unique 427 or backdraft

[COBRAGAR]

not trying to upset anybody .but what do you guys think of backdraft for 25,900 or unique deluxe pallet kit . very close to making the purchase .need input.

[Mr.Fixit]

unique has a reputation they earned by building correct cars for many years. Backdraft is new, and not nearly as correct (original)

[GeorgiaSnake]

I bought a Unique after looking at all of the options, it fit my price range and my level of expertise. I am about 75% complete and have no regrets.

Randy

[hound dog]

I have a Unique and no regrets about buying it. Could have done with a little less engine though.
h dog

[406 snake]

Don't know much about Backdraft so I can't comment on them.
I can comment on Unique though. They are great people to deal with that offer a top notch kit.

Charlie

[bmalone]

The allure of the Backdraft is that you can buy an assembled car, including engine and trans for mid- thirties (different engines available--they actually told me they are working on making a 390 FE available). Met the guys at Knott's and was pretty impressed with the car and price. It is a tad bigger, but it is really hard to tell (can't tell by looking at doors). I sat in it and actually fit quite nicely.

No knock on Unique's.

[Mad Macs]

I would say that it comes down to your personal preference. If you have the time, space, and expertise then a Unique would be a good way to go. Unfortunately I don't have any of those and had to go the turn key minus route with Backdraft. I love the car, I don't have any complaints, and knowing what I know now would not have done it any differently. Reg et al are very good to work with. The only big thing missing is the satisfaction of doing the job yourself.

[K.Wilson]

In the ten years I have had my Unique I have not had one complaint or regret. I don't know of too many other owners that can say the same..................
Keith

[Geary L. Sarno]

Unique - Ask any unique owner and you'll get the same response.
I've built three - Looking forward to doing number four in the future. - Aggressor

[turnpike boy]

Geary is right - I've just finished the build and would sell it to build another in a heartbeat. Fit, finish, attention to quality, overall engineering of the car just about impossible to beat. There is no doubt in my mind that Unique has an extraordinary product ot sell. And the support that Unique provides, in the event you have any questions, is second to nobody. If it wasn't for the bodyman taking 4 months to paint the car, actual buildtime could easily have been 3 months, start to finish.

Saw Backdraft's cars at Carlisle last year, when I picked up my Unique. Nice cars; didn't dig too deep into them but they look good. If you don't want to build they would appear to be a good alternative.

This is one VERY happy Unique owner.

[CSX 4039]

If it takes you 1000 hours of knuckle busting to save $10,000 on your car, you are only (in essence) paying yourself $10/hour. You have to really want to build it as a labor of love, or it is better to buy turnkey (from anybody). Better to get a second job, or sell the big screen TV. (You won't have time to watich it anyway if you want to get your car done).
My opinion.

[casaleenie]

I've been delighted with my Unique... I bought used as it was the best route for me... I've crawled all over the car from top to bottom and I'm very satisfied with the quality. If I have a question on the car the answer is only a phone call away..
The Weavers have been wonderful and available everytime time I've called..
I have no point of reference on the Backdraft but have heard nothing negative about them...
I know it's an agonizing decision but there are a lot of good products out there.

[decooney]

The major difference between the two that might sway one towards one or the other is desired engine configurations. The Unique 427 is great for an FE (390, 428, 427) or (351/302) type engine configurations. Also Unique comes with a more accurate type Jag/IRS rear - if that is important to you. The BDR is not set up to handle an FE engine right now; only 351s, 302/289s, etc. Both are great values. If you want to build it a little, or want an FE big-block, go with the Unique. If Turnkey minus and going with a small-block Ford engine seems more attractive, the BDR might be a good option if you don't care about having a BMW suspension under the car; not saying it's bad, just different and less original style. Make sure you add up them $$$ side by side, for all the parts. Building a car is more expensive and time consuming than most people know at first - unless you've been through this before. Also, there are some nice, complete, used cars out there worth looking at too.

Good Luck.

