The best cobra for Bob

[bubela]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Bob, and I am looking for some advice.

I’ve wanted a Shelby Cobra for as long as I can remember… a good 25 years. Well, I’m finally able to afford one and would like a little advice on which to buy. I’ve always been drawn to the Superformance Cobra as they’ve been around a while. I think I’d like one of those over a Factory 5 Cobra. That said, I don’t need (nor can I afford) a Kirkham (or like) aluminum bodied car.


I’m looking to purchase a driving car, not so much a show car. I won’t be storing it in a fancy garage. (I do have a garage, but it’s not fancy one =) I plan to drive it on every and any nice day that I can! Mileage is not important to me. I’d actually prefer a car that has some road/rock chips in the paint so that I don’t feel so bad when I add more. I want it to look mostly original. Ie. dash/shifter/single roll bar/body lines/ etc.

I’ve been a Ford guy my whole life. However, in the past ten years I started a BMW salvage yard, so I now own a few high HP BMWs. I’ve done a couple HPDEs with the CCA. One of my lighter BMWs (2800 pounds) has 500whp and 425 wtq. My 03 M3 has 675whp and 575 wtq. Both of these cars run low 11 second ¼ miles around 133 mph. So, I’m use to light, high horsepower cars. I’d really like a cobra with the same kind of power. I’ve read that the Cobras try to kill you every time you take it out.. and I know that kind of car fits me! Based on my on/off years of research, I think the Roush small block 427r would be an ideal engine for me with around 550hp and 535 tq. I just hope it’s enough. Does anyone have experience with this engine? Or think there is a better choice of engine?


Lastly, I do have a budget. My pockets are not bottomless, flush with cash. What is a fair price for a car configured how I appear to like? Is there a go-to place for cobra sales?

[MOTORHEAD]

Your having a BMW salvage yard just Screeeems "Backdraft". Their running gear is all 3 series BMW. suspension, 3rd member, brakes !
It's a no brainer !!!

Ted

[Buzz]

duplicate post

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by bubela

I want it to look mostly original. Ie. dash/shifter/single roll bar/body lines/ etc.

Backdraft owners love their Backdrafts, but the look/lines/stance are anything but original in appearance.
Superformance also builds a very good car, and although far closer than the Backdraft, it still isn't as accurate looking as the ERA which is pretty much regarded as the benchmark for fiberglass bodied cars.
Unique Motorcars makes a beautiful, solid replica and if, as it appears, you're looking at the pre-owned market there's a nice example for sale right here in the classifieds at a good price:


It has a big block stroker, but bear in mind even with a big block, these cars are still 50/50 front/rear balanced so there really is no handling penalty with the bigger engine.

There are some other 'glass bodied cars no longer in production that are extremely accurate and well-built if you're lucky enough to find one. First one that comes to mind is Hi-Tech - absolutely beautiful cars.

Going back to Superformance though, unless you're able to (and care about) subtleties like the original low stance and fender profiles, etc. these cars are very well built and it's not too difficult to find one with your preferred engine choice.
You'll hear other opinions and suggestions. Congratulations on your decision to pull the trigger and good luck with your search.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by bubela

Lastly, I do have a budget. My pockets are not bottomless, flush with cash. What is a fair price for a car configured how I appear to like? Is there a go-to place for cobra sales?

The prices can vary from 30000 to close to 200000. So it might help if you said just how close or far away from the bottom your pockets are... The 30K cars will not be very "original", and the 100K will be well configured. 200K for an aluminum car is typical.

You should look at www.cobracountry.com to get a feeling for what is out there for how much.

By the way, this is the most common question here and has been answered something like once a week for the past 5 years. Look at the topic traffic or use search and you'll probably find out the general gist.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by bubela

Based on my on/off years of research, I think the Roush small block 427r would be an ideal engine for me with around 550hp and 535 tq. I just hope it’s enough. Does anyone have experience with this engine? Or think there is a better choice of engine?

My Shelby Cobra (CSX4005LA) had the engine you speak of. Mine was the fuel injected version (427IR) and I had lots of problems with the fuel injection system but no problems with the engine itself. Lots of folks out there (some of them here) make an equivalent for less money though.

That engine will be more than enough for a Cobra. The engine was happiest operating at higher RPMs, so I ran in a lower gear at higher RPM to blow the cobwebs out. It would have been much happier on the track than on the street. For that reason if I were to get another Cobra it would be the small block version (CSX2000 based). The 289 (302) operates quite well and is a better match for the street car's power demands.

Note about the 427IR: Mine was a former generation that used the Accel DFI controller. If you're looking for fuel injection avoid this generation at all cost. It will not perform at altitude (well mine did after nearly $3000 of tuning, but Roush never got that even though I offered if they'd split my costs.) They later changed the fuel injection controller to another manufacture (FAST?) but there hasn't been much if any feedback on how that system works. But like I said, if you're looking there are equivalent builds for less.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by bubela

What is a fair price for a car configured how I appear to like?

What is your budget like?
Your budget will dictate your choices, so for now, we need to know your rough budget, 30's, 40's, 50's 60's, etc before we can truly answer your question as posted above.
Lots of low mileage used Cobras out on the market of all shapes and sizes, some are well worth the money, some are not. As a newbie, you need to ask yourself why an original owner would lose 10's of thousands of dollars after owning such a car for a short period of time. Then you need to ask yourself do you want a car that looks like a Cobra, or kind of looks like a Cobra. Do you want a big block car, or a small block car, what about color combinations, what about chassis set up, bolt on wheels, knock off wheels, side pipes, undercar exhaust, and a host of other questions that all will play a factor in to what you will ultimately spend your money on.

