Total newbie, gimme the basics

offroadr35 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 05:21 PM

ok guys, i'm a car nut and fairly knowledgable mechanically and about most factory cars but am new to the replicas. There is an unbelievable amount of info on this site and i'm sure i'll spend hours reading up, but i was hoping someone could give me the basics. With all the used cars for sale lately i have been looking at possibly snatching one up instead of the Lotus Elise i have on order.

So, just the basics, which are the best builders? I mostly see ERA and SPF. What is the basic difference between the different cars? What sort of weight are we generally looking at? How reliable are the cars usually? Are they generally all track ready or are specific mods necessary? What are some very desireable parts/options? Last one i can think of for now, how do the Cobra replicas generally compare to the GT40 replicas such as CAV?

Any other info would be great. I'm sure you guys are really sick of answering these questions so i'm hoping one of you is bored enough to help me out.

Thanks,
Steve

foothills gary · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 05:50 PM

We never get tired of answering these questions Steve!We all live to talk Cobras.The new Shelby "roller" is made by CAV,to the same high standards,and there are some pictures of it in the archives at this site.No question about it's race credentials!The ERA,SPF,Unique,and the new CAV Shelby are probably at what would be considered the "upper middle class" of replicas in my opinion,and based on my observation.They have very consistent build quality,because much of the build is done at the factory.This tends to help resale,because the buyer pretty much knows what he is buying.If you want to race,the Factory Five is a great way to go because they can be built to around 2000#,fairly inexpensively and the quality is high.You are about to embark on one of the most enjoyable experiences of you life,in your search because there is so much good stuff.It all boils down to what you want to do with your ride.Hope to hear from you alot at CC..Gary

klayfish · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 06:00 PM

Steve,
Welcome to the forum. I'll answer the questions that I feel somewhat qualified to answer.

As for the best kit, there is no right answer. It is a matter of personal taste. The debate has raged and always will. Kind of like Camaro vs. Mustang or Ford vs. Chevy. Truthfully, I think most of the kits out there today are "good" kits if built right. All may have different strengths and weaknesses. Decide what you want from the car (authenticity, show, race, cruise), then research which one fits your needs best. For me, I was on a lower budget, so I wanted bang for the buck. I have a Factory Five and am thrilled with it. But the SPF, ERA, A&C, etc...are also fantastic cars. Sorry to be so non-commital, but it's an impossible question to answer.

As for weight of the car, it depends on the make of car and the options in it. At the Spring Fling, which is THE big Cobra gathering (we had several hundred Cobras there), they had a 4 corner scale set up. I saw numbers as low as 2050, up to about 2800 lbs. My FFR, which at the time had a 302, weighed in at 2130 with a FULL tank of fuel. So, it would be around 2000 lbs. dry.

Their reliability depends on the parts used. The more high strung the car, the more likely it is to break. A solidly built car should have no more problems than any other Ford car. Again, it depends on what you chose. I have a 351W and T5 trans. Parts are cheap and plentiful.

As for race ready, it depends on what you mean by race. If you have the proper roll bars, you can open track the Cobra no problem. Remember, they are based on old technology, so they probably won't make the worlds fastest open track car, but it is fun as hell!! FFR makes a Spec Racer car, and sponsors a racing series with their cars. They have roll cages, etc... So, in short, yes they can go on the open track as is. But the more $$$ you spend, the better you can make the car.

Options again depend on what you want in the car. Do you want it to look original? Interested in more modern safety (high back seats)? Quick jack bumpers or standard? Heater or just wear a jacket? Independent rear suspension or solid axle?

Again, welcome to the forum.

Steve

offroadr35 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 06:05 PM

the car will be totally a fun car. It will be tracked, but never raced. It may see an AutoX or two and probably get bi-monthly canyon slamming duties. It will be in SoCal so the heater is unnecessary. I'm not terribly concerned with originality. I have just always loved the Cobras (at GT40s), and love lightweight cars. I cannot imagine a 2300lb car with 500hp.

