which kit would you purchase

[283e]

Hi, let me start with I really like this club and the talks. I have been reading alot and there is quite the deversity in the club.

The problem is I am no closer to deciding on a kit than I started. Infact I am further from it!!

I want to give my prospective on cobra kits, so I can get your best advice.

I like the cobras for the small body style, with the big motor, and great suspension. Needless to say if I had the money and was around when the 427SC came out I would have bought one in a hart beat. Not a 289 or 260 version but the 427SC.

I feel nothing less than one built in 1965-67? Is nothing more than a replica.
Sorry don't mean to affend anyone, but that includes the kirkham and finishline cobras too. Now if your still with me let me exlplain. These replicas are not through ford dealership and typically don't get the castiron sideoiler 427 Block, and their not build in 1965-67. So it would drive me crazey to try to duplicate this vehicle and hard to swallow my words, to say it was a true cobra if I had the money to do this.

And why would you? With the new aliuminum 427 sideoiler block, the now readily avialible electronic ignition system, and more comfortable seating. It seems logical to build something original to you and your standards. Even ford is calling their new Shelby Mustang a replica. Which I would buy if I had the money. Enough Said?

I think buy now you can tell I know enough to be dangerous.

Now for the brass tacks. I have a 429 and a C6 that I want to put in my cobra. Yes I regret it, but I have it and want to use it. FE I think is a better block for the daily driver and with gas prices a 351w would have been a better choice. But this block is a 72 and I have all the good stuff for it. The automatic is better for the daily driver too, exspecially in town and ford hasn't, in my opinion built a trust worthy auto since the C6.

I have been looking at body styles, I like B&B and Unique motors the best so far. I like the big rear fenders and how the body transitions to the front smaller fenders. I like Hurricane and Classic Roadster II for the completeness of the kit, for getting parts other than nuts and bolts and hoses is an issue for me.

I want the irs pkg and performance added to it, so I can get the ride and maybe take it to the track when I need to sow some oats!!

Personally I would consider a JBL because of the suspension, the body is alright but fe nders don't curl enough over the tires like I would want them too. Plus this is out of my price range too, but would consider one eventhough the body isn't exactly what I would want. The suspeneion is and out ways that aspect.

Sorry, I'm getting carried away! I would like to spend less than 22k for a kit that would include all the parts plus heater, wipers, and soft top. If you know of any kits or recomendations please respond. It is very much appreciated.

Thanks agian
George

[G.R.]

George at the price you mention you are willing to spend it would be a bare bones kit for the most part, IMO.

My choice would be a Unique.

The cost of the build is almost "Always" more than you initally planned/budgeted for...ask most of the guys here.

My re-build of an existing running car was/is.

[LMH]

Hey George
G.R. is right, build cost is usually higher than expected. I'll probably be a little over $30K, maybe $35K with me doing the paint/body. I am going from live axle to modified IRS which would have been cheaper had I done it from the beginning, so that has added to the build cost.
I think Hurricane can support both the 429 and C6 but you would want to check with them to be sure. I'm not sure of the physical size of the 429 but there are a number of FE Hurricanes, so I would think it would work ok.
Good luck with your choice.
Larry

[283e]

Hi G.R. and LMH,

I know I'm kinda cheap but are you guys including the engine and transmission in your total?

I already have these and thier rebuilt.

Thanks for your feed back!!

[eschaider]

George,

What ever you decide to do plan on it taking longer and costing more!

If you underbudget, in time or money, you will find yourself among those who started and quit midstride before completing the car and sold it for a considerable discount on what they had invested.

An unhappy ending ...


Ed

[Jim Holden]

In large measure you will get what you pay for. Buy cheap... get cheap.

J

[Got the Bug]

As newbie, I've been spending a lot of time researching the different Cobra kits so that I can make a decision that's right for me.

This afternoon I had chance to take a look at ERA's website http://www.erareplicas.com/ and I highly recommend it (even if you're not in the market for an ERA).

I reallly like the page where they provide photographs comparing the various replica manufacturers http://www.erareplicas.com/427/profiles/index.htm . Well worth spending some time on the ERA site.

Doug

[283e]

Thanks guys for your input!

