Which Company makes "best" replica?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

No offense taken. KMP cars are beautiful replicas.

Yes, but they're the only "replica" listed in the Shelby World Registry.

[Ronbo]

I guess the real argument is "strong enough"...

For an 1100hp engine the added weight and rigidity would be of benifit, although handling and braking would suffer. Certainly traction is a problem and a heavier car would "plant" better. If your priority is off the line then the extra weight would help. I don't think anyone makes a worse frame than AC did...

"better" is a subjective idea, depends what your intentions are. In this case a dollar figure was thrown out that basically knocks out the higher priced replicas so why discuss the merits of $60k ~ $160k cars?

The fellow stated this was to be something for tooling around town in and wanted something comfortable. (I have no recomendation for this!) The best we can do is steer this fellow away from the shabby mfg's and let him decide what is best for him. (not us)

This is supposed to be a fellowship not a competition, save that for the track.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Yes, but they're the only "replica" listed in the Shelby World Registry.

Who gives a puck about the snake oil salesman's 'World Registry'?

[Excaliber]

"Better", in regards to Kirkhams is a relative term, I think they've gone down hill in the past few years! To much 'billet', to many modern parts, better is more accuratly defined as 'more correct' in my world of Cobra replicas. Gimme that old time Girling brakes religion.

Perhaps Rodknock was referring to the SAAC registration? I'm not sure the new Team Shelby registration even recognizes Kirkham (like I give a puck if it does or doesn't).

[ENTDOC]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Who gives a puck about the snake oil salesman's 'World Registry'?

mostly those without a car in it

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by ENTDOC

mostly those without a car in it

It took you 45 minutes to come up with that answer?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

It took you 45 minutes to come up with that answer?

He's on the East Coast too.

[ENTDOC]

I was reading the ERA website and it takes exactly 45 minutes to read how it is the best replica. Now I see what you guys mean, it says so right there in black and white.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

And I long for the day that my car is in the Shelby World Registry.

[turnpike boy]

Cmon down to the Cobra Revolution this Saturday - don't know where in Jersey you are, but you're not really any more than about an hour an a half at most away. You will get closer to these cars than at any car show, with folks who are deelighted to show you their stuff. On top of that, there will also be a Backdraft dealer there who is a mighty fine fella, and will fill your needs cup to overflowing. Garonteed .

As to whose Cobra is best.......yours will be, whichever one you finally choose. Just like all the rest of the posters in here who see theirs as the best.

[RodKnock]

Chuck, my kid and I had a wonderful laugh at your answer. It would have taken me 45 days to come up with that one. Good stuff, thank you.

Yes, I was referring to the often-delayed SAAC book due this year. I only brought it up to get a laugh. That's all. ZOERA said that they're the "best replica." So, I inserted my "not so" funny comment.

[ENTDOC]

yes, the thread as been kind of fun, sort of the written version of "tag your it"

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

"Better", in regards to Kirkhams is a relative term, I think they've gone down hill in the past few years! To much 'billet', to many modern parts, better is more accuratly defined as 'more correct' in my world of Cobra replicas. Gimme that old time Girling brakes religion.

I forget which Kirkham is the engineer, but the bulk of their improvements seem to be what their clientele want. I didn't like that they moved the shifter forward and started using a straight shifter and I didn't like the new sidepipe muffler design, but you can have your Kirkham anyway you like it. The more original, the more expensive.

About the Girling brakes, I remember David or Tom saying in a thread that the Girling brakes have about 3,000,000 parts more or less. However, I prefer the big Wilwoods for safety reasons. To each his/her own.

[jdean]

This thread has been fun. I am not biased at all about the ERA being the best replica....just to prove it if any of you have a nice Kirkham and want to move up, I will consider a trade with you ;-)

[jperickson2001]

"This is supposed to be a fellowship not a competition, save that for the track."

This is an excellent point. We all have our own criteria for what suits us best and we need to remember we didn't get a Porche, Corvette, or Viper (although some of you probably have each of them!). Our passion lies with the Cobra and we need to welcome each other regardless of our taste, bankroll, and manufacturer preference. From a Fiberfab to an original 60's car, we all share the same interest. Lets put away our separative ways and drive down that road of life in peace-John

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jperickson2001

Lets put away our separative ways and drive down that road of life in peace-John

Of course I'll do my best to pass you at every opportunity....

[jperickson2001]

Just don't give me the one finger salute as you do it! -John

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by jperickson2001

Just don't give me the one finger salute as you do it! -John

Actually, the "peace" symbol is two fingers.

So, is the thread starter fully indoctrinated to which is the best replica? It's clear as mud to me.

Does he want the lightest, strongest, most original, best engineered, most modern?

[Excaliber]

Point well taken RodKnock, the customers have spoken in regards to what they want on a Kirkham, and that far and away seems to be 'modern parts'. Customers were specing SO many K cars that way I believe thats one reason the original spec suspension, brakes, etc. now are a costly option. It may soon disappear or become so costly it will be all but impossible to get an original spec car. Thats OK, those few original spec cars (like Budman recently sold to Hi Cobra) should be reserved for the few, the proud, the hard core. The ones that WANT to recreate what it was really like back in the day, with all it's warts and flaws and 3,000,000 parts.

[RodKnock]

Ernie, we all have our own equilibrium when it comes to the original versus modern scale. I tend to want something that has near original appearance, but if something can be improved for safety, durability and/or strength, then I'm personally all for it. I mentioned two "improvements" from Kirkham that I didn't like, but I'm sure there are many others who don't care about those two items. The latest gauges were an improvement (accurate electric) that I thought appeared close enough to the originals, but now I have a very small digital readout for the odo and fuel level. The black leather steering wheel? Not a chance.

While I'm sure the Kirkhams are attempting to meet the demands of their customers, I'm also sure that there's a profit motive as well and there's nothing wrong with that.

Now I believe I'm off course, since the person who started the thread never mentioned the Kirkham as a possible choice.