Factory Five/superformance/backdraft

[Dinobyte]

Originally Posted by wanab5150

Ever seen struts on a real race car?. Also, there will be no real performance upgrades on the BD because ITS A STRUT.The others allow spring rate, and shock variations like Bilstein or QA-1's.

Ever hear of that German car maker called Porsche?

[Cashburn]

Note the "racecar" that has been lapped...

[lovehamr]

??

Originally Posted by wanab5150

Keep in mind the BD has 3 series BMW suspension consisting of a BMW rear end made for a 250 hp or less car.

Come on man, read a book! Or at least look around on the web for some info before you throw out blanket statements. Look at the E46 with it's 4.0 L 380hp (440 in race trim) V8 pushing a 3400# car. And that's not good enough for a Cobra? Just looking at the info in this site on who's running what in their BDR would show that it apparently is.

Originally Posted by wanab5150

Ever seen struts on a real race car?.

Allot.

Originally Posted by wanab5150

Also, there will be no real performance upgrades on the BD because ITS A STRUT.The others allow spring rate, and shock variations like Bilstein or QA-1's.

Jeez man, just because it's got a strut doesn't mean it can't be tweeked. aside from factory tweeks there are cartrige (shock) upgrades availible from KYB and Bilstein. And why you would think that spring rates can't be changed because it's a strut is beyind me.

Steve

[RAO-3]

Doesn't the backdraft use the E36 suspension?

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

You're going for looks and you're considering an FFR over a BDR? I feel like I'm missing something. Have you looked at the two?

Steve

Is he missing something? It may come as a surprise to some but some people don't like the extra length and the sloped nose on the BDR. I happen to like the BDR cars but they do have a unique look to them and it's possible some people may or may not like it.

[bobcowan]

Comparing the FFR to a BD or SPF is really tough. Yes, they're all Cobra's, but they're all really differant. The BD and SPF are "factory built". There's a lot of advantages to that, especially when buying used or reselling. You can have the car delivered to your house and be driving it in a few weeks. They say a week end, but I'm a little skeptical on that.

OTOH, the FFR is a u-build-it project. For some people, the build is a huge part of the fun. It took me three years to build my car, and I really enjoyed it. So much so, that I consider selling mine so I can build another one.

Intended use should also be a major facter. The FFR is considerably lighter than the SPF. Not sure about the BD. Both the BD and SPF can be modified to handle and brake very well, and hold a tremendous amount of power. But, you pay for parts and then have to replace them to get where you want to be. If you build the car the way you want it to start with, you can save a bunch of money. A good example is brakes. The brakes on both SPF and BD are plenty good enough for the street and autocross. But inadequate for the road course. You may spend a couple thousand upgrading those. Can the BD differential handle 550hp? I don't know, but I'm skeptical.

If you're looking for an exact replica, the BD and FFR are not for you. There are way to many visual differances from original. They can be changed, but again you're talking time and money. I think the most accurate and high quality kits available is the Unique or the Kirkham. When I looked at them a few years ago I was really impressed. And they've gotten better since then.

Another thing to consider is aftermarket support. If your nearest SPF dealer is 6 hours away, that could be a problem. Especially if you're not a builder kinda guy.

If you're not a builder, but want something unique, consider having somebody like Gordon Levy build one for you.

[madmaxx]

You cannot go wrong with either. I suggest you keep an eye out for both and one of the two will pop up with a price you cannot resist then go for it.

For expample Starformance (superformance dealer by the way) had two rollers he was trying to move that went for $35K!!!!! complete with top, tonneau, install kit, heck he was willing to complete with run of mill motor for low $40K!!!!!!!!

A deal like that comes along once a year, keep looking at cc and ebay and strike when it presents itself. Alot of rich buy and sell quick and they could not care less if they loose 10-15K on the car they just want it gone.

Needless to say with used you take some risk but both are built so well I would not worry about anything but the condition of the paint.

The only reason I did not buy one even though I have one, the deal was so good is I want a SPF GT40 or even a bdrgt.

[SkipB]

Note to all,

A Backdraft differential can and has handled over 700HP. (Why do guys invent problems that don't exist?)

