New member...getting close to order

Cobra53 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 11:21 PM

It looks like I am the newest Arizona member to this forum. I am getting pretty close to placing a kit order and I thought it would be worth getting some opinions of my options. The free 3-link is edging me to order a bit earlier than I originally planned. I am planning to get the FFR Mark II kit with a bare metal frame (going to use POR). I am going to get a passenger side roll bar and the street performer seats (I would really like to sit in one of these seats before I go with them). Body cut outs, hood hinge, sun visors and wind wings. Autometer gages, battery cutoff and external battery jacks. I am trying to stay within a reasonable budget so a few other things are on the fence such as the flaming river 15:1 rack, 4 port headers and oil cooler. I will use the car mostly for street, but an occasional autocross would be fun. Also, what is the approximate costs for shipping to Mesa, Arizona?
Thanks!

vettestr · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2003, 10:49 AM

Cobra53,
I would like to tell you about my Cobray C3 Kit. It is based on a Corvette Chassis and may by definition fall more into the re-body classification. My kit resembles the FAMED Cobra but is not intended to be a true Shelby Cobra Copy as it is very different. I have heard a few grumble GET A ROPE when they figure out it is Chevy powered and accused of some communistic plot to defame MR Shelby. I just want to build a great toy and enjoy all it has to offer. The other kids do let us play with them ( go on runs, shows and what ever ) those that have looked see it is well built with quality parts and lots of little extras that 1966 technology could not offer. Several other Manufacturers over time have built kits using some or all of the Corvette and even Mr. Shelby in the early years went to GM to see if they would fund his dream. I hope to own an original Shelby 427 SC myself some day but would not sell out my dream to get it.
My car utilizes the complete Corvette Chassis so it has a wider and longer footprint with 4 wheel independant suspention. When you have a huge horsepower to weight ratio that footprint makes a BIG difference. I build on 2 year groups of Corvette. The 3rd generation being 1968 to 1982 is 98" long and 69" wide while the 4th generation is 96.2" in length and 71" wide. Todays time refined Vette chassis in stock form has 20 plus years of performance technology improvements over what was available in 1966 from any Manufacturer. Using the larger Vette platform gives you a huge drivers cockpit by comparision with tons of footbox area so it fits the taller driver with ease including a trunk large enough for your golf clubs. Chassis parts or assemblies are available from hundreds of suppliers making the cost low and performance levels unlimited. The production numbers of the Vette make the NON COLLECTOR cars or donors very reasonable. I look for say a 1976 with broken front or rear fiberglass panels but avoid any frame damage. A 1976 driver with no damage but just used is only worth say $4000 and needing a $3000. rear clip they are plentifull and cheap. I never pay more than $1500.00 for my complete donor and then sell the unused items to reduce my cost to a break even point in most cases. So my complete frame and all needed suspention is FREE. You can now almost just bolt body to that chasis and drive away... Nobody does that because there is an unwritten law or male genetics that it gets powder coated or chromed or painted but you can also purchase every part already done or pick and choose. I will be offering a complete exchange program of all assemblies like the rear trailing arms front spindles ,rebuilt calipers, and so on for those who want it that way. I use Painless wiring kits and have options like total termination or all wires run and connectorized to here is the part number and order it yourself. I believe this concept allows the car to fit every skill or desire level.
I am completing 2 cars right now and will have all the bugs worked out very soon. My web site is in the works and have signed off on design so hope its ready within 2 weeks or so. If you think this concept fits who you are send me a line and come see what I have. I will not require or accept deposits and think a COD basis and SHIP ORDERS COMPLETE policy will keep us all on level ground when ready to open the doors. Other than the Body Kit you can purchase every part from MANY suppliers and this will also make and keep the Kit very affordable.

John-Tucson · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 11:58 PM

Forget the sun visors and get the oil cooler. Don't use old Mustang front end parts, get the Flaming River rack and pinion and shaft right at the start, it will be the third item that you'll put on the chassis. There are a lot of FFR's in your area, contact them and look at their cars and ask LOTS of questions. John

Cobra53 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 09:28 PM

Thanks for the reply Jeff,
I have pretty much committed to the FFR route. I have an '89 donor that is about 90% torn down. I got a great deal on the donor and it had a lot of work done to it before I got it. The 5.0 has been worked a bit with a FMS Cam, Cobra upper and lower intake, cobra electric kit (computer, injectors, mass flow meter), new pistons, and much more. He also added a short shift kit and 3.73 gears.

vettestr · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 10:59 PM

You have made a good choice as I think the FFR is a great looking car. I am a Dealer for several companies that may be of help to you. I also manufacture a few items like wind wings and a system pre-oiler for the engine. If I can help you with Jet-Hot coatings ETC... please do not hesitate to get a quote.
You will enjoy every step and when done you can say it is yours and I built it. Also opens the door to a ton of events and great people in those events.