Unique or ERA 427 Cobra build

[MGP69stang]

On the fence with color on the roadster..(exhaust out back).. looking at mink silver it might have too much of a blue hue ,
also considering Indigo blue(no stripes) or Mercedes DB180 silver(1958 300SL color).

[DanEC]

If you want under-car exhaust check with Unique to make sure they can handle that. ERA has an under-car exhaust kit but it cuts into your rear tire room and is only 2” in diameter which is real marginal on a 427. I fit a 2-1/2” custom built system under mine but it limited my rear tire size to 255/60-15. OK with me as I was going for a day 2 street roadster concept any way.

Don’t feel bad about waiting 33 years. I waited almost that long to start mine. Silver looks great on a street roadster model by the way.

[MGP69stang]

Engine builders are telling me to stroke the original 427FE block since that is free HP ?

[SBSerpent]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

On the fence with color on the roadster..(exhaust out back).. looking at mink silver it might have too much of a blue hue ,
also considering Indigo blue(no stripes) or Mercedes DB180 silver(1958 300SL color).

In case you weren't aware, it's a well known fact that Indigo Blue is the fastest color.😉

[MGP69stang]

Trying to imagine a solid indigo blue on the roadster

[RAZOR]

Just a thought on the tranny choice. No question the Toploader is the choice for the classic original, but you need to look at some of the advancement in design,
of the TKX its stronger, sleeker and built for the aftermarket Hot Rod crowd, triple cone syncro's for super easy shifting, the TKO had single cone. Watch some Youtube videos on it a lot of good information there. I have a Unique the Weavers are putting together for me now and was really excited to see the innovative design of the TKX.
Rex

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Incorrect. Unique can and has fitted drivers up to 7 feet tall. A well known former member here - Bob Evans, if I remember correctly - was famous testimony to that with his Unique FIA.

Right on, Buzz. There are photos of Bob in the car, either on here or over at the Uniquecobra.com site. And, I think Bob is over 7 feet... but don't quote me on that. A search will find the posts...

Originally Posted by DanEC

If you want under-car exhaust check with Unique to make sure they can handle that.

Yes, unique has done under-car exhausts for others. There is a write up of Juan's car that shows it, over on the Uniquecobra.com site.

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

On the fence with color on the roadster..(exhaust out back).. looking at mink silver it might have too much of a blue hue ,
also considering Indigo blue(no stripes) or Mercedes DB180 silver(1958 300SL color).

The color is the hardest part of the build! You might find that you change it a few times in the process...

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

Engine builders are telling me to stroke the original 427FE block since that is free HP ?

The car already has too much hp to be comfortable. It already can exchange front and reat in the beat of a heart. More hp just makes losing control easier. In fact I encourage people to look at the small block flavor for a more streetable drive.

[Harpoon PV2]

Every one knows, Princes Blue was the fastest color! That's why old Shelby got AC to stop painting Cobra's that color. The Viking Blue and Guardsman Blues just couldn't keep up! Cheers, Dennis

[Harpoon PV2]

I try to tell people that, I have seen so many Cobra's built, going back to the late 70s, where they put the biggest engine they can in it, then the next thing you know, you run into them and ask, "where's your Cobra?" They invariably say, "I sold it, just to much power on the street!" I have said on here a lot, the Cobra that gets the highest mark by those that have driven them, and raced them is, the AC289 Sport! That was the last real Cobra's, with the big block body and coil suspension, with a nice tuned 289! I was looking at a mild roller rocker 302 crate motor, 9:1, and it was rated at more horse power then the 1965 Dayton Coupes! Cheers, Dennis

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Incorrect. Unique can and has fitted drivers up to 7 feet tall. A well known former member here - Bob Evans, if I remember correctly - was famous testimony to that with his Unique FIA. Even my older Unique had been factory modified with a right hand drive conversion, dropped floors and an extended passenger side (now driver side) footbox.
Other than that minor point, I agree with pretty much everything else said about both cars and the transmission choice.

I don't want to get into a "brand loyalty" fight here, I remember Bob, and I also remember the headaches he had with his "custom fitting". Can it be done, absolutely (depends on the inseam of the OP), but there are some things that cannot be overcome, like the 7'4, potential buyer of a friends 64 Corvette convertible found out in the mid 80's. I witnessed that one, the disappointment in his eyes is still burned into my mind.

Bill S.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

Engine builders are telling me to stroke the original 427FE block since that is free HP ?

200hp is enough to get you killed in a Cobra replica, a typical FE build, with lower compression, for pump gas getting you 425-450HP. Anything more is wasted as you have a car without modern day computer controls and anti lock brakes. No need to stroke the motor, except to throw more of your hard earned money to the engine builder, so they can stroke your ego.


Bill S.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I don't want to get into a "brand loyalty" fight here, I remember Bob, and I also remember the headaches he had with his "custom fitting". Can it be done, absolutely (depends on the inseam of the OP), but there are some things that cannot be overcome, like the 7'4, potential buyer of a friends 64 Corvette convertible found out in the mid 80's. I witnessed that one, the disappointment in his eyes is still burned into my mind.

Bill S.

Nothing at all to do with brand loyalty. Facts are facts and incorrect information is just what it is. Put your ego aside . Fitting a 7' + giant into any Cobra replica will present challenges and 6'4" will be a piece of cake. What matters to the OP is that both manufacturers being discussed here are capable of tailoring their cars to fit larger drivers. ERA does it too - Patrickt is related to Sasquatch and they made his Cobra fit. Whichever brand the OP chooses should be based on other preferences/considerations. He came here for genuine assistance, not bulls**t.

[MGP69stang]

I’m 6’4” with 34 1/2” inseam so I have a long torso..

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

I’m 6’4” with 34 1/2” inseam so I have a long torso..

That's actually easier than really long legs. Think back to your high school geometry. Your torso acts as the hypotenuse of the right triangle and the slope of your back, which is adjustable by elevating the front of the seat slightly, makes it easier than you think. The padding of the seat can be more, or less, to your liking.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

I’m 6’4” with 34 1/2” inseam so I have a long torso..

34 1/2" inseam will be easily manageable. Having a long torso, you may need to eliminate the adjustable driver side seat tracks which add a couple of inches to seat height and go with denser foam and reduced seat cushion thickness to help you sit lower in the car. I'm pretty certain that both Unique and ERA will be able to accommodate you in that regard.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That's actually easier than really long legs. Think back to your high school geometry. Your torso acts as the hypotenuse of the right triangle and the slope of your back, which is adjustable by elevating the front of the seat slightly, makes it easier than you think. The padding of the seat can be more, or less, to your liking.

Pythagoras lives!!

[MGP69stang]

Yep I’m confident that they can adjust the padding to be comfortable and also give me clearance from top of the windshield ..I want the seats to look equal height though when no one is in the car

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

I’m 6’4” with 34 1/2” inseam so I have a long torso..

34.5" inseam is not an issue for either Cobra replica as long as you have a dropped floor and adjustable seat rails.


Bill S.

[RUFdriver]

Not to get into a brand pissing match, there are several replica makers with slightly longer wheelbase cars that work well for larger drivers. You can Google and find the various brands at your leisure. Of the two mentioned, I would lean towards Unique based on the build lead times.
Short wheelbase high powered cars like Cobras and 911s can be a handful. I highly recommend some high performance drivers Ed or a racing school. Learn proper threshold braking, trail braking, shifting, driving lines etc. These skills translate onto the street as a much safer driving experience.