New guy with basic questions

[Emurph]

Hi guys,
I've owned a lot of cars, most recently a Z06 Vette. I've always loved the look of these Cobras and have started looking into buying one.
I'd really like an unbiased opinion and some basic info on these cars. I've seen some that are built out of donor cars and others that seem to be more complete and just have a new engine and drive train installed. I saw a real nice Back Draft racing one which advertised brand new car. I know I want a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable. I've seen factory 5's and many others. What are the differences and pros and cons. I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Emurph

Hi guys,
I've owned a lot of cars, most recently a Z06 Vette. I've always loved the look of these Cobras and have started looking into buying one.
I'd really like an unbiased opinion and some basic info on these cars. I've seen some that are built out of donor cars and others that seem to be more complete and just have a new engine and drive train installed. I saw a real nice Back Draft racing one which advertised brand new car. I know I want a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable. I've seen factory 5's and many others. What are the differences and pros and cons. I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

Start off with the basics as your original question is far too vague to respond to in a week:

What is your budget?
What is your intended use? (IE: road racer, Sunday cruiser, show car, drag racer, etc)
What do you want in a car? (ie; top, heater, wipers, knock off wheels or bolt on wheels, independent rear suspension, 3 link, or maybe even a straight rear)
Do you expect to drive it ever day?


My secondary advice is to read the link in my sig line, works for a new or used car. Make sure you get out and see all of the ones you are interested in and not just fall in love with the first one you see up close and in person. They all have their pluses and minuses, start with answering the above and reading the link I suggested, then come back with a well thought out response and we can take things from there.


Bill S.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

I know I want a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable.

There aren't too many big block cars with EFI, and even less that are reliable.

The other question would be how much work do you want to do yourself. If want to do some or all the work yourself, then that will lead your purchase in one direction. If you want to do little, if any, work yourself, then that is a different direction for your purchase.

Most folks that come here thinking about a Cobra, eventually buy Z06's. So you may want to save some time and get another one.

Sorry, that's an inside forum joke.

[mln385]

Big difference between a cobra and a vette. Cobra does not handle nor ride like a vette, a vette is well mannered and has the creature comforts. A cobra is just an all out brute full of HP and torque justing waiting to bite!!

Ask me how I know....I have one of each.....

[MJJ]

Originally Posted by mln385

Big difference between a cobra and a vette. Cobra does not handle nor ride like a vette, a vette is well mannered and has the creature comforts. A cobra is just an all out brute full of HP and torque justing waiting to bite!!

Ask me how I know....I have one of each.....

Would the handling of a cobra be comparable to a straight axle mustang?

I have yet to drive one yet so I am truly interested in your response. I have an IRS 04 cobra and a highly modified suspension on my 11 and they seem to handle pretty well. Not as well as a Z06 but pretty solid.

Just was curious just how the cobra feels. Body roll, nose end dive on braking etc..

I know rear end traction is a challenge.

Thanks

Tag

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by MJJ

Would the handling of a cobra be comparable to a straight axle mustang?

No, it isn't. The ten inch difference in wheelbase makes a big difference -- the first time you experience it you almost think of a go-kart. Plus, the better Cobras will have an IRS, which makes a difference on non-flat roads. You really have to experience it for yourself -- don't go by Club Cobra descriptions alone.

[REAL 1]

Zo6 is a much more stable platform. A cobra has a 90" wheelbase in a very light and very powerful package. An accurate replica will have IRS. A cobra is a car u better know what u are doing if you want to drive it fast. It will kill the foolish and imprudent without hesitation or notice.

In skilled hands they are still very fast.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by MJJ

Would the handling of a cobra be comparable to a straight axle mustang?

I'm thinking the next question will be about gas mileage.

I agree with Patrick. There's no way to describe the acceleration, handling and braking of Cobra. I owned a '66 Corvette Convertible with BBC 540, obviously IRS, sidepipes and upgraded components everywhere, but it's just not the same.

[MJJ]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'm thinking the next question will be about gas mileage.

I agree with Patrick. There's no way to describe the acceleration, handling and braking of Cobra. I owned a '66 Corvette Convertible with BBC 540, obviously IRS, sidepipes and upgraded components everywhere, but it's just not the same.

