Best US Cobra for Aussie

[macloft]

I actually put this question on another thread however I decided it needed a thread of its own.
So

If you had a choice of a finished Cobra to take into Australia what would it be.
Sperformance, BDR, ERA, FFR, Shell Valley, Lone star, Contempory, Classic etc 427 or FIA (not including Kirkham or CSX as they are dreams). Also then what engine 427 FE (not supported in Aussie) or 390 ( stroked etc), 351, 302, Coyote, LSX.
Interested in your views.
Dont worry about LH to RH or door intrusion emmissions etc.
Bruce

[Merv and Sharon]

Bruce I reckon you should bring in one of each and then rotate them around each of us to try over a year, and then we might have a comprehensive answer for you?

In the 4th Ed of Cobra Replicas, I quite liked the ERA and their suspension setup.

[Dimis]

If it were my cash:

I go SPF probably with an ls7, but only bc they have an Aussie division set up in warragul CTC, and I love the way Heidelberg's turned out (google ls7 cobra in YouTube ;-) ).

After that both BDR & FFR (mark 4) offer such good value.

But at the same time if you are planing on full reg, then I'd go local kit.

The support they give will probably pay for the savings you'll make on the initial Kit purchase, despite the current price of the dollar reaching 1.07.

Cost of full engineering will probably blow it out of the water if you have do it from scratch. If there's a couple of you wanting the same kit, or you can biggy pack off some elses work and share the cost, then that might give you a chance of it being cost effective.

Just my humble observations

best of luck either way :-)

[*Cobber*]

Kirkham alloy body on a local chassis. Cheaper option than you may think.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by macloft

Dont worry about LH to RH or door intrusion emmissions etc.
Bruce

OK! Since I cant read and we are not looking at compliance issues.

...and eliminating the Kirkham as an option, I'd probably go with an FIA ERA out of the batch you've nominated.
No disrespect to the other kits... they are also worthy.

[Beejay]

I would not be interested in any new Cobra from the US other than a Kirkham.

I would however consider a second hand Cobra from the US if it was old enough to register here as LHD, and had the correct body shape.

Ben

[Gav]

If rego is not an issue, then neither is finance.
I will have one of each thanks.

[sambo]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

In the 4th Ed of Cobra Replicas...

Merv, this sounds interesting. Did you order locally or from their site?

[400TT]

2nd hand Superformance with a Roush 427 (stroked small block windsor). That engine is also a very popular option, so easy to find 2nd hand.

In my opinion 2nd hand SPF in the USA are the best value for money at the moment as they are common, can be picked up for a great price, quality is good and have nice fit and finish.

They also have one of the better body shapes.

Great support and parts network as well.

This is just a recommendation of what I think would suit you. Not what I would choose.

[Jethrow]

Interesting premise.

I know that some states of the USA will register a newly built cobra replica as a 1965 titled vehicle. So then, if one was to import such a vehicle, it would come to Australia as a brand new 1965 vehicle. And as such only needs to comply with the appropriate regs. So this is possible

[Merv and Sharon]

This is the source Paul The Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas--4th Edition

has a description and pics of all the US ones and comparisons.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Jethrow

Interesting premise.

I know that some states of the USA will register a newly built cobra replica as a 1965 titled vehicle. So then, if one was to import such a vehicle, it would come to Australia as a brand new 1965 vehicle. And as such only needs to comply with the appropriate regs. So this is possible

Not any more....
They are on to that & that loop hole has been closed!

[crASH]

Registration is a state by state affair in the US.

Edit- Ohhh... you meant the Aussies are on to it. Sorry.... My bad.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by macloft

I actually put this question on another thread however I decided it needed a thread of its own.
So

If you had a choice of a finished Cobra to take into Australia what would it be.
Sperformance, BDR, ERA, FFR, Shell Valley, Lone star, Contempory, Classic etc 427 or FIA (not including Kirkham or CSX as they are dreams). Also then what engine 427 FE (not supported in Aussie) or 390 ( stroked etc), 351, 302, Coyote, LSX.
Interested in your views.
Dont worry about LH to RH or door intrusion emmissions etc.
Bruce

So totally theoretical, yes?
OK an ERA 427, with 427FE or 428FE, and Toploader gearbox
or ERA 289FIA with a 289 or early 302, again with Toploader

Why? ERA makes arguably the most accurate 427 replica and 289FIA replica around.
In years of being a 'wannabe', I have never heard a bad thing about their cars or the way they conduct their business.
Did I sound like an ERA ad? Actually I don't think they advertise...
Cheers,
Glen

[macloft]

No they dont advertise Glen. But I see you would be the most frequent vistor to ERA sites especially for some one who doesnt own an ERA. Ya must be bitten by them.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by macloft

No they dont advertise Glen. But I see you would be the most frequent vistor to ERA sites especially for some one who doesnt own an ERA. Ya must be bitten by them.

Umm...yep.
So, macloft, you're in TX and you have a Harrison? What's the story?
Cheers,
Glen

[Mando]

From those manufacturers I'd go for an ERA 427 with a Roush 427 fuel injected setup sitting on an alloy Dart block. The body shape is better than a 'real' Cobra. If you can manage this lot then a Shelby Glass continuation won't be to far behind the ERA.

Regards.

[boxhead]

Era all the way.
289 or 427, I would be happy with either.

I am guessing you have been advised your staying at least 2 years? and plan on putting one in the garage to bring back with you as a personal import.

[Mrs flatchat]

The best US cobra for Aus. would have to be a CSX--- or a Kirkham. However I feel that the local product is more than comparable with the rest of them especially if you need to have it legally road registered here, IMO. --unless its fashionable to have an "imported accessory".
In that respect Aussie buyers who purchase from OS are unpatriotic (and I'm guilty of that) to their country --local producers are hurting and its costing jobs and skills mean while our govnmt rapes our land to afford us a lavish life style.
Or have I lost the plot, Pls explain ?
Mr.

[Modena]

if I can't have a Kirkham, then I'd rather have one, of a couple of manufacturers, of AU kits