[turnpike boy]

So, Dr. B, what's wrong with not being able to watch the idiot box? Better for your health (physical & mental) to be out working on your new labor of love than vegitating on the couch. No? I sh!t you not, if you are determined to get the car done, a Unique could be built in 2 to 2-1/2 months. And done right, to boot. If technical skills restrict you, so be it. Good to know one's limits, I suppose. But deep satisfaction comes with doing it yourself - and a Unique gives that in spades, without going nuts doing so. ALL the parts are there; ALL the really tough work is done; you don't have to fabricate anything (unless you want to, which to me is a big part of the fun); and the product looks/sounds/runs/drives just like it's supposed to.

Which is to say....just awesome.

[GeorgiaSnake]

Hey Bolte - 1000 hours ????? I have done my own bodywork ( first time I've tried it) and will never come close to 1000 hours. It might take Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles 1000 hours but I doubt it.
Some folks have the desire and ability to try and build something others the ability to write checks. Until you done it you won't understand.
Buy the way your photo album is one of the best I've seen.

Randy

[joe garland]

Well put G. Snake!! I built Unique FIA.

The car was a snap to build, and all of the Weaver's are top people to know and to work with. Planning to build a big block car in the future and it too will be a Unique.

[casaleenie]

I talked to Alan Weaver last week and he told me that the former owner of my car had the build done in 6 weeks... Alan said,"so much for a two year build".

Randy,
Fortunately I have the ability to write checks... If I had tried to build that car they would have had me on suicide watch 24 hours a day... I admire the skill it takes to put one together...

Cobragar,

Really give a lot of thought to buying one already built... With the money you save you can tweak it to exactly what you want... There are some great builds on the market right now... Help out a fellow Cobraphile and buy his car...

[George Snyder]

Unique are great cars!!

Unfortunately I am in the same boat as Mad Macs. I am also a realist. I know in my heart that the car may never have been completed. I am a check writer.


I also recommend that you drive a Backdraft with the "Bimmer Suspension" before passing judgement on it, others should also.
Does it have it's limitations Vs. 400+ horse power engines? probally.

Handling and ride are another issue. I am sure that when Reg and Tony find a little more time in the future to fine tune their car we will see the full potential of the BMW parts.

I would buy a Backdraft again in a heart beat and would highly recomend them if you decide to go the turnkey route.

Bud

[Tony Ripepi]

Hello COBRAGAR,

UNIQUE,,,

My Unique is the third Cobra Roadster I have owned a Shell Valley and a Superformance were the other two. Comfort, drivability and overall solid feel compared to the others is much better. My car has been converted over to a NASCAR style upper A arm set up but, that is the only thing that could be changed from the Deluxe Roller the Weavers build. At the price point you are looking at they are the best way to go. My wife regularly drove the Unique and had no interest in the SPF. Comments from very long term Cobra builders are "The best handling 90" wheel base car I have ever Driven"

Do Not have any experience with Backdraft....but, Backdraft just does not have the experince the Weavers bring to the table and time in grade in the cobra world.

Tony R.

[Jerry Cowing]

Cobragar,

G Snake is absolutely correct and Brett Boltes estimate of 1000 hours to build a Unique is way out in left field.

My Unique Deluxe Pallet was delivered painted in Jan 01 and I had it completely assembled and was driving it on 5 Feb 01. I estimate I put less than 200 hours into building it. I've won a bunch of 1st place trophies at car shows, so obviously, it's put together very nicely. I mention the trophies only because I wouldn't want you to assume I just haphazardly threw it together.

As G Snake said, everything fit perfectly, no fabrication or welding was required except to drill a few holes to run the wiring harness (provided in the kit) and install the shifter. No searching for a donor car or searching for which parts to use. Everything is included in the Deluxe Pallet Kit except the body paint, engine, transmission, wheels and tires. The frame even comes powder coated as part of the standard kit. If you have someone else paint the body for you like I did, all that is required of you is to install the engine/transmission, run a few fuel lines, oil lines, brake lines, wiring harness, trim & glue in the carpet, etc. just like putting together a model airplane kit. It really is an easy kit to put together and has very high quality parts designed to withstand the abuse of racing. In fact, every year Unique sponsored a road race event which is just more evidence in the confidence Unique has in their design to withstand racing punishment and handling performance.

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Backdraft, so I can't compare it for you.