Just food for thought

[twobjshelbys]

Another thing on the Roush 427(R)(IR). I seem to recall people reporting oil consumption issues with them. I do believe it was something they addressed, but I don't remember if people that had the problem got any help. Again, search will lead you to the discussion.

[bubela]

Wow, thank you for all the replies guys! Makes me feel very welcome.

That’s funny Ted. I was not aware that the Backdraft cars were basically 3 series BMWs.

Thank you Buzz. She’s my favorite color, and in PA to boot! I’ll have to do some research on the Unique Motorcars. I had heard that the weight of the big block engine did throw off the handling, but I must have heard wrong. Thank you for clearing that up. I have never driven one to know.

Thank you for your input on the 427ir Tony. Do you know how your car handles compared to a Superformance car? Your car is basically a replica of the same car that Shelby originally made, (suspension, etc) more-or-less, correct?

As far as budget goes, I’m looking in the 50-60k range.

Mrmustang: One person that I know owned a cobra replica. Pretty sure it was a Factory 5 car. He never let me drive it. He only owned it for about a year. There were some minor issues with it that he fixed. (He builds hot rods in his spare time) I’m pretty sure he sold it for more than he purchased it for. Said he sold it because he never drove it. I generally ask why someone is selling their car. It’s a very good question to ask, and hopefully the answer is an honest one. =)

I would like a car that can at least trick my eye and make me believe it’s a cobra. There are some kits that I can tell right away that are off. The Superformance car is close enough for me. I’d also like availability to replacement parts.

I’d say the list of things in order of importance are:

Looks like a Cobra
As or almost as fast as my BMWs. (Do I need a big block to run low 11’s?)
Chassis set up/strength/dependability/ease of reasonably priced parts.
Side pipes.
Color combo, but I like a lot of them.
I don’t want 5.0 mustang wheels on the car.


Is there a consensus on the best handling car?

[Mark IV]

The best Cobra for Bob? One of these:

https://www.timemachineauto.com/specials.html

https://www.timemachineauto.com/supe...i-sp02379.html

[SunDude]

You should have no problem finding a nice resale Cobra in the $50-60K range. An ERA or Supeformance. Even a nice Unique Motorcars which generally sell for a bit less and will leave you with some extra cash in your pockets for high-octane gas.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

The best Cobra for Bob? One of these:

https://www.timemachineauto.com/specials.html

https://www.timemachineauto.com/supe...i-sp02379.html

Hi I see the inside rear view mirror is mounted on the windshield screen. Mine mounts to the dash. I can't get it high enough to see over the rear deck. Can someone instruct me how to mount it to the windshield frame please?
Tom

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Hi I see the inside rear view mirror is mounted on the windshield screen. Mine mounts to the dash. I can't get it high enough to see over the rear deck. Can someone instruct me how to mount it to the windshield frame please?
Tom

Inside mirror and center rod from Finishline.

https://www.finishlineaccessories.co...enter-rod.aspx

That's the way it's done on most Cobras, or you could just glue a mount to the glass like that particular (beautiful) Superformance.

[Mongoose930]

I know it is a little higher than your budget, but if I was starting all over today, this is the Cobra I would buy:

PhotoPost Classifieds - 1996 Cobra Hi-Tech 427 Comp - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Hi I see the inside rear view mirror is mounted on the windshield screen. Mine mounts to the dash. I can't get it high enough to see over the rear deck. Can someone instruct me how to mount it to the windshield frame please?
Tom

We have the Superformance supplied adhesive windshield mounts. They are $20.00 plus $6.75 postage.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Mongoose930

I know it is a little higher than your budget, but if I was starting all over today, this is the Cobra I would buy:

PhotoPost Classifieds - 1996 Cobra Hi-Tech 427 Comp - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

That is one nice Cobra!

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

The best Cobra for Bob? One of these:

https://www.timemachineauto.com/supe...i-sp02379.html

Our seller has reduced the price on this very nice car. Contact us for details.

[spdbrake]

Great selection for cars here but... as most are at dealers you'll have to deal the "Herb Tarlek" type used car salesmen.


https://www.cars-on-line.com/shelby.html

[Midcont]

Hi Bob. I'm selling a car that seems like it may fit the bill. I'm not too too far from you.
Let me know if you want to talk
Josh
PhotoPost Classifieds - Superformance 427SC Cobra, SP02464 - Royal Blue/Arctic White stripes - Roush 427R - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

[bubela]

I got a ride in the Unique Motorcar Cobra mentioned above!

It's a pretty car and basically what I'm looking for. My question is this:

Is it normal for a big block to want to shake the car apart? The cam feels so lopey, especially when cold. I didn't get to drive the car as the roads were still wet from the morning rain. I did get to ride shotgun... But the car just felt raw. I'm not necessarily complaining... I'm just wondering if these cars can take abuse. The clutch seems extra grabby (like an old 4 puck I had in one of the stages of my BMW) and shimmies the car if you don't engage it quite right. I plan to drive the car I purchase rather hard.

Does the fiberglass fatigue where it is fastened to the metal frame? Does anyone here have a Unique Motorcars Cobra that they don't just pamper? I'm a little concerned I suppose.