Looking for Advice: First Cobra Kit Build

[rsutton1223]

I will try to be as complete with the details as possible.

The idea for this project actually started when I got married. My wife became a mechanical engineer because of Carroll Shelby. She has always wanted to work on car projects but is currently heading up a mechanical lab for one of the largest aluminum suppliers in the world. Her favorite car (along with her dad's) has always been the 427 Cobra in blue with white stripes. She has also always wanted to build one of her own... hence...my black with dark grey stripes and red accents idea got shot down. Apparently, I am not allowed to build anymore cars until she gets hers.

We recently just bought a new house with a 3 car garage that I am having a lift installed in for this project along with my own car needs. So here is the idea...

I want to build a 427 4 speed Cobra kit car with my wife. There are several aspects of the the car that I want to do to make it fit in our lifestyle as well.

• Kit Car (obviously)
• 427 power plant
• Modern Suspension Setup Ready for Track Duty

The idea is to setup a car that would not only be fun to go rip in the mountains, but I could take it on the track here at Road Atlanta, Roebling Raceway and VIR instead of my current track car.

The question I am asking you guys today is which of the kit car companies would best fit these needs? I don't need it painted or assembled. I just need the foundation to build the car to those specs.

Thanks for the help and I look forward to being part of the community here.

[patrickt]

If it's primarily going to be a track car, it's hard to beat a Factory Five, and you could put your small block 427 in there. If you want more authenticity, then it's going to cost more. If you really want an FE in there, it's going to cost more. Money, and how original it needs to look, are key components.

[mrmustang]

What is your budget?

Bill S.

[avanti-176]

Track car w/ occasional street = JBL(not sure about BB availability)

Street car w/ occasional track = What is your budget? there are many choices.

[rsutton1223]

Originally Posted by avanti-176

Track car w/ occasional street = JBL(not sure about BB availability)

Street car w/ occasional track = What is your budget? there are many choices.

It would be street car w/occasional track. Budget isn't a huge concern...but quality and a solid foundation is. I am the kind of guy that doubled the value of a STI because I wanted things done right (pushing 420whp on 93oct and reliable).

Is there a good/better/best for that kind of setup?

[dallas_]

Welcome aboard.

I've heard the JBL is a good option for a track car, but I have no first hand knowledge of those.

We went the FFR route. It has a pretty good frame and has the ability to be set up for track for a pretty reasonable cost.

It's not the most period correct option out there, but the newer version is closer than some of the older versions.

Like the others have already said, it somewhat depends on your budget and how much you want to do yourselves.

John

[AL427SBF]

"It would be street car w/occasional track. Budget isn't a huge concern...but quality and a solid foundation is."

Sort of my criteria with emphasis on quality and a solid foundation .
Pretty tough to beat a JBL, semi-monocoque chassis with on-the-fly track tuneable performance and they're built by hand.

[rsutton1223]

Originally Posted by dallas_

It's not the most period correct option out there, but the newer version is closer than some of the older versions.

Period correctness is not as important to me since I am looking at the car as more of a modern roadster...but it probably will be to my wife as she wants to build a car just like the original Cobras. That is part of the reason why she doesn't want me messing with the colors either.

[s_reynolds]

You'll get a lot of input on this one. I'm somewhat biased, but you should give the Hurricane kit a good look. Since your wife is a Shelby fan, the Hurricane is one of the more period correct/high quility kit for a reasonable price and the Hurricane folks will work with you on just about any upgrade/changes you may want. Also, check out the 2013 London Cobra Show raffle car build thread on this site as Hurricane is building this year's raffle car.

[RMS]

Check out the jbl website. It is full of technical info for you and your wife to sort thru. Feel free to call me or Larry with any questions. Modern suspension-Superior on the Track-Awesome around town!

[Grubby]

If you want quality and budget is not a big concern; call ERA. An FE is right at home in them.

John

[Bernica]

Sounds like a great team effort!

As mentioned above, it's all about budget, how much time you have, and how much work you want to do. There are semi-complete cars out there that guys had to bail on and need to be finished, which can be a fun project, IF it's the right car. But before you buy anything like that, run it by the guys here.

Then there are "rollers" available, which you would just have to fit up your engine/drivetrain and paint the car.

Then, there is the hard-core route where you buy a good chassis, then all the suspension, then a body, then the running gear and engine along with every part from the gas tank to the gauges to the wiring etc, etc.

In all cases, if you are just starting now, don't plan on any car shows soon, you will be on this site alot, and will get to know us and your UPS or Fedex guy quite well.

[Bernica]

BTW, I am somewhat partial to the blue / white stripes myself!..

[xlr8or]

Factory Five gives you lots of options for the suspension and will accept any engine choice you want.
ERA is more period correct on appearance and a damn nice car.
Kirkham is the top of the game for replicas for originality on the body and frame but now has updated billet suspension and brakes as standard parts.

Let your budget narrow down your choices and be realistic about what you want and how you will use the car.

[vector1]

consider your time frame and budget, the one on the left may be the one you are looking for

[Dwight]

Unique with a Keith Craft Pond block 427 stroked to 482 making 625 hp.


Dwight

[Three Peaks]

For a car you can build as a track car, the Factory Five is hard to beat and the support from the forum is even better.
However, if you want period correct, a big block FE 427 (as opposed to a small block 427), and the correct chassis and suspension there are really only a few choices.
Kirkham is about as correct as you can get if your budget can stand it. Another choice that doesn't get mentioned on this forum much is the Premier Motorsports Cobra- very nice chassis and suspension package very close to original for a less than a Kirkham. You could also look into Roger Bollick's Exact Cobras, but, like the Kirkhams, they are only supplied as a roller.

Lots of other choices out there but authenticity and original style chassis/suspension narrow it down real fast.

Good luck with your search- you'll find lots of great info and help on this forum.

Bob

[Dimis]

Welcome to the mad house.

While there are plenty of options available to you, it sounds like a the car best fitting your description is a MarkIV FFR. ie: Factory Five Racing.

Its track proven, comes requiring full assembly and paint, and actually resembles a cobra.
The bonus is they are great value with great support.

If the wife is telling you to "bug out" so to speak, because your colour choices aren't traditional. She's going to take one look at a jbl and book you in yo the nearest optometrist.
JBLs are great track cars, and very quick indeed, but only vaguely resemble a cobra of sorts.

Both hurricane and unique are nice also, but seemingly a little too boutique and with out the same track history for you. It's isn't that they aren't as good but my "assumption" is seeing you've come of a wrx, I'm tipping FFR is right up your ally.

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Nb: the post above is my opinion, yes I believe it, I wrote it! It comes with no bias and is strictly my opinion. Your millage may vary... You'd be wise to investigate yourself and take with a grain of salt those pushing their own brands. Yes their brand is a great fit for them, but may not be for you. Or in this case your wife.
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Take care

[Dimis]

Ps: let us know how else we can spend your money.

[Silversmith]

For what the wife wants & you too A FFR MKIV will best fit what you say you both want!