I want to build a cobra... Where to start?

yakfish · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 03:53 AM

I guess this is the best place to start as far as looking for information. I just came across this forum and there seems to be a lot of very good info here and some good people too.

I have always loved the shelby cobra ever since I saw an original sitting in a showroom for sale for more money than I could ever afford to spend on a car or even a house!

I have some questions before i get started on this. I am at the saving money stage and am still a coulpe years away from really getting going.
first, what are some good companies to consider getting a kit from? they can't all be good. Who has the best quality products, the best customer service, engineering, ect. I have heard about people getting a donor car for part like a wrecked mustang. What about running gear? I will be going with a manual gear box prefferably a 5 speed. are the big block ford engine very hard to fit under the hood or will a small block be a better option?
I have been looking at the factory five MKiv kit looks like a fairly resonable option. any reviews on this particular kit?

This will be slow project that I want to do right. so any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 04:11 AM

yakfish Way too much info to type, The best thing is to go to a show like Carlisle Kit car show or the London show that is coming up soon. 200-500 cobra will be there. This is a grat time to talk to some builders and get all the info you need. You can also go through old threads on this procedure also. FFR, SPF, Backdraft, and a few others all make good cars and have kits with different completions done. Good luck and welcomw to the party. Rick L.

Eljaro · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 04:14 AM

I would start to think if maybe it would do better buying a used Cobra (see the Cobras on ebay post) and improve it. You get many finished cars for less than the cost of building.
From there on you can change whatever you want.

mdross1 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 04:34 AM

Things have changed a lot since building my car.There are a lot of good sources for info when it comes to choosing a car.This forum is certainly a good source to help in your decision.Seeing a few different examples would help maybe.Car shows,talking to different owner/builders,use Google or other search engines find all you can,hopefully you will find exactly what your looking for.In the end with dedication and perserverence,you can have the car of your dreams.Good Luck

IndyCobra · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 04:59 AM

My web site walks you through these same questions step-by-step. It might give you some ideas. Every model has pros and cons and it really depends on what YOU want, not what someone tells you. BTW, Eljaro is correct. If you are not into building one, you can most certainly buy one for cheaper than it takes to build one.

My web site is Red Venom Cobra

vatdevil · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 05:56 AM

Find a local Cobra club and evaluate what cars they have, most owners are very helpful. There are clubs pretty much all over the country. IMHO, I would seriously consider a used car, especially Superformance.

vatdevil · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 05:59 AM

I see your in Ohio, message me where and Ill get you in contact with one of the Ohio clubs.

mrmustang · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakfish

I guess this is the best place to start as far as looking for information. I just came across this forum and there seems to be a lot of very good info here and some good people too.

I have always loved the shelby cobra ever since I saw an original sitting in a showroom for sale for more money than I could ever afford to spend on a car or even a house!

I have some questions before i get started on this. I am at the saving money stage and am still a coulpe years away from really getting going.
first, what are some good companies to consider getting a kit from? they can't all be good. Who has the best quality products, the best customer service, engineering, ect. I have heard about people getting a donor car for part like a wrecked mustang. What about running gear? I will be going with a manual gear box prefferably a 5 speed. are the big block ford engine very hard to fit under the hood or will a small block be a better option?
I have been looking at the factory five MKiv kit looks like a fairly resonable option. any reviews on this particular kit?

This will be slow project that I want to do right. so any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks

Tough question(s) need to be asked before a real response is warranted:

What is your budget like (add at least 10%)
What is your intended use (IE: 10% track car, drag racer, show car, street cruiser, drifter, auto cross, etc)
Do you want a 289FIA, slabside, or 427SC (427SC is the most popular)

Respond to the above if you really want a qualified response (we like spending other peoples money).

Finally......If you have the time,space, and skill set, building can be very rewarding. If you lack any and all three, buying a turn key might be a better plan.

Bill S.

PS: Welcome to Club Cobra.

Don · #9 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 08:47 AM

yakfish:

" ........and am still a coulpe years away from really getting going."

