"Cobras N Vettes" customers/owners please read!!!

[need4speed]

Or you could go with the Beck/Avanti Lister which is based on the Corvette C4 steering, suspension, and rear-end on a tubular frame. The C4 suspension used in the Lister has been proven to work very well in past Run-n-Guns, 1-Lap of America, and Car and Driver's Supertuner shootout. Of course its not a Cobra but sometimes its OK to be different...

www.avantimotors.com

[Jim Holden]

I remember being at a SAAC convention in Dearborn, MI in the mid 80's. As I recall, even J Leno was there in a replica. (This was back in the days when CS was not in the original replica business.) At one point, everyone gathered on a hillside next to the convention hotel overlooking a freeway and every time a "Chevy" went by, someone fired a bottle rocket at it. Eventually, the Police showed up, but the crowd was so large that all they could do was yell through their bull horns; "Go back to your rooms."

Best advice? Stick with Ford stuff.
Stronger advice? Life is short, do what makes you happy.

J

[Chaplin]

Everett Morrison and Hunter both use Corvette suspensions. You should check them out as well.

[C4 Cross Fire]

need4speed -- I like your web site! Thanks, but I'm really set on a Cobra.

Jim Holden -- I like your STRONGER advice!

[badrich]

I've tried to hold myself back, but I just have to put in my two bits worth. I am one of those strange people who have owned and loved both Fords and Chevvies. I've owned four Plastic Chevrolets and my current daily driver is an '87 (with Z-51 bone crusher suspension) that I bought new. It still looks and runs great after turning 210K miles this year. The new Z06 is a far superior Corvette, but instead of buying one I opted for my Contemporary. I love my "new" Ford and went out of my way to find one as "correct" as I could. I fudged a little by getting the Shelby motor, but I figured it was close enough. No GM parts anyway.

In my hot rod days we modified [usually old Fords] by doing almost anything to make them go (and look) faster. Including removing anything with weight and stuffing in Oldsmobile (Gasp!) and then small block Chevvie engines. So I guess I can see why some folks would consider getting a cheap Corvette, like a C-4 (forget the C-3) and perhaps putting a cheap Cobra body on it. Decent performance at a low price. But if it were me, I'd look for a light weight '57 Corvette aftermarket body, keeping averything GM, and then perhaps go looking for a cheapie Cobra to blow off. To me, this would be a much cooler machine. And it wouldn't look funny (sorry, but 96" wheelbase Cobras just don't look right) and then sell it someday and get a "real" Cobra. In my autocross days I loved beating Cobras (occasionally) with my old Stingray, and I look forward to beating Corvettes with my "new" Ford. Life is good! ; ) Rich

[C4 Cross Fire]

It doesn't look like a Cobra--it's too big, you say. Check out the JBL and FFR kits--what's up with the different butts--they don't look 'correct' either! But those are only two examples of varying Cobra correctness...er...incorrectness.

What is 'correct', anyway? Isn't every original CSX different, customized to each owners' particular style? Just where do we draw the line if today's replica manufacturers are replacing everything under the body yet still calling it a 'replica'?

If we're going to start changing things from the 'correct' original vehicle, the one that no one really wants to duplicate exactly for several reasons (performance being at the top of everyone's list due to today's technology)--and that doesn't really have an exact base from which to duplicate anyway--I say lets do it right! Heck--I like JBL's "Butcher"--and when I look at it I see a cool Cobra hot rod. I say we draw the line there--with coolness and proformance enhancement--or lets not change it at all...assuming we can come up with a base from which to duplicate, which we can't!!! If the vehicle is a cool-looking hot rod with Cobra styling, what's wrong with that as long as performance is enhanced--or at least not comprimised!

Many with a beef about someone else's 'replica' have an incorrect copy themselves--which I guess explains their anger--they're pissed because they don't really have a true replica either...but, of course, theirs is better than yours!

If you've done your research you know that a longer wheelbase and a proven, complete Corvette chassis system will perform circles around every other 90" Cobra replica around. Yes, that's a bold statement to some. Yes, it's correct too. Hands down. Don't take my word for it--check out Cobras N Vettes at Knotts this year or shoot Jeff an email: jeffc@cobrasnvettes.com .

Lets do it right--you CAN have it both ways...just stay out of the snake pit if you know what's good for ya!

And chill--this light-hearted humor was not intended to offend. Extreme brand loyalty can be dangerous! If you're offended, please lighten up.

[vettestr]

Hello All,
I am Jeff and build the Cobray-C3. I missed this thread the first time around as I have been locked in the shop seemingly day and night implementing our quality assurance programs. We are working on the latest molds for the C3 and C4 bodies and are very proud of the quality, fit and engineering of our newest baby.
Just like most of you I have built many different cars, projects and kits over the years. I swore I would never let some of the junk and poor engineering I encountered out the door if my name was on the building. As an engineer and builder of the Cobray this is my chance to sign my name on every part. The highest quality resins and materials are hand laid. Jigs and fixtures ensure proper tolorance stackup with a consistant fit. The body has been inspired by the Cobra of the 60's but is not intended to be a replica but shares the mystique and fast sexy body lines.
When bolted directly to the race refined and proven Corvette chassis this body fits properly. It is centered and the correct height on all four corners. The doors, hood and trunk have tight even lines and fit the way they should. The body flows and looks fast just sitting there. The large cockpit is comfortable and even the biggest driver fits well. I will add a few photos later but in person tells you much more and the roll bar changes the looks a bunch.
The build cost is very reasonable with parts from full race to grocery getter easy to find. Factory manuals help you with the rebuild or bolt on of refurbished assemblies. The car can be serviced or repaired anywhere as it is a Vette under the skin. The spring rates, shock valving and complete suspension has been re-designed by Vette Brake Products to adjust for the new weight, weight distribution and intended use. You can install a Ford or any other power plant if you choose, do what makes you happy. The resale is very good and one of the few cars in my life that I can sell for close to if not more than I spent. It must be a quality build and be done right for good resale but that applys to any car unless sold on pure celebrity status ( a beat up pinto owned by Mr. C S would demand big bucks !! ).
To be fair there are some hard core collectors and purists that I could not give this car to but the same people would also be right there to help or give me a lift to the gas station if I ran out on a run. This is a great group of people and I am proud to be part of the community.