Ffr Opinions?

[decooney]

...speaking of CAV-GT, I've got a question about their GT40 replica.

I don't know much about their GT40 replica, but the handful of them I've seen over the last two years with motors and transaxles in them, why does their CAV GT40 replica sit up in the air a bit more than an original?. The tires don't fill the wheel-wells like an original GT40. Without knowing better, it almost looks like the body could drop down over the suspension just a tad more, or maybe not... Maybe the cars I saw just needed to be broken in or something... I don't know.

Question:
Is there a reason they sit so high when new? Can they be safely lowered, within normal adjustability range and without modification? Just seems like they could be lower.

... just wondering if anyone knows first hand. Thanks.

[Gatorac]

BTW, 427-center oiler at Southern Automotive w/Cobra type goodies...$4500!

Did you forget a 1 here?

[mrmustang]

He must have gotten a quote for just a block...Nothing else................


Bill S.

Originally posted by Gatorac


Did you forget a 1 here?

[67Cobra]

From Southern Automotives web site:

427 SIDE OILER -490 HP & UP-SINGLE 4 BARREL $12,900
427 SIDE OILER -510 HP & UP-DUAL 4 BARREL** $14,900

427 TOP OILER -490 H & UP-SINGLE 4 BARREL $10,900
427 TOP OILER -510 HP & UP-DUAL 4 BARREL** $12,900

[misfit41]

Turk,
Sorry if you took offense,or got the impression I had done so,sometimes it is late or maybe for whatever reason I am not as articulate in my post as I should,but I never mean to offend or jab at anyone,or their cars for that matter.
Allow me to start over,by "stress free body" I mean that the ffr uses a skeletal frame on which to mount body panels,like an original, to me this would let the builder finish the car with the closest to original look,including the tube frame.
By saying it dosent use 30 yr old technology ,I mean it was cad developed using modern suspension and design technology,instead of some guys building a latter frame ,which is the way MOST cars started.spf may be the exception.
I do think a top of the line built ffr with top of the line componets may be the best replica out there,from an appearance and drivablilty stand point,BUT as had been said,it would cost more than lots of other high quality cars,so it just dosent make sense to me,I believe spf is the best all round compromise,which is what I had planned,until I found the right deal,so my home is in a SV for the time being,which I have discovered to be a better car than perhaps I first thought,it comes down to being all in the build I think. thanks,,Tk

[REAL 1]

FFR can be built to be tremendous cars. I plan on buying a spec racer someday myself if more free time comes my way.

One thing for sure, if you buy a FFR you'll never be any sort of snob unlike us guys with Shelbys.

[SSS]

To get back on the subject, since you've defined your plan ($40 to $50k, BB, IRS, build yourself), you have already decided the major variables.

The most important item in your plan, IMO, is to build yourself. If you really desire to build the whole thing yourself from the ground up, then FFR is by far the best choice for you. They send you a frame, body, panels, and most of the accessories you need. With $50k you should be able to build a great FFR. It would be up to you at that point as to how well it would turn out.

Another very important consideration is how you will use the car. In my opinion, there are two reasons to have a BB in a Cobra. One, originality. Most Cobras replicate the 427 body style. Two, the bigger the better. As for point one, FFR is not the best choice to build an original looking car, simply because of the body shape. It can be done, though. Bob Rego's car is very original looking. As for point two, this is a matter of personal choice. In my opinion, a BB makes the car a bear to deal with as a street or track car, but lots of folks use them for both purposes.

As far as kit quality goes, you can get a lot of car for $50k. You can build a fine quality FFR with that budget. It would be up to you to do it right. There are other choices too, such as the new CAV SAI, Unique, SPF, Pegasus, Backdraft, and more. If you'd value originality over build-it-yourself, you should learn more about the alternatives. As others have said, you could buy a real nice used one and be on the road tomorrow.

[MotoCobra]

I see that I mis-spoke on the 427(FE) price...furthermore...on the displacement.

I was thinking that their 406 was a 390 based 427 w/ nod. crank...it's not. It's a 390 based 406 w/ nod. crank; but, it is an FE...isn't it? And it still makes nice H/P!

I was making the point, or attempting to, that you could buy one of the new CSX-4000's for $39k (As recently sold on e-bay) and add a center oiler and top-loader and still come in at that $50,000 price tag...

So, the new math:

$39,000.00 (CSX-4000 from Paul on e-bay...)
$ 8,500.00 (406-FE + "Cobra" acc's + carb and other goodies)
$ 1,700.00 (Std-Top-Loader-w/necessary parts)
---------------
$49,200.00

We're still looking good, unless you want to get snooty about sales tax n stuff, in which case I'm gonna call you a nag, I mean, if I want to hear that crap I'll tell the wife about my new engine bill...

