Utah. It would be painful to leave without a car however when you see them 'in their environment being built'. Same with ERA - they know what they are doing - have a full time engineer - and build a fine car. Enjoy the research!!

[olddog]

Carbs are cheap -- EFI expensive. Power out of either is similar in most cases unless one is not done right.

Driveability once propperly tuned goes to the EFI, but carbs can be done pretty good. Over the long haul, I think EFI holds its tune pretty good until something breaks, but depending on the type of EFI that may not be the case.

I have watched the burn outs at the London Ohio car show. Quite a few people will have issues with carbs, on a hard launch, from fuel sloshing around in the bowls. Sure its fixable, but it must not be easy for quite a few people or I wouldn't see it so much.

Small blocks have a bunch of EFI stuff available. The FE does not have as many EFI options and most of them are high dollar stuff. I don't like the looks of the factory EFI systems in a Cobra - personal taste. I have a type that tries to look a carb, but the fuel injectors and fuel rails are very obvious. The look is ok to me, but I like the looks of a carb better.

If I was looking at two Cabra's, both equal in every way, other than one had EFI and the other a carb, I would go EFI, from a drive it point of view. From an originality point of view the carb would be the better choice. That's a personal opinion that others will disagree.

Do a lot of reading and talking. You have a lot more things to decide on. Good luck.

[Dallas56]

This saga has come to an end. I drove to Arkadelphia, Arkansas today to look at a new Superformance that Keith Craft is selling. Keith spent two hours with me. He has a very cool shop and a neat, niche business. The guy is honest, an engine guru, and a delight to deal with. The SPF is exactly what I was looking for. The engine, a small block 427, Dyno tested at 580 hp and 590 torque. I bought this bad boy on the spot. So I am now on to the new owner stuff, plates, title, registration, insurance, etc. This is my first one, happy camper, and thank you to all of you for the advice and information. I hope to meet many of you.

[FUNFER2]

That's fantastic news, congratulations !
It's a great car and engine builder. Please send us photo's and have fun !!!
Kev

[RodKnock]

Where the pics? This thread is NOW has become useless without some pics.

BTW, congrats!

[SPC0127]

Originally Posted by Dallas56

I am another newbie, never owned a Cobra, saw one two weeks ago and must have. I am looking to spend maybe $40,000 to $60,000, am not a car guy, and have some very basic questions. It looks like my price range means I am looking at a low mileage used.
Among the body manufacturers Superformance, Backdraft, Factory Five, Unique Motorcars, do you recommend one over the others? Any others worth looking at? Any to stay away from?
What about engine size? I saw a listing with a Ford 514ci SVO. Is that too much? Any thoughts about 427 versus 351? Are there any engine types that are prone to problems and that I should avoid? Any particular engine types that you would recommend? Any specific thoughts about transmission?
If I am looking to buy something out of town, should I hire a mechanic where the car is to inspect and test drive it? Are there any particular issues that I should alert the mechanic to look for? What is the best way to get a car from another part of the country to where I am?
Are there any good ways to find low mileage Cobras other than this site, ebay, and craigslist?
Once I own this bad boy, I'll need a mechanic. Any recommendations for the Dallas area?
Any other thoughts/guidance? Again, I am brand new to all of this and don't want to make any big mistakes. Thank you in advance for any helpful response to these very basic questions.

There is ONLY one to buy a Superformance, all said all done. I'd call Olthoff Racing in Mt Ulla NC they are extremely knowledgable about them and sell them ...good luck
Peter

[gsharapa]

Congrats on your new Cobra. You will be extremely happy with a SPF and Keith's engines are awesome. Keith will be building me an engine for my new car in the coming months but did a 638 HP small block 427 in a SPF I had in the past and it was a great combination. Look forward to meeting you and sent you a separate pm on some of your other questions......

[vryfst2]

I have been very fortunate to own some excellent performance cars over the years.....67' GTO, '69 Camaro Z/28, Mustangs, Corvett's, etc....but let me tell you, NOTHING compares to a Cobra. Every car show that I have taken my Superformance to has been the attention draw of the crowd. The parade of people will begin before you shut off the motor, and they will pass by rows of Corvette's and not give them a second look to get to your car.

When you get your Cobra, your life will change. Trust me.

[mdross1]

You asking very loaded questions,all good ones.Some are hardcore FE some 385,others small blocks in every size.Some are CSX purists,others are stanch kit car.There are a lot of options in the kit car field.My suggestion is try to get a ride in a couple different cars,go to car shows and meets,talk to owner builders.Building a kit can get expensive,and you will need at least an open two car garage.What ever you do try to focus on what you want then go after it.Good Luck.