What to choose

[VenomCobra]

I do not know where I post this thread if there is an exact place? But my question refers to the type of cobra I am wanting to build I have been searching around on the internet for different ideas of cobra but I do not know where I am going to get the body and most of the parts hopefully you guys can help. What I am wanting to do is a weekend cruiser, simple and cheap does not have to be super cool with different parts but the basic kit thats sorta reliable and a good price range. I do have to do this in a budget. I do not want to use a donor car because around here the donor cars are still too expensive. Was debating in either the small block or a 460 since there everywhere in trucks around here. Wondering if the big block can be used as a weekend cruiser or is there too much power, and or takes up to much room. I saw on youtube that a mustang cobra GT500 one of the new ones beat a couple, I tend to have a lead foot at times when beside another vechile do you think the small block has enough power to beat most semi hotrodded cars, cause around here in Alberta the gas cars run the streets and cities but out in the highway its all rig rockets, big deisels with turbos that can our run damn near everything. So I am just looking to "keep up" Carrying on now I am also looking for plenty of room to drive in the car I am 6'3 and have broad shoulders so something pratical. This is not going to look authentic by any means. So there is my super long list of what I am looking for, my any means I am not asking you guys to find my perfect car body but throw some links to good kit makers for a reasonable price and help me choose between a small block or big and heavy bloader. Thanks.

[Grubby]

You can get decent FFRs for mid $20s. It is a buyers market. Look on Cobra Country and in the for sale section of this web site.

You can certainly buy cheaper than build.

A big block with the right cam can make a great street engine.

John

[tcrist]

The main thing is being able to get them into Canada. Maybe Sundude will chime in on the aspects of that.

[mdross1]

The 460 is a great motor for cruising around in,with all the torque and power you will ever need.Finding the right car is up to you,so make sure you have a chance to sit in a few examples.You certainly do not want a car you are not comfortable in.My car for example found the exact location for the seat and bolted it solid to the floor.Good Luck

[VenomCobra]

Thanks for the info, its a good thing you said to go with a big block, cause I was leaning toward it. Its hard to be able to sit in one around here because there is so few of them around I only seen one about six years ago and haven't seen another since. Is there a type of body that can hold a big block in it, because I looked at factory five and they are wanting a 5.0L for there engine. Does Cobra country makes there frame and shell big enough for the big block?

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by tcrist

The main thing is being able to get them into Canada. Maybe Sundude will chime in on the aspects of that.

Hmm, guess I've got a bit of a reputation on here, on this subject...

Venom, if you look through my many posts on the subject of importing Cobra kits into Canada, you'll see what lies in store for you if you decide to go that way.

But you might also want to consider one of the many Cobra replica companies that already do business in Canada.

[VenomCobra]

Thanks Sundude, I did not realize that there was replica cobra shop in edmonton I'll do a drive by tomorrow. It does not bother me about importing from different companies since it tends to be the only option. How much do you guys think this build would be, with the 460 in it and probably no donor either you don't have to include paint or upholstery since I know some people who can do the paint fairly cheap and knows what I want and I am doing the upholstery myself. So like the cost of all the parts and engine?

[VenomCobra]

Also do you think I will have any problem getting a kit shipped up from the U.S. I read some of the post you guys sent from different threads and it sounds like its a pretty bad battle a lot of fighting with the government. DO you think I will have these problems too? All I am wanting to do is to buy the a rolling chasis, then I throw in my engine and touch up work if possible. I am a driver and not super mechanically inclined, but my father is so builting it isn't a problem either. So is it possible to buy a rolling chasis and ship it to Canada or buy it in Canada and ship it through the provcince and do the out of province inspections. Or do I have to buy a completed UnAssembled kit cobra shipped it here build it then register it that it was built in Canada. Most of the post I seen when you were discussing there Sundude Kinda got me over my head a little bit. And you posted that FFR found a way to achieve selling cars in Canada, should I phone them and tell them that I need this kit to be able to fit a 460 and a fairly big guy in it? I don't know the reputation of FFR is there prices fair and the product they send out is good condition? Or is there a better company that can sell a what I need and they will ship it too canada and I will add on the parts to meet Canada road safety requirements. Or I ship it up. I don't know which companies tend to build good quality cars for that I want.

[SunDude]

Venom, from what you've written, it seems that you are at the very beginning of your quest to own (or build) a Cobra replica. This is fine, and you've come to the right place as the people here can be very helpful.

My advice to you at this stage is simple: Take your time and do your homework. Cars like this costs a lot of $$ and the landscape is a bit complicated.

To begin with, get familiar with some of the better Cobra kit makers and their relative advantages. Decide which one(s) best fit your "dream Cobra." And find out about the company's history/reputation for customer service.

Next, figure out if you really wanna build a car, or if you're better off buying one second hand. Odds are that you can buy a second-hand car for much less than what it will cost to build one (or commission a new one). There are plenty of nice cars for sale in Canada in the $40-60K range, including a couple of cars listed on Cobra Country. Sign up for Curt's "Canadian Cobra alerts," it's free.

Investigate your insurance options in Alberta before you buy. Here in Ontario, a home-built Cobra replica is incredibly hard (and expensive) to insure. Not much sense buying a car like this, only to find out you can't afford to insure it later.

If you decide to import a Cobra, assembled or unassembled, you will have to understand the complicated rules, regulations and laws beforehand. Otherwise you risk having the car seized at the border. Not fun.

If you decide to build your own car, you'll also have to understand the provincial rules, regs and laws regarding kit car registration. Plenty of guys have gone before you, so it can be done, but you need to know what's required. You'll also need to have the time and money to finance and complete the build.

Gotta go, but drop me a PM with your email address and I can send you some additional info.

[Morris 32]

Here is a link for a car that is build for your size and budget.

bob

Home · Pacific Roadster