Feedback to a car

[SeanO]

Hi All,

I have a second hand car I am looking at purchasing with the below spec’s but just wondering if there are any thoughts to things I should look out for?

I will get a workshop inspection done by the RACQ but just curious if there are other things I should consider or even instruct RACQ to look out for?

Car is approx 15 years old since first date of engineering report.

Engine: Imported Ford Windsor out of a Mustang. Reconditioned (fully) with unleaded compatible pistons, sports cam, heads were balanced by an engine builder which makes the engine run smoothly, Edelbrock inlet manifold and a 4010 600 cfm Holley fitted, original exhaust manifold, recently replaced plugs and leads.

Gearbox: Dello modified Toyota Supra 5 speed manual.
Suspension: Modified Jaguar series 11
Differential: Reconditioned Jaguar XJ6
Steering: Modified Commodore rack
Stopping: Huge Jaguar disk brakes
Chassis: Factory built square tubing with one piece steel floor
Body: One piece fibreglass shell
Cooling: Modified Commodore radiator with thermo fan.
Weight: Approx 1100Kg.
Peddles / Master cylinder / Brake Booster: from a Sigma
Hand Brake: Honda Civic

Thanks,

Sean

[boxhead]

Seano, your priority will be on the paperwork side of it,
So engineered in your State will be a huge plus (if that is where it was done)
And you will need to know what (if any) mods since compliance.

If paperwork is all good, then reality is it is just another car and any competent trusted workshop can check it out for you.

[SeanO]

Yep engineering seems to be OK as car was certified in SA and I am about to have confirmation it can be re-registered without re-engineering being required.

There hasn't been any mod's on the car.

The mechanical side was my view but I do not want to assume anything.

[Modena]

I dont know when the US phased out leaded petrol on new engines, but it was 1986 in Australia. The fact that they've called out unleaded compatible pistons suggests it was a leaded engine, and if the US phase-out date was the same as Australia, that means your engine is at least 25 years old. Not that this is necessarily a problem, just something else to think about.

I agree with boxhead that paperwork is absolutey key in such a purchase, however for a Cobra that is 15 years old and not from a top 1 or 2 "volume" manufacturer I would be having it thoroughly looked at by your local Cobra experts (read: current manufacturers or other locals with wide-ranging Cobra experience) , and if you think the car has serious potential I would maybe even go so far as to fly in one of the well known Australian Cobra mechanical experts for a day - a days labor and $200 in airfares is small price to pay for real piece if mind. Or just ask on here