unique 427sc cobra ???

deadwood1584 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2003, 08:39 PM

I think I found what I want----Unique 427 sideoiler 4speed--any reason not to buy?

Buzz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2003, 06:06 AM

Homewrecker · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2003, 12:34 PM

Go for it! Don't know specifics, but in general, Unique makes a great car & will support second hand owners very well.

Tony Radford · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2003, 12:44 PM

I'll second that. I've been around a lot of different Cobras in the area and I think my Unique sits with the best of them.

casaleenie · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2003, 01:36 PM

I'm thrilled with my Unique... definately a cut above the norm....

Hal Copple · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2003, 08:11 PM

I think anytime one contemplates a used car, it is prudent to have someone knowledgable look it over. Very nice cars, but still something to think about

Heck, i once bought a NEW '84 Oldsmobile, and it had a twisted frame, that nobody could align. Go Figure.

Jerry Chabino · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2003, 07:57 AM

What year Unique? The older ones have the old style MG front end instead of coil overs.

deadwood1584 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2003, 08:00 AM

1991---any other changes I should be aware of ?

Homewrecker · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2003, 10:01 AM

That's the biggest change. It can be converted if you really want to. Do a search here or post at http://www.uniquecobra.com/. Alan Weaver (from Unique) watches that site & this one. Someone should be able to let you know how difficult it is to change, if it's that important to you. There's nothing really wrong with the old style. It just depends what you want & how much the asking price is. I don't recall the year that they changed. Maybe you already have the new front. Maybe someone else can help with that.

deadwood1584 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2003, 10:35 AM

1991 Unique 427SC with 427so , 4sp toploader, 1250 miles, good paint (garaged) black pipes, leather, american racing thrust d wheels (15in), tonneau cover, 8 on 1-10 scale

what is it worth???any ideas???

Homewrecker · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2003, 10:48 AM

Prices depend on what people are willing to pay for them. Check ads here & at Cobracountry. Then, factor in heater?, posi?, engine build/condition?, etc. The 427 SO is nice for resale. Some of the other optioins can be added later. Check out the Unique site & see what options are available & what you may want. Authentic wheels are a big expense, but also good for resale. It all boils down to what you want & what you are willing to pay for it.

Jerry Chabino · #12 (**permalink**) 02-03-2003, 12:20 PM

Deadwood,

My own personal opinion is that I would not want a Unique with the MG front end. I understand they are hard to align. I also would not want to convert one from old style to new.

B. SMITH · #13 (**permalink**) 02-03-2003, 03:49 PM

NO PROBLEM WITH THE UNIQUE. I OWNED ONE AND DROVE SEVERAL.
THE WEAVERS ARE GREAT AND ALWAYS HELPED ME, EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR DIRECTLY FROM THEM.
I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE NOT BEING SATISFIED WITH THE CAR OR THE SUPPORT, NEW OR USED.

GOOD LUCK, B. SMITH

Buzz · #14 (**permalink**) 02-03-2003, 03:59 PM

Converting to the coilover front suspension is actually a piece of cake. I know because I just did a conversion on my car last year. Makes a world of difference. The old MGB setup goes out and the new suspension bolts right in. Brakes, shocks, steering rack - all in one bolt-on assembly. All you have to do is disconnect/reconnect the steering shaft and have the shock towers (included) welded on. Trust me, I am no mechanic and I was able to accomplish the swap myself in the morning and I had the welding truck come by in the afternoon to do the towers. No problem whatsoever. The difference in braking, ride and handling was more than worth it.
email me if you need more details.

deadwood1584 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-13-2003, 10:51 PM

Picked up the Cobra on monday, changed all the fluids thursday, drove a bit --I love it

casaleenie · #16 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 07:40 AM

Congrats...
Are you going to make the conversions or keep it the way it is???
and again, I'm thrilled with the Unique....

deadwood1584 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 07:45 AM

I'll keep it as is for bit and see how it works

Cal Metal · #18 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 08:16 AM

Deadwood:

Drive it for awhile and have some fun. The change is not that necessary, and it might prove to be a good project when you have down time this next winter. Drive it for the summer and have a good time.

Geary L. Sarno · #19 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 10:38 AM

Welcome to the family..

- Aggressor

Tony Ripepi · #20 (**permalink**) 02-14-2003, 11:56 AM

Hello Dead Wood,

I have an Unique with a stroked 427, Tremec 5-speed and love it. When I bought the kit from another builder that lost interest the first change I made was to go to the new front end and Carrera coilovers (6...2 front ...4 on the Jag rear). The installation was very well described in this thread. The other issue is that the MG piece is HEAVY.....the change eliminates a significant amount of weight from between the front wheels and under the engine (estimate 60- 80 lbs.).

I went one step further and replaced the upper A Arms with a NASCAR style heim jointed adjustable piece. This modification takes the handling and ride to the next level.....people that have a huge amount of Cobra experience from original CSX3 cars to many differnent manufacturers car have described my car as the best handling 90 inch wheel base Cobra they have ever driven. BTW I owned an SPF with a 460/Tremec set up at the same time as the Unique and sold it in favor of the Unique.

The Weavers are Great they worked with me through the entire build process even though I was two owners removed from when the kit was bought from them.

Congratulations....there are pictures of my Unique in my Gallery.

Tony R.