New Cobra buyer - Questions - Driving Them...

[Robert Beede]

I know little about superformance clutches, but you should ask what type of clutch they installed in the car. Depending on design, which I will not elaborate upon, they can be quick to engage.
On original Cobras, the early cars had TWO holes in the clutch pedal. Positioning the rod into the lower hole greatly reduced the pedal pressure. So, you might investigate the angle of attack of the clutch rod. It may be attached too high on the pedal. bob

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by g8rnbft

Ask FFR what VIN # is on the MSO. FFR does not meet Federal Standards to market "automobiles".

But - have it your way. Don't mean to be argumentative on the issue, just wanted you to not be hoodwinked by an unscrupulous seller.

The law changed a couple of years ago, so FFR may now qualify to do up to 300 or 350 complete cars per year now. However, they may decline due to liability issues. Regardless, companies that sell "rollers" have had a work around in place for quite some time.

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam

No heater, wipers or other options.

So what's that worth?

I was advised that the wipers don't really work well and to not put them on, so I didn't. Are you realistically going to drive farther than to cover in the rain?

If you are going out on cold days, you will appreciate a heater.

Barrett-Jackson is a couple of days away. I saw a couple of FFRs listed, so you may be able to get some insight into current values in a week or so.

[Etsang1@att.net]

Hi there-
I am a completely new member of the club and cannot even figure out how to post a Hello World introduction message to members
Anyway I believe I am interested in Viewing and assessing 350/427 replicas. I don’t believe I have the knowledge, tools or facilities to build one.
I am reaching out here for members that may have already been down this road and would be willing to share some high level lessons learned/do’s and don’t’s.
On their surface, I’ve seen some positively excellent replicas. But what I don’t know for example are the good engineering approaches verses the quickie good enough solutions. Manufactured components of excellent/solid quality verses those that are marginal with quality control issues.
Any way hope this message gets to some people that don’t mind communicating back and forth on Shelby Replica topics. Thanks much for your time!

Aloha
Ed from San Diego, Ca

[Jim Vander Wal]

The wipers aren't great, don't expect current car performance but they're still better than nothing. You still want a fresh application of Rain-X outside and inside.

I've driven for hours in the rain, mostly w/o the top, twice with. I've been wet, cold, baked, dried out and most everything in between. I also take a shower every morning and wash cars with water, everything dries.

If you do any road trips you will get wet.

Heaters as previously indicated are a good thing as are defrosters. Seat heaters make a lot of sense.

Tires. All work well dry but some tires are just dangerous in the rain and a few work exceptionally well.

Jim

[twobjshelbys]

The wipers are wussy. But they are better than nothing. You can drive with them in the rain, or you can park on the side of the road. You will find that if you drive in the rain you will also need the defroster as the inside will drip over and eventually fog up. Some states require a heater/defroster and wipers and not having it will impede resale later to those that do require them.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by MKS427

I was advised that the wipers don't really work well and to not put them on, so I didn't. Are you realistically going to drive farther than to cover in the rain?

If you are going out on cold days, you will appreciate a heater.

Barrett-Jackson is a couple of days away. I saw a couple of FFRs listed, so you may be able to get some insight into current values in a week or so.

Does your insurance company know you have no wipers? I would suspect if they did they would not be happy about that.

I have autocrossed in a light rain and though they were not much good the wipers did help. They were good enough I did all my runs.

[Unique427]

Sitting for +10 years suggest that all 4 tires are likely beyond a 10 year service life.
Check the production date code (month/year) on the sidewall.
As a tire ages, rubber compound hardens and alters grip characteristics.
Another consideration is after 10 years odds of a blowout increase substantially.
This is why tire shops don't repair flats on tires beyond 10 years.

I also sort of feel unless that SPF is well documented its overpriced for a 351.

[AdamIsAdam]

Hi all. I just want to put it out there that I'm passing on this car due to price and associated unknown costs to bring it up to speed.

(yes, tires is a given past the 7 year mark. They looked to be original, which makes sense.)

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by MKS427

The law changed a couple of years ago, so FFR may now qualify to do up to 300 or 350 complete cars per year now. However, they may decline due to liability issues. Regardless, companies that sell "rollers" have had a work around in place for quite some time.

Yes, the legislation was passed, but it was 2015. It's still not in effect, and SEMA had to file a lawsuit late last year against the DOT in California to get things moving.

Read more here: https://www.rcnmag.com/news/nhtsa-is...sed-rulemaking

Bottom line: As of right now no manufacturer is permitted to sell complete cars - though hopefully that will change soon. It will soon be open for public comment, and there's information in the linked article on how to do that.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam

Hi all. I just want to put it out there that I'm passing on this car due to price and associated unknown costs to bring it up to speed.

… and so it goes.

[twobjshelbys]

I asked about this to Todd Andrews (he used to be Roush's engine guy, now at Superformance/Hillbank). He said there wasn't too much interest in pursuing a formal manufacturing line to build cars. Two reasons. 1. Ford has yet to release a compliant power plant. Ford will not submit one until the legislation passes. So that leaves the LS3 as the only US compliant engine. There isn't too much engine in a non-Ford engine in a Cobra. 2. Even if Ford submitted Coyote for compliance, there isn't enough interest in Coyote to support "a line". Most people that get Cobras still want period correct smelly V8s, not something silent. Sure, there are some people that want them and they will make a car that accommodates it, just not enough to "go into the business". If you're going to do that, get a Mustang.

And on top of that , you do understand there's lots more than taking a Cobra, dropping an engine/trans into it and shipping out the door. There are still compliances and NHTSA and EPA submissions that have to be done and all of that is not free. And then you have to warranty the whole thing.

It's more efficient business model to sell a roller.