** Availability, models, options, etc and price when comparing the build vs purchase alternative.

PhotoPost Classifieds - Main Index - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE

** You missed the Carlisle show this year, but since your a few years away, for next year

Carlisle Events - Collector Car, Bike, Truck, Import Shows and Auctions in Carlisle, PA

** The annual London show, this year on June 23/26

London Cobra Show - The Ohio Cobra Club

yakfish · #10 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 09:34 AM

Wow... thanks for all the replys. You have giving me alot to go thru already. London is less than an hour away from me so I will definently go check out their next show!

I want a car that is streetable that will be the primary use but I have a drag strip close to me as well so I would take it to run the 1/4 a few times in the summer as well just for kicks. there is also Mid ohio that is about 2 1/2 hours from here so I would like to go there at least once a year to run the road course. as far as engine size I'm not too sure about what to put in it yet but bigger is better!

Thanks

mrmustang · #11 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakfish

as far as engine size I'm not too sure about what to put in it yet but bigger is better!

Thanks

If you plan to take it on a road course, bigger is not better.......Same goes for horsepower/torque. Keep in mind, that no matter what other cars you have ever driven, they are nothing like a Cobra, which if you do not learn it's characteristics slowly, can (will) try to kill you.

Bill S.

Don · #12 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakfish

but I have a drag strip close to me as well so I would take it to run the 1/4 a few times in the summer as well just for kicks. there is also Mid ohio that is about 2 1/2 hours from here so I would like to go there at least once a year to run the road course.

For either a buy or build, need to know the track safety requirements such as functional roll bar vs cosmetic, etc and inspection/tech check list.

rodneym · #13 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 10:18 AM

You started in the right place.

Make use of the Search function. It's ALL been covered many times before. Tons of info here. You could/should spends a couple weeks alone just reading up before anything and get answers to your basic questions.

This is a fun time believe it or not. Enjoy it!

olddog · #14 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 06:40 PM

Check out the information on the London car show. Friday night there is a gathering at the Quaker Steak and Lube (hope I got that name right) near Polaris. You can come by the Hotel and hang out in the parking lot. More people and time to talk to owners there than at London sometimes. Also the Auto-cross is fun to watch and time to talk with owners too. You will never have a better opportunity to compare so many makes setting side by side. Its like drinking out of a fire hose!

Oh yea. For a $10 donation to cystic fibrosis you can take a burnout ride ~ 1/8 mile.

For $20 ticket you might win the raffle car (Cobra).

You do not want to miss this!!!

vatdevil · #15 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 06:49 PM

Personally, I went to the London show for several years before buying. Learned a lot, talked to the manufacturers and other owners. Join the Ohio Cobra Club, it's free. And most of all, have fun in the decision making process.

Dirty Harry · #16 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 09:03 PM

If building it yourself is important to you, I totally understand. I wanted to do all my own, too. It was my first such project. Get a welder, grinder, drill press, hand drill, rivet gun and lots of assorted other tools. Get a couple car guys to take interest and check in once in a while. Do go to London weekend after next. Bring a lawn chair and spend the evening chatting with others who built their own. You'll be glad you did.

mkassab · #17 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 05:17 AM

Call Unique Motorcars.... Ask for Alan or Maurice. Read my build link @ Mark's Build - Unique Forums

Like the others said... it's your car..... your build..... so "pick" wisely. For me, Unique was a wise choice.

Mark

TButtrick · #18 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Harry

If building it yourself is important to you, I totally understand. I wanted to do all my own, too. It was my first such project. Get a welder, grinder, drill press, hand drill, rivet gun and lots of assorted other tools. Get a couple car guys to take interest and check in once in a while. Do go to London weekend after next. Bring a lawn chair and spend the evening chatting with others who built their own. You'll be glad you did.

I was concerned about the lack of welding skills before my build. Not sure about others but not needed with FFR.

Dirty Harry · #19 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 03:20 PM

I agree about the welder not being necessary on some kits, but I was building mine in the early 90's when there were some adaptations that needed to be made and I elected to make some brackets on my own that were either not included or that I could make more cheaply. The fabricating was the fun part.

dallas_ · #20 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 04:23 PM

All of the advice given is good. Same advice I got when I was considering the same things as you. As stated, used may be a better value these days, but there is great satisfaction in building it from the ground up.

Best things to do are visit with the local guys and see what you like and spend time browsing the various forums. I think you are smart starting a few years before you pull the trigger. It helps keep from making an impulse buy mistake.