so many kits

[solark]

Trying to thoroughly research all the different kits out there is proving to be a daunting task. At the risk of starting an all out war, who makes the best kit, assuming price isn't a factor?

The ERAs all look gorgeous and seem pretty authentic, but I must be honest that I'm less interested in authenticity as outright performance ability. There seem to be a lot of good arguments for the FFRs, but then there seem to be a lot of people who swear by their Kirkhams, too.

I understand that pretty much any kit can be modified to tailor fit my performance and real world goals, but what's the best starting platform? Is there a best? I'm really not trying to pick a fight here, I just want to know if there's one company that really occupies the top rung once you throw monetary concerns out the window. And if not, what are the traits that tend to characterize the final product of each manufacturer?

Help!

[Bob Putnam]

For pure performance, I would pick the JBL chassis. Of course, ours isn't too shabby either.

[Roscoe]

Everyone's performance requrements are different so there is not one kit that will meet your criteria.

The final product is a direct result of the builders care and expertise.

Roscoe
http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm

[Excaliber]

See the thread "Front Suspension Parts".

CSX4027 modified the exisiting "original" style suspension to get better handling. An interesting side note in that thread about Ken Miles making similiar changes to the 289 cars he was driving at the time. Even the "stock" suspension on a replica, CSX car (old or new), live axle or IRS will provide AWESOME handling. BUT, there is ALWAYS room for improvement for those seeking "just a little better".

If your going to make a JBL better, you gotta be REALLY good, 'cause I don't know WHAT you would do to that bad boy that hasn't all ready been done!

I think it's VERY cool that a guy would be bold enough to "tinker" with a CSX car. My hats off to CSX4027! Well done!

Ernie

[jmarsey]

Solark,

This is such a subjective area. I don't think of any cobra replica as right or wrong, good or bad or best and worst. Different manufacturers provide the desires of different people. That's why there are different manufacturers and not just one. The examples that you gave are of cars all unique to themselves, all very nice machines. I think one can always make improvements and / or changes to fit their needs. I would recommend listing your top 10 most important things you are looking to get out of your project. If you share that with this forum you will probably get some meaningful help.

Good luck, John

[jrussell]

Solark,
There is some very good advice above, so do your homework in looking at as many different manufacturers that satisfy "your" objectives and criteria. There is no "magic bullet" out there, so be honest with yourself. It is rare indeed that "money is no object", so my opinion is you need to determine what your actual goal is and narrow your search to achieve it. You currenty seem to be interested in a car from $20-25K to around $100k. You now have almost all of then to choose from.
Do you want to build, and if so, for how long? Do you want do spend $ up front, and be driving a brand new car in 4 months or less?
Why not look at some of the used(some have less than 100 miles) Cobras listed on this and other forums. You can get the best of both worlds, be driving in a matter of days for somewhere in the middle of the $ above.
Good luck in your search, but you do have some work to do. What was perfect for me and has, and still does, fulfilled my goals might not work for you at all.
Please, keep us posted on your search because I am curious to see where you end.
John Russell
Spf#586- bought 10-20-1999 new, now with 11,000+ miles & drive it EVERY chance I get!!

[Steve SPF 517]

You don't give any indication of your location. Most likely you live near a network of people that will be thrilled to show you their car and give advice. Just be careful, everyone has an opinion on which car/engine is the best. Understand you needs and limitations about the car. The best way is to get out there and talk to owners and see and ride in their cars.

[HIQ]

Kirkham or ERA would be my choice. There are many nice cars available, but ERA and the Kirkhams have earned a reputation for the taking care of the customers after the sale.

[solark]

Thanks everybody for their opinions thus far. I feel I was misunderstood by some though. Obviously, each kit will have its pros and cons, its fans and its detractors, and obviously they're all quite customizable. A number of factors will invariably lead to my final decision, but what I was looking to know is simply if a hierarchy exists.

When you want "the best" watch, you buy a rolex or a bulgari, even though a plethora of other manufacturers are excellent in their own right. You want the best speakers, you get B&Ws, you want the best drumkit you go to Drum Workshop, and if you want the best cheese, you go to France.

