New Member

[Deanr]

What's up guys?

I'm a new member to the site and looking forward to joining the world of Cobra ownership. I've convinced the wife so now the research and saving begin. First thing is to get relocated back to the valley, that will be happening April/May then a house with ample garage space (honey you don't really need that den/office do ya?). Till then I'll occasionally bug ya'll for information. I've done some research and see that FFP and ERA seem to be popular kits. Would like to get opinions. FFP seems to direct you toward the Mustang part path while ERA seems to leave the running gear decisions up to the builder. ERA also recommends the Jag rear end over the Ford 9" rear. Any information is welcome and appreciated.

[Tongue Pirate]

Welcome
iT'S A GOOD IDEA TO POUR OVER THE websites of the manufacturers & ask a lot of questions here. ERA is really set up to use the jag rear with their subframe. You can choose to build the Rear yourself or buy one the units they offer. It also comes with the front arms & spindles. You can decide on the options from there. I am assembling most of the mechanical parts on mine minus the Rear assembly. Everything has been straight forward & no fit probems at all. A well engineered car

[bill32]

You need to decide whether you want to build the kit yourself or not. Factory Five is for those who want to completely build the kit yourself. Most of the others are toward purchasing a completed or nearly completed roller and you add engine and trans.

I have a Factory Five. I enjoyed building it almost as much as driving it. Factory Five can be done as (a) a donor build (you buy a Mustang, take all the parts off it you will need) or (b) you buy a pallet donor (you purchase an already disassembled stack of needed parts from one of the vendors) or you buy all new parts and then assemble the kit, All depends on (a) how much money you want to spend and (b) how much money vs your personal labor (c) whether you want all new parts.

I went donor route, disassembled a Mustang, did some rebuilding/replacement of parts. Total cost, including professional body prep and paint, top and bumpers and lots of accessories/trim was $26K. This is fairly typical ($2K less without top and bumpers). You can build for as little as $18-20$K if you do the body prep and paint yourself and don't purchase any accessories or upgraded trim pieces.

[WBofTN]

Thanks to Matt (the club member with way too much time on his
hands) there is a map you should look at Dean.

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

WB

[RedBarchetta]

From one Dean to another, welcome! Lots to learn here....hope you stick around!

Regards,

-Deano

[clayfoushee]

Welcome...saw your location was Silver Spring, MD, 20 minutes from me, but also saw you said you were relocating. In any event, if you are in the DC metro area, you should check into www.capitalareacobraclub.com. We have a very active, and "spirited" group with 30+ cars, including Shelbys, Kirkhams, E-Ms, ERAs, Uniques, FFRs, SPFs, and others. There are several builds going on in the area, so you can even check that out, as well as a number of complete cars with all combinations of BB, SB, and even blown. I'd also welcome a visit anytime.

[rdorman]

Originally posted by clayfoushee


We have a very active, and "spirited" group....

THAT is a polite way to phrase it! Did you guys ever get that three AM burn out in front of my Dads house done? He loves that stuff

Back on topic. Welcome. Take your time, read, ask questions, see as many cars as you can. Talk, or better yet, visit the manufacturer. Realize that you will go over budget. It is amazing how much all that stuff can add up to be! And do hook up with the CACC group. I have seen them in action so be prepared!

Rick

[BLACKJACK]

CLAY - - - DON'T FORGET "EXCALIBURS". - - - THE HERTZ CAR.

DEAN - - - THE CACC THAT CLAY MENTIONS IS A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE. BEST WAY TO GET "HOOKED-UP" WITH THE GANG IS TO COME TO A "GREASE-UP" BREAKFAST AT THE VIENNA INN. USUALLY 10 TO 15 COBRAS AND/OR GT-40'S THERE EVERY SATURDAY MORNING. WE MEET THERE AT 8:00 AM AND ABUSE OUR BLOOD VESSELS FOR AN HOUR OR SO, THEN WE HANG AROUND 'TILL ABOUT 10:00 OR 10:30

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GET YOU DIRECTIONS AND MORE INFO.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

[BLACKJACK]

RICK - BUDGET??? WHAT'S A BUDGET???

OH - - - - THAT'S THAT THING WITH ALL THE FICTITIOUS NUMBERS ON IT THAT YOU SHOW TO YOUR WIFE IN ORDER TO CONVINCE HER THAT YOU CAN AFFORD A COBRA.

I GUESS IT'S OK BUT NEVER, EVER LOOK HER IN THE EYES WHILE YOU SHOW IT TO HER - AND REMEMBER - THEY CAN SMELL FEAR A MILE AWAY.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

[rdorman]

Originally posted by BLACKJACK


THAT THING WITH ALL THE FICTITIOUS NUMBERS ON IT THAT YOU SHOW TO YOUR WIFE IN ORDER TO CONVINCE HER THAT YOU CAN AFFORD A COBRA.

