Driving new car home

Randy M. · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 09:56 AM

I am scheduled to pick up my new Spf Cobra on Friday 2/2/07 from Anthem Motors in Phoenix. I plan on driving it back to Las Vegas that day. Has anybody had any problems with their new purchases that I should be aware of. I am flying in the night before so don't have too much room for tools. Should I even bring a small set of tools? If so, what should I bring? All my friends have to work that day so I will be travelling solo. If I do break down Anthem Motors said that they will come and rescue me but that may be hours away. Does anybody know a reliable towing/transport company to get me to Vegas if there is trouble? Thanks.

CobraEd · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:04 AM

Biggest point I can think of is to take it very easy until you gain familiarity with the short wheelbase and big engine. You don't want to let a joyous occasion become a sad occasion.

imagine2frolic · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:08 AM

Take a couple of days, and enjoy Phoenix. Put as many miles as you can before you head out. Give the car a chance to come to life, and stretch it's legs. If anything happens you will still be right there next to Anthem Motors.

Randy M. · #4 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:17 AM

I don't have any time. I have to be back at work on Saturday. Although I haven't driven a Cobra before, I have had some experience in high hp cars and know first hand how quickly they can get away from you. I will be taking it real easy for a while. Anthem Motors say that they will put some miles on it for me (thanks, I guess) this week and guarantee that it will be working right when I pick her up. BTW my daughter says I should name the car. Any thoughts?

SP01715 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:22 AM

You should not have a problem with your car at all. The SPF along with Roush power is a very reliable set-up. I have a little over 4000 trouble free miles on my car and my motor is more radical than your SR. The day I drove my car home it was in very hot (90+) and I got stuck in traffic on the lovely SoCal freeways for about and hour and a half and the car never got hot. As other said though I would take time to get to know the car. It can get away from you very fast. Congrats...

Bob In Ct · #6 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:28 AM

Go easy on the new engine, vary your speeds and get AAA coverage. They will flatbed you 100 miles for free. Keep a close eye on the two important gauges - oil pressure, coolant temperature.

Welcome aboard!

Bob

BigGuy · #7 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:34 AM

You should be fine if you take it easy.

If you take tools you have to check them in your baggage, no carry on with tools.....tried that one once and they told me i could throw away my Craftsman 3/8 socket wrench and extentions.

I went back and put them in my checked bags.

Enjoy your new toy!!!

.

Randy M. · #8 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the input. I guess I will just pick her up and drive around town for a little while to make sure she is running well and then head home. Might as well trust in the good names of Anthem and Roush and not bring tools as I don't want to have to deal with checked luggage at 1 am.

mikiec · #9 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:00 AM

For towing, if needed. Freelance Towing. Zeke 928-765-4869

He is out of Wickieup, AZ

Mike

Jim Barnett · #10 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:08 AM

Randy:

Even though you state that you have had experience in high hp cars, a Cobra is a whole 'nuther ballgame. My HemiBee puts out a lot of hp and I have driven 440 +6 'Cudas, Challengers, Road Runners, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy over the years and I must say they can get away from you too, but in a different way. In my 'Bee, it's more of a straight line acceleration thing. In my Cobra, the rear end gets real 'twitchy' up and through 3rd gear. The car just doesn't have enough weight to stabilize the rear end, even with those wide Goodyears back there. I honestly haven't had to deal with so much "fish tailing" since I last drove on snow and ice way back in 1975!! Please be aware of this potentially lethal tendency that most Cobras have. Drive safe and have a great experience. IMO.

Jim Barnett · #11 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:08 AM

Randy:

Even though you state that you have had experience in high hp cars, a Cobra is a whole 'nuther ballgame. My HemiBee puts out a lot of hp and I have driven 440 +6 'Cudas, Challengers, Road Runners, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy over the years and I must say they can get away from you too, but in a different way. In my 'Bee, it's more of a straight line acceleration thing. In my Cobra, the rear end gets real 'twitchy' up and through 3rd gear. The car just doesn't have enough weight to stabilize the rear end, even with those wide Goodyears back there. I honestly haven't had to deal with so much "fish tailing" since I last drove on snow and ice way back in 1975!! Please be aware of this potentially lethal tendency that most Cobras have. Drive safe and have a great experience. IMO.