Is there a big difference in construction between the companies? I really don't care much about cosmetic differences.

Are they generally titled as 60s Fords? What about insurance? Obviously i have a lot of research to do and really don't know if it is the direction i want to go in, but they damn sure look fun. If i bought one it would be used. There just seem to be so many good deals on barely used cars.

-Steve

foothills gary · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 06:14 PM

Steve,you may want to go into the archives and look up information on California S.B.100,the current door through which new Cobras are registered in Ca.There are lots of Factory Five cars in S.Ca,so it probably would not be to hard to beg a ride.The Knotts Berry Farm show is usually around April,and many Cobra's show up for it.Again,get advise before you buy a used car with regards to how the car is registered(the year on the title)Some may be more difficult to transfer than others.

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 06:47 PM

Weight: 2300 pounds is nice

Many are around 2600-2800 though.

500 hp is nice, but 400 is plenty even with a 2800 pound Cobra!

Best replica for the money? It's a no brainer. Classic Roadster. Who me,,,,,,, prejudice?? Nahhhhh not me.

Buying used? Might be a good idea! Problem? WHO built it and what are the specs! Theres some GREAT car out there, and a few serious "loosers". More important than the manufacturer of the replica parts is WHO put those parts together!

The big advantage with a "roller" like an SPF is that the quality of the cars are pretty consistent. Other "good cars" can vary widely depending on who and how they were put together. If your buying "used" you need to research the manufacturers carefully to know WHAT to ask and WHAT to look for in the completed car.

Ernie

offroadr35 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 07:09 PM

just found this car on ebay. 650hp sounds INSANE! any feedback on this specific car?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2437591026

BANDIT 1 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 07:47 PM

Mr. Offroadr:

You might want to e-mail the person and get more information. The add says it has a 650 horsepower 460 engine which would be a 385 series engine, yet it also says it has a 428 engine (FE engine family) stroked to 460 c.i. putting out 610 horsepower. It looks like a 460 (385 series) engine from the valve covers. It also says "Rear-end: Detroit locker built into independent rear w/3:55 gears". It gives a 1/4 mile time of 10.93 @136 mph and a 10.4 @134 mph.

Edley Rondinone · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 07:48 PM

Offroadr35: Where in SoCal are you located? The Regal Cinema parking lot in La Canada usually has three replicas show up on Saturday morns, along with Lynn Park with ONE of his originals... same basic answers here...How much? (money, originality, usage, types of usage, etc.) There ARE some great deals on recently built Cobras...just remember to make sure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead when you get on it!

offroadr35 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:00 PM

ok more info on myself, maybe this can help. I live on the east coast right now, am moving to so cal in august of 04. My stepdad and i basically share cars. We mostly drive european cars but are up for anything fast and fun. Our current project car is a 600hp Porsche GT2. Basically i'm looking for something i can get into for relatively little money (read 40-50k) that will just be fun and different. I have raced cars and bikes semi professionally so i know how to drive, but more importantly i know to respect any car, especially lightweight, rwd, high hp. anyway, im just looking for a cool toy that can somewhat keep up with the GT2.

-Steve

BANDIT 1 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:09 PM

If that Superformance Cobra is a 650 horsepower "stroked" 460 c.i. engine with a Tremec TKO 5 speed, it should have no problem with the Porshe. It has a "buy it now" price of $44,000.00 on it. My Superformance Cobra was about the same car as the one on E-bay and it ran a 10.4 1/4 mile with the drag radials. I ran mine up to 170 - 175 mph (per the speedo) and had no problem with the two GT2's I ran into. Both praised how nice the rear of the Cobra looked...

offroadr35 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Edley Rondinone

Offroadr35: Where in SoCal are you located?

sorry, i realized i didn't really answer your question. I will be moving to Newport Beach. The GT2 is in Los Angeles.