Websters should be updated Best definition yet!
Rick

[mattr762]

CLAY - - - DON'T FORGET "EXCALIBURS". - - - THE HERTZ CAR.

DEAN - - - THE CACC THAT CLAY MENTIONS IS A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE. BEST WAY TO GET "HOOKED-UP" WITH THE GANG IS TO COME TO A "GREASE-UP" BREAKFAST AT THE VIENNA INN. USUALLY 10 TO 15 COBRAS AND/OR GT-40'S THERE EVERY SATURDAY MORNING. WE MEET THERE AT 8:00 AM AND ABUSE OUR BLOOD VESSELS FOR AN HOUR OR SO, THEN WE HANG AROUND 'TILL ABOUT 10:00 OR 10:30

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GET YOU DIRECTIONS AND MORE INFO.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

Could you speak up I can't quite hear you! I think my ears are bleeding from all your yelling.

[mattr762]

I've done some research and see that FFP and ERA seem to be popular kits. Would like to get opinions.

Totally depends on your budget. $20,000 vs $40,000. How much you willing to spend? The more original you want it the more expensive it will be.

[clayfoushee]

Jack's not yelling, it's just Jack, and we like him just the way he is.

Sorry Jack...how could I forget about our rental Cobra, the Hertz Excalibur?

And Jack....did we ever get that burnout done for Rick's Dad? If not, we need to get on it pronto!!!!!!!

[clayfoushee]

Matt,

You can't build an ERA or Unique (very comparable) for $40K unless you feel like you don't need an engine. If you want something like a 427so, it's gonna be more like $60K and up.

I've seen some really fine FFRs around here done by very talented builders that are great performers. They are more reasonable price-wise because they use later model engines and components, usually the 5.0 and other drivetrain components that are more readily available. Nothing to be ashamed about those either....they're can be great cars if built well. One of our guys built a blown one that puts out BB horsepower.

You are quite correct when you say you first need to know what you're prepared to spend, and how much you want to spend for "period correctness."

OK....NO WISECRACKS, BLACKJACK....Yall have a nice day

[mattr762]

Matt,

You can't build an ERA or Unique (very comparable) for $40K unless you feel like you don't need an engine. If you want something like a 427so, it's gonna be more like $60K and up.

Clay, thanks for correcting me as I am still learn also. I know there was a big price difference between the two. But in my price estimate trying to get closer to "apples to apples" I'd compare similar engines. 302 vs 351 maybe. The 427 add something like another $10-15,000 right?

In that case could the ERA be priced closer to $50,000? Sorry if this sounds stupid, I'm still a Noobie.

P.S. I know the 302 and 351 are not apples to apples. It's just much closer than a 427 in price.

[clayfoushee]

Matt....that's about right for a more readily available SB if you build a new "kit" (and, if you don't do something radical to the SB, like a supercharger). If you buy used, you can probably get an even better deal, as I did. For reasons, I HOPE I never face, some people spend a ton of money and then need to unload them quickly for much less than they have in them. That's true of most classic car restorations as well.

And, don't apologize for anything on here related to learning. You've already contributed hugely to this forum with your map of builders and manufacturers, which I show to everyone interested in Cobras.

I also admire your appetite for research....that's a good thing, because you'll never stop learning. I haven't and hope I never stop....cuz then, I'll be in real trouble!

At any rate, I think our "new member" friend went away, so we're probably just talking to ourselves.

[rdorman]

Attention CACC members! I will be invading the DC area this Memorial day weekend! Hopefully we can hook up with you saturday morning at the Vienna. Where is that in relationship to Alexandria? Anyone going to be checking out Rolling Thunder that weekend?
Rick

[clayfoushee]

Rick,

I'm sure we'll be doing something. Vienna Inn is out past Tysons Corner outside the Beltway, but opposite side from Alexandria. Depending upon where you are, I would guess about 45 minutes.

Look forward to meeting you.

[rdorman]

If it is in Vienna VA then Mapquest showed it as 19 miles from Kenwood Avenue in Alexandria (across from TC Williams High School). Does that sound right?

It is Dad's 60th birthday and I am going to steal him away that morning and we will come out and hook up with you. This year will be his third DVSF. He and I drove my Cobra 2000 miles home after I bought it from the Pheonix area back to Columbus.

Where you not at the Fling this year? If so, I am the guy that was pulling what was left of his hair out at the autocross that morning. I gave the morning talk before we began. Gashole hat and Ohio Cobra Club sweat shirt. This year, we are staying at the hotels with everyone even though I live here!

Rick

[grumpy]

Mattr,
The 302W and 351W are so close in cost it's amazing that a choice would be needed between the two. Actually a lot of the parts interchange. The cost per HP/TORQUE is far less on the 351W than a 302W. Naturally aspirated a 302W will probably never see 400 HP but a 351W surpasses 400 HP for less cost. A plus, the lower end of a 351W has more beef.
Side by side the only difference in the two is the HP/TORQUE and a minor amount of weight and height.
Just a nickle comment.
grumpy