You can rest easy - no gas mileage questions forthcoming.

I have two cars already that have pretty wicked acceleration . I am sure it is not the same as a 65 cobra but a little better than a camry.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by MJJ

Would the handling of a cobra be comparable to a straight axle mustang?

I have yet to drive one yet so I am truly interested in your response. I have an IRS 04 cobra and a highly modified suspension on my 11 and they seem to handle pretty well. Not as well as a Z06 but pretty solid.

Just was curious just how the cobra feels. Body roll, nose end dive on braking etc..

I know rear end traction is a challenge.

Thanks

Tag

My backdraft handles better than my 03 cobra did, but not as good as the c6 z06. There arent really any similar handing characteristics between the 3, so it's rather hard to compare and define.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by MJJ

You can rest easy - no gas mileage questions forthcoming.

I have two cars already that have pretty wicked acceleration . I am sure it is not the same as a 65 cobra but a little better than a camry.

Find a way to drive someone's high-end Cobra -- maybe your local club can help out there. But, most car enthusiasts will find that a Cobra is not for them -- for a lot of reasons. In fact, you almost have to be "not completely right" to want to spend the kind of money a lot of these cars cost just to get something that is pretty much useless most of the time.

[MJJ]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Find a way to drive someone's high-end Cobra -- maybe your local club can help out there. But, most car enthusiasts will find that a Cobra is not for them -- for a lot of reasons. In fact, you almost have to be "not completely right" to want to spend the kind of money a lot of these cars cost just to get something that is pretty much useless most of the time.

Sounds like you just described me.

Maybe your right. Probably better off adding a Raptor & Boss 302LS and calling it a day.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, it isn't. The ten inch difference in wheelbase makes a big difference -- the first time you experience it you almost think of a go-kart. Plus, the better Cobras will have an IRS, which makes a difference on non-flat roads. You really have to experience it for yourself -- don't go by Club Cobra descriptions alone.

I have a 2012 Mustang GT and I think the actual difference is 17 inches - enough to make a big difference.

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by Emurph

I'd really like an unbiased opinion and some basic info on these cars. What are the differences and pros and cons. I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

The best thing to do it visit your local Cobra club meet and look at some actual cars. The guys there will be more than happy to show you the different makes and you will likely get to ride in one too.

Cool cars for sure, but like the others have said, quite impractical and not for everyone. Best to find out if it's really for you before buying.

[Emurph]

Thanks, I read the link. Very good stuff.
More detail about what I would like:
Sunday cruiser would be the best description of what I want. It would never see the rain so no need for a top or heat or wipers or any of that useless stuff. I would occasionally take it to a local show or two not likely to see a track either.
Budget wise I would like to be around 40??
I'm not a mechanic. I don't want a project. I want a car I can jump in and go for a ride and look super cool doing it! I fully understand these are not like my Vette I don't think I want something built on top of a regular mustang but may not fully understand or appreciate the concept, I like the idea of a "newer" car with modern power. I will research a local club and see what that yields sounds like a great idea! Still trying to get my head around the differences between these different brands. I saw a Shelby American that is probably way out of my budget and ive seen Backdraft and factory 5 and many others. Thanks again for all the feedback

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by Emurph

e I don't think I want something built on top of a regular mustang but may not fully understand or appreciate the concept,

I don't think there really is such a thing. FFR is known for a donor concept, but that's based on using a Mustang drive train. The frame and most other components are manufactured specifically for the car.

It might help to know where you are located so we can help put you in touch with people nearby.

[Emurph]

Thanks! I'm in central PA near Harrisburg

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

It would never see the rain so no need for a top or heat or wipers or any of that useless stuff.

OK, you definitely passed the test.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

Budget wise I would like to be around 40??

Assuming that price range, I think Factory 5's, Backdraft's, maybe Unique's. If you can stretch another 10K-ish, then maybe an SPF.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Assuming that price range, I think Factory 5's, Backdraft's, maybe Unique's. If you can stretch another 10K-ish, then maybe an SPF.

Remember, he is looking for "a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable." I read "big block" to mean an FE, and he does not want a POS car.