With so many Cobra options filling so many different needs, I merely wondered if there are one or two kit manufacturers who place quality above all else, above period exactness, above ease of assembly, and even above price (though money is always a factor, price will not likely be too great a prohibitor in this case). It quite likely that no such hierarchy exists, which is why I'm asking in the first place.

And if no one company does a Cobra best, then what part of a Cobra does each company do best? What are the pros and cons? I've been able to check out examples of a couple kits personally, but I'll never be able to put my butt in all of them. Just looking for some direction, a springboard if you will.

To those of you who've already answered to that effect (bob putnam, HIQ), thanks, your thoughts have certainly been noted. I'd love to hear from as many people on this as have an opinion though. Everybody's got a favorite. Step up to the soapbox, don't be shy

[ERA 626]

ERA, Kirkham or SAI not necessarily in that order
BTW Sonar is the best drum kit

[decooney]

Welcome solark!

You could possibly start with a few basic parameters that would help to narrow down your choices quickly, if price is not a concern. There are so many different starting requirements. Everyone will give you a different opinion based on what they have driven, owned, or by what they parrot from others. Understanding your requirements is the key. From there, only you can determine what is the best for you. For example:

1. You want a Fiberglass or Alumumin body?

2. You want 99% authentic looking - or- its not that important?

3. Is all out driving and performance more important to you than making the car look like it did in the 60s? i.e. 15" wheels vs. 17" wheels and tires...

4 Build it yourself or buy a turnkey-minus configuration only?

5. Do you want to work with an established company or are you willing to take a chance on one of the 2-years or less type companies popping up out there? Do you like taking risks?

6. Street driving only or track driving or both?

7. Is customer service, parts replacement inventory, and returned phone calls important to you?

The list goes on and on...

I bet the combined people on this board could write a 10" thick book on all the things you could consider about what is best. IMHO, narrow down your definition of what is best for you and you'll start to get some very specific answers from people on this site. Its a wealth of information to be able to tap into if you ask more specific questions with a little more details on your thoughts/vision of what you like.

For example, if we asked you what the best dog is for a pet, you'd probably tell us something completely different than what we like and would recommend. If we said we like short-haired lap dogs that fetch a ball and don't shed... well you get the idea.

Good Luck. The fun begins here on ClubCobra... See Ya!

[Dwight]

SOLARK, IT YOUR TURN.

DECOONEY IS TELLING IT LIKE IT IS! SO TAKE YOUR TIME. WE'LL BE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU.

[Excaliber]

B&W speakers? Au contraire,,,got to be somebody equal to or greater than! Sigh,,,,what a tough call to name the best "quality" fit and finish Cobra kit\builder! It might be a small shop working with a "typical" Cobra kit that ends up producing superior workmanship and a stunning build!

Double Venom II comes to mind in that regard........now THERES something "unique",,,uh wait that was a different "era",,,,,,,a "classic roadster" delimna on where to find one of the top "five factory racers" without being sucked up by the "backdraft" of something built on the "west coast". And just when the "hunter" is narrowing down his list a host of other contenders show up,,,,but I digress.

Ernie

[Back in Black]

WHEN I finally take delivery.

[Richard Hudgins]

SoLark,

I am responding for JBL.

As Bob Putnam says, the ERA is not too shabby. It looks correct and works quite well both road and track. I feel that is it is the "Best of Breed" of repilcas. Period!!!!!!!!

The JBL is a different beast entirely. It is not close to the original and was never meant to be. It was designed to put modern chassis and suspension dynamics into a classic roadster envelope.

As far as quality of components and fabrication detail, they are the best that can be produced by folks who are in the race business today and supply Trans-AM, CART, FIA, and F1 teams with components. The same attention to design and detail that these folks put into the products for these teams, build the JBL.

Every component of the car is built on CNC machines and this includes the chassis tubes, the stressed panels, the roll bars, the suspension arms, the uprights, in other words everything.

The corner to corner tolerances for pickup points is .030. The tolerances for all other components is .0010.

That does not make JBL better than anyone else, just different.