Plus, a Backdraft handles better than most cars with the stock suspension. Throw in the M3 upgrade and watch out! (FFRs can be built with several different upgrades too)

Finally there are a bunch of fine race cars out there with struts. Upgrades, changes are readily available if you look, especially for BMW based cars!

To Wiplash,

buy whatever you can get the best deal on at the time and within your budget. I looks to me like a well built FFR or a Backdraft might be in the $ area you want. Either way you can't go too far wrong!

SkipB

[Slick61]

Originally Posted by SkipB

Note to all,

A Backdraft differential can and has handled over 700HP. (Why do guys invent problems that don't exist?)

Plus, a Backdraft handles better than most cars with the stock suspension. Throw in the M3 upgrade and watch out! (FFRs can be built with several different upgrades too)

Finally there are a bunch of fine race cars out there with struts. Upgrades, changes are readily available if you look, especially for BMW based cars!

To Wiplash,

buy whatever you can get the best deal on at the time and within your budget. I looks to me like a well built FFR or a Backdraft might be in the $ area you want. Either way you can't go too far wrong!

SkipB

... Amen, brother... my Backdraft is putting out over 600 hp & I've yet to break anything.

[Bartruff1]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

On buying a used FFR, there is a big difference between buying a car that was built using a "donor" and one that was built using all new parts. Be clear on what you're getting before you plunk down any cash.

In terms of the body shape, FFR has the so-called "perky butt" relative to other manufacturers. Some like it, some don't. ERA has profiles of several cars you can look at to compare their shapes: http://www.erareplicas.com/427/profiles/index.htm

DD

I have a SP but the expression " perky butt " is something to think about allright !! Do you have any pictures ?? Not of some car.

[Wiplash]

So...Let me get this straight...It sounds like the BDR is the bes "Bang-for-buck". Is that right? I've been on my Factory Five kick for about six months now that I decided to get a cobra. I'm just fresh in the market to look at other manufacturers.

Where are the best shows to go to in the midwest to find them all in the same place to compare apples and oranges?

Thanks

Brett

[jmimac351]

Brett, if you are looking for a new roller then you could argue that. You should keep in mind what you can get a completed FFR for as well. $35k puts you in a very sweet spot for a good FFR. You could end up with something that has some very attractive premium parts. It's true that with the BDR you have a factory built car compared to a privately built car. But in some cases these "home built" cars are very impressive depending on who is doing the building. Don't think that just because it's factory built you won't have problems. I would suggest you speak to some BDR owners directly. They are great cars but each make can have its quirks. I know quite a few guys with BDR cars. Some have had some issues but overall they're pleased with the purchase.

[Joe Wicked]

Brett, I started on my quest back in the beginning of August. I knew of FFR, and I was convinced that was what I wanted to do. Now as I have gotten to know the people and the various cars, the less I am still wanting to do my own build. I added up the cost of everything and found that a FFR/Hurricane/Lonestar/Shell Valley would all end up costing about the same as the rollers. I figured out that in the end I would spend the same amount of money, plus all the labor. I am now leaning to a roller, so I can at least have some of the effect of building it myself, but I am not ruling anything out at this time.

[Wiplash]

I heard Whitby's builds the FFR for you. Is that true? If so, what's the cost for a roller?

Thanks

Brett

[wanab5150]

I stand corrected on the strut issue.....I was thinking of f-1 and indy style cars, can-am etc...not street based cars converted to race cars like porsche,BMW and Mustang...maybe others.

For the guy that said the BD comes with the E-36 parts, not the E-46 parts is correct. I like Backdrafts, don't get me wrong. I've had a 320i, 740IL and currently have a 3.0 Z-3 that if I had to pick one, I would keep the BMW over my new (3 mo. old) Roush 427/SPF. It' the most fun car I have ever driven and is more pure fun than the Cobra. It's just all the guys asking me if they make one for men that pisses me off!

It would just be nice to have rear end that takes two hands to hold (ford 9" or Dayna) rather than one the size of a 3 lb. coffee can. Look for yourself.
My opinion and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. It's just an opinion. I've been wrong before!

