New to the Cobra world Need help

Doug Lightfoot · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 09:07 PM

I am about to order an AC Cobra from Reg at Backdraft. Can you give me any advice? How was the transaction? Are you happy with them and the car? Did you have them install the engine. What size did you go with? I am new to this a need as much information as I can get. Please help. My email address in liteft@hotmail.com Or you can call me at 503-887-1666. Thanks in advance for your help!

Doug

Edley Rondinone · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 09:59 PM

Doug: Keep reading all the posts for as long as you can stand it, then read some more!!! My NAF has a built 351W which is plenty fast for me!! Good luck!

Doug Lightfoot · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 11:03 PM

Are you happy with Backdraft? Did your car have any problems? I think they have great looking cars> But I have never seen one in person. Did you get it from a dealer? Or direct from Backdfaft.
I have been doing as much reasearch as possible.

Thanks for your words>

Bill Wells · #4 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 03:32 AM

doug..you ask about engine choices with the backdraft...last i heard they were not equipped , ie rear end heavy duty enough, to take on a big block. if so, then your engine choices are fairly limited by comparison...but still adequate power to smoke most of the cars on the highway. just be sure you have compared their offerings to others being a new buyer/prospect. i have not seen one up close and personal so i am not condemning or promoting them. there is one in the area here , i just have not stumbled onto it yet nor know the owner. i just recall that their bmw rear end will not allow significant hp or torque that the bb's will put out...if ya dont care, then go for what is affordable to you value wise. good luck either way...i see you have a used car inquiry posted elsewhere (looking to buy in oregon) as an alternative consideration to a new car...again, shop and compare and enjoy whatever you get. bill.

Bill Wells · #5 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 03:38 AM

doug...re your backdraft inquiry, in surfing cc today i came across another thread are a back draft (#42) for sale in case you missed it :

http://www.clubcobra.com/t42635.html

Silk · #6 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 06:38 AM

Doug,

Use the "Search" function on this site & pull up "Backdraft," "engine chioces" etc. A fair amount of info on Backdraft and tons on engine choices.

Lowell W · #7 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 06:47 AM

Doug,

Edley is right: Scour CC for info pertaining to engine size, BDR, etc.
You also might want to check out a recent thread called "Am I Heading for Trouble?" or something similar, before you make an engine decision. Four hundred HP in one of these cars is A LOT but you do get used to it and the guys who have thought more might be better probably outnumber the guys who haven't.

Backdraft had a display at last year's Run & Gun. It might be worth your while to attend this year's event, even if only for a day or two, to see a variety of cars, compare them to BDR's cars and talk to more owners. I hadn't yet selected a car at the time of last years R&G and spent longer driving there than you'd spend on the plane. I felt it was well worth my time and money. Good luck!

aumoore · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 08:44 AM

I do not own a Backdraft but I did sleep at a motel last night.

Actuall I have had the pleasure of meeting Reg Dodd of Backdraft and saw him run at a couple of our Deep South Cobra Club events. He brought a new model Backdraft with the M3 suspension and it was running a 400plus C.I. stroker with about 500hp. This car was scary fast and simply overpowered the Kumho Victoracers he was running. At first I thought the engine was smoking but it was smoke from the rear tires. It did this for several hundred feet past the corners at Gainesville road course.
This was not a big block but it did have awsome Torque. Another guy had a backdraft with a built 302 and he actually was the fastest car due to his SCCA background. He hopped in Reg's car and did run faster in it than his own car which had spun it bearings(High volume oil pump was the suspected problem)

IMHO the backdrafts are not quite the car a SPF is but they are great looking, handle great and a great value. They do have a 92" w.b. so they have a slightly different look to the side profile but the average person will never pick up on it. They do have a lot of room in the cockpit so if you have long legs that is a plus.

Reg is a great guy and he took care of the customer who had the engine problem.