The mindset of JBL is to produce the best piece period. In all details. Dave at JBL will actually drive you crazy with his commitment to design and fabrication excellence. (I know he makes me nuts)

The JBL is not for everyone. It is only for the person who wishes to explore the edge in Roadster design and execution.

There are really very few folks who wish this. They think they do, until they realize the commitment it takes to build a really serious piece.

John Marsey is an example of one who is truly commited to building the best piece that one can. The folks at JBL are proud of his efforts.

Of Course JBL is proud of all the folks who chose to build the JBL (The "butcher" is a horse of a different color, as everyone knows.)

It would be my recommendation that you research all of the offerings and find what truly fits your requirements. That is the only way that you will ever be happy with your choice of brand.

[chirodale]

Solark,

You're right about the many kits out there. I was confused myself and did alot of research. I drove several different kits and was quite dissapointed with everyone. I had a dream for 10 years to own a Cobra but lost my desire after driving several of them. I'd put it on the back burner for 2-3 years again. I knew that the best cobras were the factory manufactured cars from South Africa but just couldn't stomach spending $65,000.00 to own a decent cobra. Then I heard from a friend in South Africa that most of the driver Cobra's there were Shamrock Cobras. It was very rare to even see a Superformance there due to the fact that they were mostly shipped to the US. I bought a Shamrock Cobra from an individual over there and have been thoroughly pleased. There is a new dealer for these cars here in the USA and they're located in Chattanooga, TN. Their web site address is: www.shamrocksupersnake.com
There's alot of good information on that site and from what I have experienced, the shamrock cobra is by far the best built cobra for the money. They utilize Jaguar independent suspension both in the front and rear. Every part in these cars is either brand new or completely remanufactured. Shamrock has been building Cobras since 1984 and they know what they're doing. One thing about the US dealership is that the cars come complete with convertible top, roll bar, smith guages, both quick jack and bumper over-riders, stainless rivits in hood, full leather custom seats and dash pad, stainless headers & custom side pipes. This is the most complete rolling chassis I have ever seen. Literally all you have to do is drop an engine/transmission, driveshaft and wheels and you're done. Not like alot of the other kit manufacturers where your Nickel & Dimed to death before you're done. Its my understanding that these cars are sold turnkey or as rolling chassis. Check out the web site and good luck with your purchase.

Dale

[Excaliber]

Hmmmm,,,,interesting post on Shamrock cars. It's the ONLY post I've seen that offers a CLUE about them. TO NEW for me to give any serious consideration to at this time. Maybe later when they've been here for more than 15 minutes...........

I've been thinking about which kit for ME for some time. Build quality varies a LOT. Solution? Have it built for you by a reputable builder for excellent quality control purposes. I COULD build one, but I KNOW I would take to many "short cuts" in the end, I just don't have the time!

The Shamrocks on the web site are CLEARLY not up to par as far as "orignal" design concept goes. The wheels are a case in point, among other things. I know, so you get whatever wheels you want! I sure wouldn't use THOSE wheels on MY web site advertising MY Cobra! Makes me wonder,,,,what else are they missing?

Ernie

[decooney]

IMHO, not to rag too much, but If the Shamrock car was offerred as a package:

- minus the "entire" interior, including the steering wheel

- minus the wheels/tires in the picture

- minus a few coil springs or inches to eliminate the 4WD look

- minus the vertical windshield and 4 foot wide rear view mirror

- and replaced with more authentic looking parts/interior...

with these changes/corrections and offered at a price less than the competition out there, it could be something. To me, as-is, it does not look very close to an authentic Cobra, but it could be a nice driving car. There are not any good chassis shots, and this is the first thing that would alert me to look at one up close.

As for the looks of this car, it always amazes me how some of these companies start out running a marathon and fall down 50 feet before the finish line on the easy stuff; like the interior.

Its nice to see the Jag front/rear suspension/differential components. Just like the Backdraftracing Cobra, with some minor changes it could become a very good contender in this price range. Not everyone likes authentic looking Cobras though, so who knows? I'd like to see this company go with a more oringal look on the non-mechanical stuff and try to keep the price the same; and then see what happens to their sales. There are some nice points to the car. Just needs some re-thinking and redesign to be a contender. IMHO.