Replacement for a Cobra.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by donkeykong

I personally wouldn't drive a Miata, not trying to offend anybody, but there's ZERO power, ZERO aesthetics and ZERO cool factor!

It is also the best selling 2-seat roadster in history, now approaching a million units sold and has its own successful racing series. So you would be in the minority.

[john chesnut]

I have a couple Miatas and love to drive them. No power for sure. But, they are light and extremely fun to drive. Not to offend anyone, but they are better handling than most Cobra replicas.

I have a Cobra tribute with a very stiff space frame, LS6 engine, Tremec 5speed, and C5 Corvette independent suspension. It is great handling car and doesn't suffer from "scary" toe changes. It's a blast and plenty fast for me. It gets attention but NOT NEARLY as much as my self built C5 based Speedster. I can't go anywhere in that car with out being completely swarmed with people. My speedster has the stock C5's wheelbase and track but I moved the engine rearward by 23 inches to achieve 54% rear weight. I have the same power in the Cobra and the Speedster. The Speedster is the best handling car that I have ever driven.

I just saw an ad for the new Jaguar F type tonight. My first thought was that it looks like a modern Cobra. I realize that it's civilized, has a paddle shifter and doesn't have a ground pounding, 427. But, If I were looking to replace my Cobra with car with modern features I would look at it.

It's all fun.

[henrik]

Originally Posted by john chesnut

I just saw an ad for the new Jaguar F type tonight. My first thought was that it looks like a modern Cobra. I realize that it's civilized, has a paddle shifter and doesn't have a ground pounding, 427. But, If I were looking to replace my Cobra with car with modern features I would look at it.

It's all fun.

I agree.

I "tried" the Jag on a car show - it is like a aston martin vantage at 1/3 of the $$$

The new F Jag is a very fine alternative

[donkeykong]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

I agree with zero power. What a miata has is an extremely cheap/free fun factor.

Now that I can't disagree with in any way!

[lippy]

My father in law bought a newer Jag about 5 years ago. The car completely came apart in less than 25k miles. Problem after problem. Jag doesn't make enough cars to amortize the test and development costs for the complex systems required to compete. I wouldn't touch one.

[trularin]

As I understand it ( and I am probably wrong ), does Tata own Jag?

Cobra is unique. Comparing the car to others is a matter of personal choice.

In my opinion, a cobra is an experience. Those people that do not get it, yes, they do not get it.

[Danr55]

I went on a breakfast run with three Z06s, a Viper, a Lotus and a Mustang. The Cobra got most all of the attention. There is no substitute.

[jhv48]

And if your wife is gorgeous with big hooters, you've got all the bases covered.

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by john chesnut

My speedster has the stock C5's wheelbase and track but I moved the engine rearward by 23 inches to achieve 54% rear weight.

John I have an Arntz Cobra with a 454 Chevy motor that has been set WAY back to achieve an almost 50/50 balance. It certainly draws some comment!

C5s are pretty rare down here in Oz. Any chance of a pic of your engine bay? Is the block so far reset that it lessens leg room in the footwells? Are you running auto or manual?

Thanks.

[CowtownCobra]

There is no road-worthy substitute for a cobra. Period. However there are some days when my mind wonders a bit...

[john chesnut]

Here are a couple of pictures of my Cobra. The engine is a stock LS6. I am running a T56 transmission going to a C5 Vette diff which I modified to accept a drive shaft. I have plenty of leg and foot room but the LS6 is quite a bit smaller than a big block Chevy.

I get a lot of looks in my Cobra. But, none compared to my Speedster. I am mobbed every where I go with it. Both are fun!

[Donunder]

Thanks a lot for the pics John.

Looks like you're not afraid to go your own way with your cars! The LS motors are a popular choice for many OZ Cobra builders (even a couple of LS7s), where adherence to tradition is not so ingrained, probably because the bulk of cars here are fairly young. My old girl was built by Steve Arntz in 1979 so I'm more inclined to go the traditional route I guess, although I'd love to swap out my original 454 for a Reher-Morrison 540, and my old Muncie 4-speed for one of Keisler's SS700 5-speeders. Still the old school approach -- just newer componentry!

I like the extra heat cutouts on your Cobra and that engine bay is so clean.

The Speedster is a weapon! It goes along the lines of a replica Beck Lister that used to be made over there. Great shape! And I love the approach that, if the pipes won't exit through the sides, just flop 'em up and over! Are you able to road register the Speedster as an individually constructed vehicle in your state? I doubt it'd get by the registration killjoys over here.

Thanks again.

[Bartruff1]

As I understand his post...he is not looking for a car like a Cobra... he is looking for a car that can be driven in less than ideal circumstances for a considerable distance that is still fun. A Miata will do that for sure.

If you want more performance, I like Corvettes and Porsches in that category ...if you can tolerate the maintenance cost, Porches are unique and fun to drive in any kind of weather including heavy snow.

I am making insulting offers for a 2014 mid engine Cayman... it just might be the best road Porsche ever made.

Take a look at one of those...it maybe what you want.

[SunDude]

No one seems to have noticed, but the OP hasn't been back since he started this thread.

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by SunDude

No one seems to have noticed, but the OP hasn't been back since he started this thread.

Ahh who cares?

We're all having fun!

[Snakebit]

If I sold the Cobra, my 3 sons would commit me to a nursing home and throw away the key! I picked up a 75 Porsche 914 and use it as my semi daily driver and for auto cross. The Porsche is like driving a go cart and the Cobra is a pure adrenalin rush. My wife likes the Porsche, but riding in the Cobra is a white knuckle experience for her.