FFR/Backdraft/SPF????

[PCW]

Not trying to start anything, just wanting to know what you have and why you decided on it. I have gone and looked at all of them and still can't decide. For me there is no real huge desire to build from scratch, if I could get a turnkey-, I would be good with that. Does anyone have a Backdraft/SPF? How do you like them? How is the paint that came on it??? That is my biggest concern. I planned on StreetRodPainters to paint my car if I went with a FFR.

I'm planning on a 427SO from Tom Lucas, FE Specialists and a TKO600.

Thanks in advance,

Craig

[tool time George]

Hi craig...... if you really have no huge desire to build one then FFR isn't for you. I know zippo about Backdraft other than they look nice in pics. I can tell you i've seen many SPF's and am really impressed with the fit and finish.
What you might like is have keith craft supply you with your cobra w/one of his all aluminum 482's under the hood. pricey ?? absolutely,but what a freakin awesome combo.
Turn key ! crowd gather! Go fast
mho

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PCW

How is the paint that came on it??? That is my biggest concern. I planned on StreetRodPainters to paint my car if I went with a FFR.

If you can't decide between the three, then by all means go with an FFR and spend eight to ten grand on a high-end paint job and body preparation. It will look fantastic to you.

[Three Peaks]

With the market what it is these days, you could probably find a complete, driving FFR for what the others would cost for a roller. Then you just have to change out the motor/tranny and you're there.

Bob

[madmaxx]

Couldn't have been said better!!

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you can't decide between the three, then by all means go with an FFR and spend eight to ten grand on a high-end paint job and body preparation. It will look fantastic to you.

[RodKnock]

While each car appeals to different buyers, in my opinion, if you're buying and installing a Tom Lucas FE engine, which isn't cheap, then I would opt for the SPF. If you're spending the big bucks on an FE engine, then I think this might be the "best fit" of the three.

Since the engine will be near accurate, then the SPF body, in my opinion again, is the closest of the three you listed to the original Cobra. However, the BDR and FFR are both excellent cars depending on other characteristics such as budget, painted roller versus unpainted builder, customer service, ride quality, etc.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

While each car appeals to different buyers, in my opinion, if you're buying and installing a Tom Lucas FE engine, which isn't cheap, then I would opt for the SPF. If you're spending the big bucks on an FE engine, then I think this might be the "best fit" of the three.

I don't know about that... there's a certain allure to an FFR that has a high quality FE under the hood. There was an old TV series like that, where the beautiful long haired female cop drove an old beat up Volkswagen that had a 911 engine in it. I can't remeber the show's name, but it was on ABC, maybe 35 years ago. And no, it wasn't "Mod Squad." Now that's going to bug me until I remember the name of it....

[SunDude]

Here's a suggestion that might help: Start by writing a short sentence that describes what you're looking for in a Cobra, like a mission statement. Then refer back to this mission statement as you assess your options and make your decision.

I used this approach myself and found it helpful in keeping me on track during my Cobra search, which ended very well (I bought a resale Superformance roadster at the beginning of July).

Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

[PCW]

Thanks to all for the reply'. Here is my deal. I want a Kirkham, and just got back from UT and visiting their factor. Now reality sets in, 85K the wife states, well you know how that turned out. So, until the Kirkham visit I was going for a FFR, but the more I think about building a FFR, the more I want a roller. So right now I'm looking at SPF and Backdraft. Backdraft is easy to find a price on, 32K, SPF is a different story.

Can someone tell me how it works buying a SPF? Do I only have the option of what the dealers have in stock?? I have 2 dealers in my area, 1 in Reno and 1 in Redwood City, SF Bay area, 2 hrs either way. Can I order one with the color combo I want? I would like Bright Silver and indigo blue strips, Does anyone know what a roller does cost??? Is there a warranty that comes with a roller? Like I stated before, pretty set on the motor and the trans.

Thanks as always,

Craig

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PCW

So right now I'm looking at SPF and Backdraft. Backdraft is easy to find a price on, 32K, SPF is a different story.

Since you're in CA, an SB100 might be helpful. Have you taken a look at www.cobracountry.com yet? Here's a nice SPF you might like for $60k.

[mrmustang]

Don't overlook a quality built ERA in your search for the perfect car.




Bill S.

