ERA is in the Garage

vegan2 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 12:58 PM

Just a note to let you know that I purchased the ERA I've been posting about, it was hauled from California on Saturday and it's in the Garage.

It's ERA 91, so it's been around since 1987, but only has 10,500 verified miles on it. The paint has issues, but it still looks good - it's a driver.

It's got a 428 FE in it, just like the original. It's got a medium rise manifold with Holley 800 double pumper. The engine is stock except for a high rise long duration cam (really lopes at idle).

The transmission is a Ford 4-speed close ratio "Top Loader" with heavy spline. The rear end is a Jag IRS with rare 2.88 gear ratio (Canadian 2+2 E Jag).

It has REAL pin-drive Halibrand magnesium Cobra wheels, mounted Goodyear Eagle 50-series tires and the real wood Cobra steering wheel.

I'm a real happy camper!

Bud Man · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 01:19 PM

Vegan:

Congratulations on the acquisition. It sounds like a great machine, and the photo is beautiful!!

Drive it in good health, and keep the shiny side up.

Bud

Tongue Pirate · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 01:22 PM

You SOB! I've been grinding my teeth trying to get one of these for 2.5 yrs. & you

Have

one

in

your

Garage

Already

Congrats!

HIQ · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 01:24 PM

Have to admit I never thought it would happen. Enjoy!

bittentoo · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 02:00 PM

Why does it have Texas plates on it

vegan2 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bittentoo

Why does it have Texas plates on it

Actually, the picture is from the former owner, taken when he was in Texas. It has only been driven 1,200 miles since that time and nothing has changed. It currrently has California plates on it and is registered in California as a 1965 Shelby - yes, a 1965 Shelby!!!! Since California is a lot stricter about these things, I'm thinking that when I go down to DOT, they will simply register it as a 1965 Shelby, grant my historic plates, charge me $25 for registration and I'm out the door. I'm currently moving to my new house with the Cobra the first thing "moved" to the new house, so it will be a few days before I handle the DOT scenario.

mikiec · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 02:09 PM

V...

Looks nice. Hope to see it soon.

Mike

vegan2 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tongue Pirate
You SOB! I've been grinding my teeth trying to get one of these for 2.5 yrs. & you Have one in your Garage Already
Congrats!

Your ERA will be new, so that's probably a plus. I have some paint issues, so the wait will probably be worth it for you with everything perfect or very near perfect.

Tongue Pirate · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 03:17 PM

Hey, like you said "it's a driver". I have always felt that there was no need in spending $10,000 on a paint job that was going to see asphalt on a regular basis. Make it look good & you won't worry every time you take it out that you might pick up a coupe rocks.

427Aggie · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 03:32 PM

Enjoy the car...>I have 122 which was completed in 86.....the fun part is fixing stuff up and you will find almost everything for todays cars fits the ones from ours...its great.

Matt

vegan2 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tongue Pirate
Hey, like you said "it's a driver". I have always felt that there was no need in spending $10,000 on a paint job that was going to see asphalt on a regular basis. Make it look good & you won't worry every time you take it out that you might pick up a coupe rocks.

Rocks are a problem in Arizona, especially in Northern Arizona as some of the roads are not even paved. I'm going to look into the possibility of some touch up, but touch up has only about a 50% chance of turning out O.K.

vegan2 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 427Aggie
Enjoy the car...>I have 122 which was completed in 86.....the fun part is fixing stuff up and you will find almost everything for todays cars fits the ones from ours...its great.
Matt

What sort of extra's do you have on your ERA? Did you get the top, heater, etc.? My "new" Cobra is a little tempermental to start when cold and the seller thought that perhaps a manual choke should be installed. Do you have that issue?

Is it best to first check with ERA to see if they have what you want, like a top (actually, my wife wants me to check this out as she thinks that the sun is out to kill me)?

Tongue Pirate · #13 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 04:07 PM

If you are going to run a choke electric is the way to go IMO. Once it is set you you don't have to worry(or even think about it), just turn the key. From the information I have gathered you can find many parts for an ERA at several different retailers but when purchased from ERA you get the correct part & if any mods need to be done they are there with the info to get you through it or have already have it done when you get it.