what do you think??

[ivebeenbit]

hello all,
i just became a member because i thinks its time to start
looking for a cobra.
do you feel its better to buy a turn key-new-minus engine and
trans--or one that is used but complete and driveable.
in the long run is it better to buy new for good resale.?
so
i can upgrade later.
thanks
dave

[xlr8or]

Dave,
Welcome to Club Cobra.
This site is full of information and insight on every make and model out there.
For fear of it being a can of worms waiting to happen I would suggest the following:
Use the search function and do your homework. Then when you have specific questions ask them.
Visit different companies and check it out in person.

Again, welcome to the site and the sickness called Cobra Fever.

Scott

[maxrpm]

Howdy fellow LIer! I had the fun & exhilirating experience of building my car from the very beginning to the last nut & bolt so my opinion would have to be...go buy a professionally built one already running!(if you have the berries) Why not take a ride to Freeport & talk to Billy? He won't steer you wrong.
~Ed

[Dsprint2000]

As Scott said - use the search and enjoy......... Ask yourself - what is it you favor, the journey to get there and then enjoy, or just enjoy from the get go. Many on this site will say the build is 1/2 the fun, yet others will say driving the darned thing is what it is all about (see any story from Hal Copple). If you have the space, time, tools, knowledge and money - investigate the build. Not necessarily cheaper, but can be 'medicine'.....

David

[shaps]

Why not go down to Freeport Saturday morning, you can see Bill at HRE or Bill at the Snakepit... Also, there will probably be a fair amount of cobra guys at the Snakepit who own various makes...
The fun is just begining!

Shaps

[computerworks]

Shaps is right... it's worth the trip.

(..posting just to show the L.I. strength on CC... )

[RACER X #99]

One of my racing buddies lives right in Huntington LI and has been talking about parting with his street Cobra. A beautiful ERA with I think a 427 SO.
He looks here every once and a while and perhaps he will see your post and let you make him an offer.

RD

[John 550]

Don't forget the Kirkhams are having a"Blue light special"
Although you should try to get a ride in racer x 's friends car !

[ivebeenbit]

thanks guys,i will take a ride to freeport and check it out
are they always there on saturdays?
i have begun to do my homework,how much i really want
to spend is the issue--as far as knowledge and expierence
i could complete one myself--but i do not have the space
or the time.
thanks again
dave

[shaps]

Yup,
people are always around the Snakepit on Saturdays....

Happy New Year!
Shaps

[Nuke427]

I've done both of what you are asking. It really makes no difference with the two options you've listed. Buy a used complete car and it would probably have little mileage. Most who buy a turnkey minus contract out the motor/trans install either to the dealer they bought it from or a local shop. The later may just be to complete a crate motor with trans and you do the install, doesn't really matter. As far as resale, whether you bought a used complete or turnkey minus makes no difference. It depends on which car you've chosen and the quality of the build. My experience is if you buy a complete used car, more than likely most of the kinks are out of it and you can enjoy. Totally dependant on who you buy from, really a lot of variables. I guess it boils down to do you want to start driving immediately or would you like to put a touch of your own sweat in it first.

[Tony Radford]

I think that creating a site that all "newbies" could be directed to that would at least provide the first step towards "acclamation" for those embarking on the path to "Cobra enlightenment" would be most beneficial. This could be a fun project for someone that is "site construction saavy" and might be plagued with the winter blahs. Though I admit that all of there is to know about our topic of passion (past and present) exists in the dark shadowy bowels of this holy shrine called Club Cobra, a virgin to the ark would hardly know where to start and what to ask. Consequently, the same basic questions get asked over and over as the state of being snake-bitten permeates the masses. I've seen threads posted by the multitude of Cobra gurus that provide excellent smatterings of data that if compiled and organized would result in a "white paper" that would challenge the Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas ten times over. It would be great to see a menu tab labeled "newbies start here" that provides an indoctrination to this wonderful funny farm of passions, attitudes and love of a common theme. I've seen the general outline of a questionaire posted many times in various forms that help steer a potential Cobra owner down a specific path narrowed to their individual interest and intended application. A daunting task I agree, but some of you computer guys are awesome at creating works of art. What do ya'll think?

[Tony Radford]

Just bringing this back to the stage. Any takers?

[Don]

Dave

Since you live in the NorthEast, another possibility is to visit some or all of the 8 sites that handle Cobras which are in somewhat close proximity to your home. Would give a good comparison on the alternatives and increase your personal knowledge.

Reference the attached map and websites......have fun

http://www.mattrandolph.com/cobra/Cobras.htm

[ivebeenbit]

thank you very much for all of the info:
i have 25,000 to spend and a complete driver would be the
best way to go for me.
i will see what i can find
dave