Any-way, sorry about my screw-up and I'm glad someone pointed it out.

BTW, I hear some of the folks around here are keeping strange company...didn't I see a picture of a certain someone hangin' with Leno?

What's next...is Turk gonna get Arnold to drive a Cobra and give up his "Hummers"?

Take care,

Manny

[Gatorac]

Rem

I contemplated Unique and FFR before I bought my latest kit. I made a spread sheet and compared the costs of comparably equipped BB cars.

With options and donor parts to match the completeness of the Unique, the FFR was about $2,000 less. I figured in the Tristates body to the cost of the FFR. The Tristates body is easily on par with the Unique body.

The Unique is obviously a well built car. I have never heard of a single person who was ever dissatisfied with their Unique.

The Unique does not have a round tube frame. This was a big deal to me.

The Unique comes mostly assembled. You take the body off for paint, wire it up, add engine and tranny and that's about it.

The FFR requires a lot of assembly. That was important to me. For me the build is the reason for getting a Cobra. The FFR lent itself for some custom work and modification to my taste.

The Unique uses a Jag IRS. Not that there is anything wrong with that. The FFR uses the Ford 8.8 from the T-bird.

The aluminum panels for the engine compartment will add $1,100 to the cost of the Unique. The locker diff upgrade will also add another $750.

Those were my observations that caused me to lean the way I did. Your needs/wants obviously differ. You are welcome to come look at my car even if you are not interested in buying it. The suspension is all bolted on and will give you a real good look at the design. I live just over the Skyway about 20 minutes.

[decooney]

Hey Jim,
you bring up a very valid point about selection. And you're right, a Unique is fairly complete. Side by side, it requires less time, money and energy to complete. Placing value on ones time is an important factor to some... lots of cars go uncompleted for 2/3/5 up to 10 years or sometimes never get completed. Hence, the Deluxe Pallete kit was created by Unique. FFR will sell you a roller too, but then pricing changes quickly and comparisons start over again...

as for frames, that is a debate in itself about aesthetics vs. function. I would not trade my box frame for a round-tube, even if the car cost $10,000 less or more to build.

I guess I'm confused and did not understand your post... you say you wanted to build a car, so you went with the FFR, right?. Did you finish the FFR? Did it have anything to do with time to finish?

A collegue of mine, avid car builder, is currently building a FFR/MKII. He's very capable and been working on it soid for 6 months now. He's built and repared several Cobras over the last fifteen years. To my amazement, he or myself could have built two Uniques or one ERA in 1/2 the time it's taken on the FFR MKII so far, not counting the customization needed just to make good tires and brakes fit under the car... not even counting body work yet... that's another chapter.

All new Cobra people looking should be aware of the actual time it takes to build some of these cars, and time should be figured in the equation if you place a value on your time. If it takes 60 or 90 days longer to properly build an FFR compared to another car that only costs $2000 more to begin with, to me, this is a huge consideration to put on the table when considering what to buy, and (what you get for your money at delivery time) - IMHO.

Now if FFR offered a good packaged pallet kit like Unique does, at a great price, that would be a good apples to apples comparison to look into.

[foothills gary]

If you are married it is not just your time,but your family's time.After the first 100 or so hours ,the novelty with them is pretty well worn off,and they would prefer the movies,Little League,Scouts,pool,etc.These hours are priceless,and will never come around again.Sometimes the best compromise is to let someone do most of the work for you,with just enough on your part to say you built it.It's been said that one of the few gifts of getting older is perspective.I'm too soon old,so I guess that means I've made plenty of mistakes.You can learn from this one.

[Ozona]

Originally posted by decooney


as for frames, that is a debate in itself about aesthetics vs. function. I would not trade my box frame for a round-tube, even if the car cost $10,000 less or more to build.

All new Cobra people looking should be aware of the actual time it takes to build some of these cars, and time should be figured in the equation if you place a value on your time. If it takes 60 or 90 days longer to properly build an FFR compared to another car that only costs $2000 more to begin with, to me, this is a huge consideration to put on the table when considering what to buy, and (what you get for your money at delivery time) - IMHO.

After the first 100 or so hours ,the novelty with them is pretty well worn off..

See - this is the regular kind of junk you'll find on club cobra.

I don't think there is any net difference round vs. square for most mortal humans driving one of these cars. Sure there is if you're Dale Earnhardt Jr. Both have their merits.

Consideration for your time?! Uh it's a Hobby? HELLO?!

I have no idea how many hours I've put into building my FFR how I want. You know why?! I do *not* care. I'm enjoying the nuts, bolts, wires and all that comes with. I'm taking my time and enjoying it.

It's fun have a cobra (fake/real/replica - doesn't matter they'll all be fun). It's even more fun to build it from scratch how you want.