[SKINNEDR]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Brett, if you are looking for a new roller then you could argue that. You should keep in mind what you can get a completed FFR for as well. $35k puts you in a very sweet spot for a good FFR. You could end up with something that has some very attractive premium parts. It's true that with the BDR you have a factory built car compared to a privately built car. But in some cases these "home built" cars are very impressive depending on who is doing the building. Don't think that just because it's factory built you won't have problems. I would suggest you speak to some BDR owners directly. They are great cars but each make can have its quirks. I know quite a few guys with BDR cars. Some have had some issues but overall they're pleased with the purchase.

I have a BDR#471, and to date no problem with the roller.
The only problem I ever had was with the motor that was installed. That is totally seperate from the roller itself. BDR are solid, and you should not expect to have any king of problems.
I stand corrected, there is a siginificant problem to be expected when owning a BDR..
"YOU WILL HAVE TOO MUCH FUN DRIVING IT"
Dex....

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by Wiplash

So...Let me get this straight...It sounds like the BDR is the bes "Bang-for-buck". Is that right? I've been on my Factory Five kick for about six months now that I decided to get a cobra. I'm just fresh in the market to look at other manufacturers.

Where are the best shows to go to in the midwest to find them all in the same place to compare apples and oranges?

Thanks

Brett

I think in a factory built car, the BD is probably the best bang for the buck. In a kit car that you'll assemble yourself, Ithink the FFR is the best. Two very differant options.

Fortunatly for you, the London Cobra Show is coming up soon. Spend the day in London, OH, and see just about everything you can imagine in a Cobra.

If you're there on Friday, go over to the hotels and look and talk some more. I'd be willing to bet you find plenty of people willing to let you sit behind the wheel, and take you for a ride. You won't run out of people to talk to, but you will run out of time. Take notes.

http://www.londoncobrashow.com/

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Fortunatly for you, the London Cobra Show is coming up soon. Spend the day in London, OH, and see just about everything you can imagine in a Cobra.

If you're there on Friday, go over to the hotels and look and talk some more. I'd be willing to bet you find plenty of people willing to let you sit behind the wheel, and take you for a ride. You won't run out of people to talk to, but you will run out of time. Take notes.

http://www.londoncobrashow.com/

Great advise! That's exactly what I did last year. Now BDR 687 should be here in a few days and I'll be at London next year with it!

Steve

[Hammer65]

I have a series of BDR & SPF photos for comparison that were sent to me when I was making a decision. There are 41 photos between 26 and 80 KB. I can't attach them to this. How can I share them?

[Fred Z]

Brett, how you doing? Confused yet? It does get interesting, to say the least! I think one thing is for sure........you have a great bunch of resources here to help make a choice. However, the final one comes to you.......and most likely, considering what you have stated.....you won't make a 'bad' one!
I have a FFR Mk3. The difference is......I had mine completely professionally built by someone who builds them as a profession. In that arena.......I actually consider my fortune to be better in some instances than a factory built car! Reason........more individual time on each and every item with extreme attention to detail and safety as well as performance. Now, I will admit......I had no budget and if you know the final tally...you may wince, but after the drive you would know why I went there! It already has 13k+ miles on it after 1 1/2 years and rides on the street just like a dream. We have all the new high performance parts everywhere they were needed. Overkill.......absolutely, but those that know my car appreciate it! I have no squeaks, leaks, or any other issues.....(except the 550 hp and 550 torque running on BFG Radial T/A's). So, you can find a FFR that was built by a pro, which would make it quite a bit different that indiv. built. But you pay for that, trust me! In the end.......any car that has been put to stringent build characteristics will cost!! Just know that budget controls everything. Paying a bit more to get what you want in these cars is worth it, in my and most other's opinions. Many guys can build a great car too. The only thing I was offering in the FFR topic is that you can get one of these in 'pro build' quality as well as SPF, BD , etc.
By the way.......I have ridden in BD, SPF as well, and they are cool cars. If I did not have FFR......I would go SPF.....but I live close to Hillbank Motors.....met Lance STander, and they are great, repeat, great people!!
Hope you get on the road soon..........
Fred Z.