[SF_SN888KE]

What is the most important thing for you? motor and trans? custom color? Original look?

Here are some other options:

Ken Pike can build a FFR kit for you and then paint it any color you want with under hood show stripes. You pick the parts, custom interior, and he puts it together.

Lots of SPF for sale on Cobra Country. Buy a used one with a TKO 600 and SB-100 and start having fun. Replace the motor in the winter. If "resale" value is important to you, then it appears that the SPF holds it value better than Backdrafts and FFR. As I recall, Dynamic Motors in the Bay Area and SFP in Reno are owned by the same person. He seems like a nice guy.

[patrickt]

Craig, if you go to Cobra Country you'll find SPFs, Kirkhams, West Coast, B&B, Backdrafts, Factory Five...... but no ERAs (well, actually there are two, but both marked "SOLD"). If you want an ERA, Bill's car is a very nice deal.

[Got the Bug]

Craig,

Sit back, mix/pour/blend/brew your favorite beverage and read every post by LudicrousSpeed. The most documented research project in CC history, that almost ended in a car purchase.

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/sear...6&pp=25&page=7

Start from post 1 and you'll learn everything (and more) that you'll ever want to to know about SPF's and BDR's. I'm sure you'll probably read about some FFR cars along the way.

Best bet, connect with your local Cobra group and check out the cars in person. You'll figure out pretty quickly which car is right for you. Next step is to beg, borrow, or bribe, your way into test driving a car. You're best bet, may be a friendly SPF dealer with a demo car or a pre-owned car for sale.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Craig,

Sit back, mix/pour/blend/brew your favorite beverage and read every post by LudicrousSpeed. The most documented research project in CC history, that almost ended in a car purchase.

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/sear...archid=1003886

Start from post 1 and you'll learn everything (and more) that you'll ever want to to know about SPF's and BDR's. I'm sure you'll probably read about some FFR cars along the way.

That link doesn't work. Try this:
SPF Owners- Time to Nitpick!

Man, does that bring back memories.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That link doesn't work. Try this:
SPF Owners- Time to Nitpick!

Man, does that bring back memories.

Thanks for the updated link Patrick. I went back and tried update the link to LudicrousSpeed's first post so Craig could experience the entire history.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Thanks for the updated link Patrick. I went back and tried update the link to LudicrousSpeed's first post so Craig could experience the entire history.

... but the ending was sad. Not as sad as Rsimoes (sp?) thread, which was without a doubt the saddest thread I've ever read in my life, but it was still pretty darn sad. Yessirrree, sad sad sad.

[patrickt]

Craig, mandatory reading: New to the Cobra world? Have you always dreamed of having a Cobra? Read carefully.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Craig,

Sit back, mix/pour/blend/brew your favorite beverage and read every post by LudicrousSpeed. The most documented research project in CC history, that almost ended in a car purchase.

Who ended up buying the Copperhead Viper? Wasn't it Ludicrous?

Ah yes, Rob Simones. The most famous non Cobra buyer. Seemed like a nice guy though.

We all have our reasons for buying the Cobras we have, tell us some of your reasons. There's a general perceived pecking order when it comes to these cars, so read as much as you can by searching threads on this site.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

We all have our reasons for buying the Cobras we have, tell us some of your reasons.

And tell us how long you've wanted a Cobra. 95% of the newbie posts saying they want to buy a Cobra, blah, blah fall by the wayside and the guy never ends up getting it. Another percentage ends up regretting it. Personally, I think there ought to be a mandatory waiting period or "cooling off" time that is required before you can get a Cobra (if you have an ERA built that waiting period is "forced upon you"). The waiting period can be waived if you will honestly swear to the fact that you've wanted a Cobra for decades. Another piece of advice -- spend as much on your build as you can comfortably afford to spend. If you don't do it now, you'll wish you had and it's a PITA to go back and make changes. Truth be told, it's a PITA to do anything on these cars, there's no room for anything, you can't get your hands in there to get to the bolts, you slice up your skin on the aluminum, you burn the skin off because you forget and touch the primaries, everything leaks, the fiberglass doesn't ground well, a big FE shakes every damn bolt loose that isn't safety tied or red-Loctited, the cars always break down when you are at the farthest point from your house, these cars basically suck. I think you should give up now and buy a Viper or Corvette.