Randy M. · #12 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:15 AM

Mike,

Thanks for the towing company name. I'll write the number down just in case. Hope the weather is nice.

Rick Parker · #13 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:19 AM

Put your mind at rest and control what you can. Double check hose clamps, oil & fuel connections. Air pressure in the tires, gas & go. That is all the SPF boys could control themselves if they were riding with you. Give the center locks a wack too!

Slither · #14 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:23 AM

BE CAREFUL! If you go over the dam on a Friday, you may experience miles of stop and go traffic from the security checkpoint to the dam. You may consider crossing the river at Laughlin! Enjoy your new ride!!!

P.S. You could also purchase a few tools locally before heading back to Henderson!

Randy M. · #15 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:27 AM

Slither,

I forgot about the dam and friday afternoons. I guess Laughlin it will be.

Mister · #16 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:28 AM

I made a wonderful drive home, 5 hours, when I purchased our car.

I learned the switches are not lit or labeled. Ummm, now how do you turn the heat on? Lots of little keys, which works what? I learned that my speedometer reads 9 mph low. I learned that the concave mirror was not secured adequately for 89 mph travel ( 70 mph speed limit, 10 mph over, and a 9 mph low speedometer). The gas guage does does not travel consistently...the tank is an odd shape. I learned that I cannot always hear my cell phone ring...we are not going to mention talking on the cell phone...What? What? I learned that the car attracts a lot of attention at gas stops.
Enjoy your ride.....mine was great
Mike

ItBites · #17 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 11:46 AM

Take a small tool kit. I find I can put a few tools in a shaving bag and check them in baggage. Your trip is not really that long. Buy a couple gallons distilled water and a couple quarts of oil from the local store. You'll be fine.

Mulv · #18 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 01:19 PM

Just drive the car home and pay no attention to the grandmothers on the forum who are afraid of their cars. They wouldn't let you have a BB gun either , 'cause you'd put your eye out. There is absolutely nothing to driving these cars as hard as you want, they drift nicely and can be steered easily with the throttle. I did that on my test drive when I bought my SPF 427FE. You will have no trouble with the power, it is only as dangerous as you are...
That being said, try to remember that Arizona has a neato ticket if you drive more than 20 over the limit or over 85 anywhere (even in a 75) called "Criminal Speeding" which is a class three felony. Over about 100 will get you three days in jail.... Don't get too wise with tailgaters either:

http://www.scottsdaleexoticcarclub.c...read.php?t=718

The nice thing about cruising the 93 is you won't have to do any downshifting.. the elevation change is only about 5000 feet...

CobraEd · #19 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 01:23 PM

The only thing worst than driving the car hard with no familiarity with it, is driving it hard while shooting a BB gun.

.

Randy M. · #20 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 01:40 PM

BB gun while driving. That line made me laugh out loud. I do like the movie "A Christmas Story". It is one of my favorite films. Seriously, I will be driving an unfamiliar car that has a new drive train so will not push it. I did learn to drive in Canada on the snow and ice so am accustomed to sliding. I took my initial driver's test the day after a blizzard and was sliding all over the place. The tester said I did great. I also had a 1968 RS/SS Camaro with a modified big block as my daily driver when I was 17, (never should have sold the car). I had wide bias ply tires (1970's) and drove throughout the winter without snow tires. That is how you learn to drive in power slides and 4 wheel drifts. I know the Cobra will be different and won't try anything until I get used to the handling and in a safe enviornment. I am not 16 or 17 anymore and don't want to get hurt or wreck the car.
I'll look through my tools to try to find something to carry. The problem will be with screwdrivers. They will be confiscated.