best handling cobra?

offroadr35 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2003, 09:04 PM

which company makes the best handling cobra? Which is most suitable for track use? I was looking at the Highland Racing car, as far as specs it seems to be the fastest i've seen.

Thanks,
Steve

Turk · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2003, 09:12 PM

It will probably depend on how and who set it up for the track, but from my understanding JBL and Johnex supposed to have two of the most competetive chassis out there. I am sure others may have varying opinions on the subject.

TURK

STG · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2003, 09:27 PM

Check out the JBL Roadster and speak to Richard Hudgins, the engineer who designed it. The chassis is semi monocoque with 6,000 lbs. per degree of torsional rigidity. This is a race car with springs and shocks tuned for the street.

MysteryTrain · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 12:25 AM

I'm certainly no expert, but when I read the thread reporting results at Run & Gun this year, it looked like the Backdraft Racing Cobra did extremely well. Word has it that they set the car up in a rush and I think they took 2nd overall anyway. I've been intrigued by their use of BMW M3 suspension. Never driven one myself.

If you're primarily looking at track handling in your potential purchase, you might want to check the BDR manufacturer's forum here on CC.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 01:14 AM

JBL would take a BDR on a road course without breaking a sweat.........

Ernie

Wild Thing · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 02:55 AM

if you don't care about genuine look, I'd go with the JBL.

750hp · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 04:26 AM

JBL need to make a see-through composite body for their car. It's almost criminal to have such engineering beauty as those anodised CNC machined inboard rockers hidden out of view...

Boudy · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 06:36 AM

I agree with the above. The JBL is virtually an F1 with a Cobra body. Some call it a different class than everything else, but then so is it's price. But since that wasn't part of the question, the JBL is impressive.

Boudy

decooney · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 09:25 AM

Speaking of that....

John,
You lookin' at this thread? How's the giant Go Kart coming along these days?

CSX 4027 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 10:30 AM

Bill Murray from the Shelby Collection races and really races his Original 427 SC and has won most of the Vintage races I have seen him in. I believe he ran 2.06's at the Glen. I defy anyone to beat him. It not only in the deisgn but in the set-up and the drivers understanding of what the car is doing and thusly(good word huh?)how to correct it

MysteryTrain · #11 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 11:40 AM

Steve,

there you go. Sounds like JBL is your answer. As I said, "I'm no expert."

Boudy brought up price. True, you didn't specify price, so I'll go ahead and ask. Steve, what price range are you looking at? And for any of you who know the JBL product, how much do they run as far as a completed piece? Used?

Thanks, MT

offroadr35 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MysteryTrain

Steve,

there you go. Sounds like JBL is your answer. As I said, "I'm no expert."

Boudy brought up price. True, you didn't specify price, so I'll go ahead and ask. Steve, what price range are you looking at? And for any of you who know the JBL product, how much do they run as far as a completed piece? Used?

Thanks, MT

i'm not really sure what the exact price range i'm looking at is. I am just doing the preliminary research for a car that i hope to buy next summer. I'd like to know everything about cobra replicas by then. I'd like to buy a used car that has some of the bugs already worked out of it, plus i don't have the garage space to build anything.

Handling is really my main issue. I like cars light and razor sharp. That's why if i don't get a cobra i am probably going to pick up a Lotus Elise. However, if i can find a cobra that can compare somewhat in the handling department, i will go in that direction.

-Steve

CSX 4027 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 01:39 PM

Does it come with matching speakers?

jmarsey · #14 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by decooney

Speaking of that....

John,
You lookin' at this thread? How's the giant Go Kart coming along these days?

Hey Duane,

I've been buried with a new project at work and it is sucking much of my time. Things should loosen up soon I hope. I think Marc scored on his new purchase. Nice looking Spf. Now we can all relax. I'm glad he found a car that was to his liking.

I have been slaving away on the bossJBL since I last saw you. I'm down to lots of little bs now. 4 hrs Friday and 14 hrs yesterday. All electrical. The chassis is complete with the exception of a few loose ends which require the body in order to finish. If I can find a little time this week I will smoke-test my electrical. If it checks out, I'll more than likely drop the body on it Friday. That would make it almost exactly 6 months since the ..... I don't know, something happened back there.....I can't remember now. I just look at the car right now and can't believe how much frigging work I and others have done in the last 6 mos. Anyway, I will take some better pics and get them posted before I cover up all that beauty.

As for this thread, it's hard to describe or convey the differences of a jbl as far as handling. You have to experience it. Yeah, we're talkin big go-kart.

I will keep you posted, John

Here’s where I was about 3 weeks ago. Sorry, I know these jpegs are poor but you can see roughly where I’m at.

Richard Hudgins · #15 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CSX 4027

Does it come with matching speakers?

Steve,

Yes, they all do. They are located very low and just behind each door.

2:06 is a very quick time. (I assume that you mean the long course with the loop.)

I have only driven one JBL there and it was a 302 engine car and the best I could do was a 2:09. (White car on JBL website) Therefore you are correct, design means nothing.

However, I went out in a RT41 just after the JBL and ran a 1:48. (1600cc 240 hp).

You know, I bet that you will be able to get under 2 minutes in your 1994 Raybestos Ford Jeff Burton Winston Cup car. (Fun cars aren't they? Just hard to keep brakes on them in road course work.)

MT: You know the old saying "If you have to ask the price".

CSX 4027 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 03:02 PM

2.09 is reak quick as well. With my former 4000 car, I think my best times were just a tick under 2.11 before the dial in. That was with the original brake set up. Bill Murray is a far more experienced driver than I am and just drove the wheels off that original but very trick CSX 3000 car.

Cal Metal · #17 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 06:21 PM

CSX 4027:

Well......Karl "Fritz" Schiffmayer might be the exception to the Murray dominance with a Cobra. Even with the 427, I think, the best I have seen Murray perform at Elkhart Lake--a track suited for big engines and top end--is around 2:30.

Schiffmayer with a 347 cid, Berg 58mm Weber style Carbs--turns consistently at around 2:27 with a PB of around 2:25. Nothing against Bill, as he is a very good driver and mechanic, but "Fritz" rockets that car around the track like no one else.

Interestingly, Schiffmayer, I believe, lays claim for owning an original 427 car longer than anyone. He is the original owner of a street car. In addition to his fast track car, he also owns a USRRC car.

CSX 4027 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 07:12 PM

I met Karl At Road America a few years ago and did see his original owner 427. As I recall, he had added a radio back when he got it and a power antenna on the rear as well as some hood louvers to help with heat disapation.
I know he is fast in the 289 but I believe that car has been wrecked a few times by him and potentially has few original nut and screws on it but nonetheless one hell of a car I wouldn't mind having.

btsai · #19 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 07:46 PM

Steve -- you say you are deciding between a Lotus Elise and a Cobra Replica. That's really quite an oranges vs. apples difference. Much more difference than the standard Ginger vs. Mary Ann -- more like a Heather Locklear vs. a GLOW (women wrestling) champion.

I'd say decide what will really make you happy and then go for the one that will put a smile on your face more consistently.

Obviously on this forum, the choice most have made is clear.

Excaliber · #20 (**permalink**) 10-26-2003, 07:50 PM

There was a time when I considered my options and could have gone with an Elise. In the end, I wanted the simplicity a Cobra offers.

Ernie