It's up to you to manage your time or decide what it's worth. Not other people so don't buy into that garbage.

It's *YOUR* car, do it how *YOU* want and ignore what others tell you what you should do with *YOUR* money.

[mrmustang]

it's time to really let this go. Stop taking everything posted here as a personal attack on "you" or "your car".........


Bill S.

Originally posted by Ozona


See - this is the regular kind of junk you'll find on club cobra.



It's *YOUR* car, do it how *YOU* want and ignore what others tell you what you should do with *YOUR* money.

[computerworks]

Originally posted by Ozona


See - this is the regular kind of junk you'll find on club cobra.

Ozo...you're looking into the wrong end of the telecope.

That regular "junk" is called 'opinions and discussion'.

That is permitted here, as long as it doesn't get ugly or personal.

You are dead right that it's a hobby.... but many people have different views as to just what aspect of the hobby is right for them.

Many just want to own and drive... others want to build and innovate, etc. Some people just want to talk about it.

All views are vaild.

[foothills gary]

I'll restate what I posted earlier.When deciding to build a car as comprensive as a FFR,family considerations play a large part in when or if a project will get completed.When you have 15-20k in parts sitting in the garage,the hobby can become a compulsion,to the detriment of a happy home life.For those to which this is not a consideration,the400-500 hours to complete a project is no biggie.To those who may wish to stay involved in their kid's lives.or maintain friendly relations with their spouse,it's something to consider.I've taken a car from a pile of parts to a trophy winner,and know what is involved to do that.I think anyone looking to start to build may wish to at least consider this before purchase if this may apply to them.The Cobra planning and build should be one of the most enjoyable things we all do in this life,on that we all can agree!I like all the technical threads as much as the next guy or gal,but I hope Club Cobra will continue to also stay balanced with plenty of what some may consider "junk" as well.

[Ozona]

Originally posted by foothills gary


I'll restate what I posted earlier.When deciding to build a car as comprensive as a FFR,family considerations play a large part in when or if a project will get completed.When you have 15-20k in parts sitting in the garage,the hobby can become a compulsion,to the detriment of a happy home life.For those to which this is not a consideration,the400-500 hours to complete a project is no biggie.To those who may wish to stay involved in their kid's lives.or maintain friendly relations with their spouse,it's something to consider.I've taken a car from a pile of parts to a trophy winner,and know what is involved to do that.I think anyone looking to start to build may wish to at least consider this before purchase if this may apply to them.The Cobra planning and build should be one of the most enjoyable things we all do in this life,on that we all can agree!I like all the technical threads as much as the next guy or gal,but I hope Club Cobra will continue to also stay balanced with plenty of what some may consider "junk" as well.

It's not a 400 - 500 hour project unless you make it that way.

Of course what do I know. I have a great marriage and am building a car from the frame up.

[foothills gary]

IF you are not done yet,how do you know how long it's going to take?I also have an outstanding marriage(26 years),to a lovely gal who has been most tolerant of all my car craziness,and I hope to keep it that way.Best of all to you ,as you complete your ride.Can't wait to see the pictures!

[Roscoe]

I've been married continuously for 35 years. I would think that your project could/should become part of the family with kids helping and the wife providing support for those funky times.

I also think CC is the most balanced of the forums. It allows dissent and contrary opinions. You may not agree but that's what makes a ball game.

"Mind like parachute....works best when open"..Charlie Chan

Roscoe

[Ozona]

Originally posted by foothills gary


IF you are not done yet,how do you know how long it's going to take?I also have an outstanding marriage(26 years),to a lovely gal who has been most tolerant of all my car craziness,and I hope to keep it that way.Best of all to you ,as you complete your ride.Can't wait to see the pictures!

How long isn't as important to me as the trip.

I'm not too far out, I have lots of pictures of the build.. I should post some current ones I suppose.

I would think that your project could/should become part of the family with kids helping and the wife providing support for those funky times.

AMEN.

[Dior55]

REM, I built the first BB FFR, and it was not too hard to do. There were some issues that me and the Smiths had to work out back in 1999, but that's a long time ago and you shouldn't have any problems.

Roscoe was talking about my 460 FFR he saw at Bear Mtn. a few weeks ago. He asked "why". He obviously hasn't taken a ride with me yet, and hasn't had to use a toilet plunger to suck his eyeballs back in shape, cuz he'd be saying "oh, that's why!"

The "why" is your own reason. If that's what you want go for it.

BTW, $50K budgeted for a BB FFR build is a tremendous amount of overkill. I could "almost" build two BB FFR's with $50K (assuming 1999 crate motors, TKO's associated parts and the kit have not dramatically increased voer the last 4 years)!