-Steve

bnewell · #13 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 10:00 PM

that looks like a great price on a newer used SPF...........man, I wish I had an extra 44 large laying around, she'd be in my garage!!

Brian

Bill Wells · #14 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 03:22 AM

that same car was listed a couple of weeks ago, same mis information/confusion on what the engine was . ie, ebay description or his 'link' description. i sent an email then asking (1) which engine is it really (2) did he have dyno sheets supporting the hp claim (3) did he have timing sheets supporting the 1/4 mile times. his reply was for me to CALL HIM on the phone . well, 3 simple questions which could be easily answered via email and were not....sssooo, i did NOT call him. if any of you other folks have better luck, post it here. bill

klayfish · #15 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 06:14 AM

Steve,
I don't know where on the east coast you are, but I know of a car here near Philadelphia for sale.

It is a nearly completed A&C (Antiques and Collectibles). It has a 460 big block, Tremec trans, etc... The car is about 75% done, all the parts are there. Every single part on that car is brand new. The owner researched the daylights out of every part he bought. It was built by a professional Cobra builder. I know about the car because the guy who built the car is also the mechanic who takes care of my car (and puts it back together after I whip up on it on the open track

). He has a fleet of about 15 or 20 Cobras that he maintains, as well as building them.

Anyhow, the owner of this car decided to bail out before the car was done. His wife is having a baby, so I think he didn't want to spend the money to finish the car. Check it out at www.legendarycobra.com (there should be a link to the car for sale).

I'm not partial to any car, but I just happen to know this guy, the builder and the car very well. The builder is meticulous as anyone you will ever meet, so this car is done right.

Steve

offroadr35 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Wells

that same car was listed a couple of weeks ago, same mis information/confusion on what the engine was . ie, ebay description or his 'link' description. i sent an email then asking (1) which engine is it really (2) did he have dyno sheets supporting the hp claim (3) did he have timing sheets supporting the 1/4 mile times. his reply was for me to CALL HIM on the phone . well, 3 simple questions which could be easily answered via email and were not....sssooo, i did NOT call him. if any of you other folks have better luck, post it here. bill

i got the same response so i just called him. He said it is the 428 stroked to 460. He said the car has been super reliable, just put oil in it and go. When i asked him if there were any problems he said the only thing that's not perfect is that it has been tracked and has some rock/sand chips in the front clearcoat, which doesn't bother me at all.

Are there any other important questions i should ask him?

Could someone give me a quick rundown of California registration procedures? I'm sure there is some total bs law i'll have to worry about. I guess i could title it here in MD and then ship it out there.

-Steve

Excaliber · #17 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 10:50 AM

Something about 500 "specially construtced vehicles" per year can be registered in Calif. If your not in line and become 501 you must wait until next year.

Some say the 500 slots will be gone in January. You cannot buy a place in line, you cannot arrange ahead of time. Take a chair to the DMV and camp out on the doorstep starting New Years night and wait for them to open.

If you screw up and don't have all the right paper work, go to the end of line (aw heck, at that point, go home until next year)!

Ernie

Wild Thing · #18 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 12:40 PM

As already pointed out, it's almost impossible to tell which cobra is the best, depending not only on your expectations, but the single car itself. Also the european cobra scene is different from the US - we have Kirkham and Superformance (which have a high reputation over here also), and a lot of other brands, some of them you guys may never have heard of. But by all differences, I think one thing they have in common: they are no high number production series, and if company is putting out 100 - 1000 cars a year, they cant spend the money for testing that is spend for a car that comes out 10 million a year.
As already said, its very important who build them and to take a very close look at the particular car and the owner, esp. when buying a used one. Its also a good idea not to spend more than 70-75% of your budget; you will need the money for fixups and / or things you want to change.

good luck, and keep us informed. One things for sure: you're on the way to a lot of fun, headturns and thumbs up!!!
If people see a porsche, the may say "nice car" and forget it the next moment. If they see a cobra, they might be talking for days about this event.