What it appears to me is that there is about 10k to 15k hidden cost to build a complete cobra? I have checked out some sites, Hurricane and Classic Roadster II seem to have the most stuff that I am wanting in a kit for 22k. FFR price was 23k and would have to buy some donor kit parts or their pallet of parts for 3k to 4k.

I am going to have to keep saveing to see if I ca catch the curve cost over years.

I have been looking at engines and the parts I have for the 429 and C6 have dubled since I have bought them. Hate to admit I have had this engine around that long!!!!

Next winter I will probally buy a kit, and go for "the in for a pound in for a penny theory". And just "get r done."

Still Not sure of what kit to buy though. Somebody here once said " phrase the ? if you had to buy a kit other than the one you have which one would you pick and why?"

Any takers?

Thanks
George

[283e]

Hi Doug,

I have seen that ERA comparison, thanks posting it I was looking for it agian and couldn't find it. Also trying to find that spread sheet for all the kit makers that a member took alot of time to do.

George

[LMH]

My order of kits would be Krikham, then ERA and then Hurricane.
It kind of boils down to what you're after, your intentions with the finished car and your budget. When all is said and done, you are the only one who need be pleased.
Larry

[wtm442]

Check out my Excel spreadsheet

List of Manufacturers

I would like to spend less than 22k for a kit that would include all the parts plus heater, wipers, and soft top.

That little $$ ain't going to get you too much. Suggest you look thru the For Sale sections, especially for someone who has lost interest in their uncompleted build.

Good Luck

[DonC]

Go here for the ERA worksheet with the base price and what you get at the top and then add-ons from there.
DonC
http://www.erareplicas.com/427/worksht.htm

[Buzzmobile]

here is the thread with the map listing all the manufacturers...but looks like the link does not work anymore.




http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...p+manufactures


Buzz

[406 snake]

ERA, Unique. JMHO.

[NJBIGBLOCK]

I have just ordered a Hurricane and I will be using the 429 with the C6 auto in it. Don't worry about power with your 429 , you can get more than you would ever want. Go to 460ford.com and read all about it.Nice thing about the 429 is you can buy stroker kits which will take you out over 500 cu inches cheap and all kinds of good heads and intakes are available. Randy

[FiaCobra]

I'm not building a roadster (doing a coupe instead) but if i were to do one, i'd most definately go with Unique. The only difference would be an FIA 289 car. I just love that car over the more popular 427 S/C.

Good luck with whatever kit you decide to do.

[Karen Wells]

B&B has two packages that you might want to consider, their stage III special comes with everything you need less tires and wheels and paint and engine and Trans the kit is all assembled tubular front suspension with coil over shocks and 11" brakes all Installed a narrowed 9" rear with tubular trailing arms and coil over shocks new moser axles all new and Installed the body is mounted the windshield lights,gas tanks steering, bumpers gauges and wiring are all installed hood doors and trunk are all hinges and then all of the other items to complete the car come unassembled like the Interior, latches,headers and sidepipes, roll bar gas cap, pedal assy master cyl and the car will accept a 429 it is on sale for 17,500 and last is their turnkey minus complete with wiring all done car is painted team III whells T.A. radial tires all the wiring Is done just add engine and Trans 25,900

[283e]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I have looked into the Unique and ERA kits, just out of my price range. I will take a look at B & B agian, I like the body but not the frame as much but the price is right. I am leaning more and more towards the hurricane because of the completeness of the kit and looks and the frame and suspension parts.

I am hoping to get to the Knotts Berry show this year to look at the variuos kits.

Thanks for the input,
George

[boris_thespider]

I bought my kit directly from one of the manufacturers you're considering on eBay! With all the extras they included, I saved about $5000-$6000 compared with calling them on the phone and ordering the kit with the same options. I wasn't quite ready to buy at the time, but I couldn't pass on a deal like that and consider myself lucky to have won the auction. If you're not in a big rush to go out and buy right now, keep checking on eBay. Every now and then, a great deal shows up...

Mike

[LMH]

Thought I would post this photo of "cab"s Hurricane. (I hope you don't mind cab!)
I think it's awesome looking and it has IRS. (plus it's a lot farther along than mine!! )
Good luck with whatever manufacturer you pick!
Larry