Long Time Listener, 1st Time Caller: New ACC Member & Cobra Hunting

[Chook]

Hello All,

My name is Adam (nickname Chook) and live in Sydney.
I've had a passion for cobras for over 20 years and have decided this year to start looking and investigating seriously to the end goal of owning one.
I've spent most of the first half of this year researching through books, online, forums, club meets, meeting mechanics, manufacturers etc to establish exactly what I want, and don't want.
I attended the nationals 2 years ago purely as a spectator and knew from there on, the dream could come to realisation in a few years. I couldn't make last year as I attended the NRL GF but will be there this year, again sadly as a spectator!!
So far this year, my cobra hunting experience has endured a deposit on a DRB replica, for $35k, only to be gazumped before a mechanical inspection was to occur, settled on $39k purchase price of a G-Force cobra (the one that is on their actual website that sold a few years back for $50k+), that sold for $41k and only last week pulling out of the race for the $30k white cobra on gumtree. This was after arranging an inspection through the WA Cobra Club President, to find out that it was on a crown chassis (the owner was totally clueless of what I was even talking about!).

So, where am I now? After joining the NSW cobra club last month, (although haven't attended any meets yet), and still cobra searching, I have a clearer expectation of what I can afford and what kind of value I can expect (at least more than a year ago anyway). I'm not too interested in building, as I'm not very mechanically skilled, therefore costs blow out, and have explored importing but again for a variety of reasons, in the too hard basket. So turn key it is. I'm not too fussy on manufacturer, as my budget is up to $45k, so I'm only expecting a first/2nd generation kit, entry level cobra etc. I'm happy to buy something that isn't exactly what I want, ie colour, roll bar missing etc, and to spend the money later to modify. I'm not interested in a crown chassis (although never driven that type), just for the pure reason that resale values will drop quicker than most, and the commentary provided on previous threads. Must be manual, choice is hallibrand wheels, bumpers not quickjacks etc etc. I could go on. Oh, and don't mention Mr D. Tuck.. vehicles.....(Did you know he has just popped up all over ebay and gumtree in the couple days?!)

The main sticking point that I have come across in the last month or so when talking to different people, is the emissions standard testing when engineering from another state to NSW. Can someone please clarify if a 302 Windsor or 351 Cleveland for example would pass the engineering test in NSW????
I understand the ford engines on the falcon AU series (and after), and the LS1, LS2 etc are acceptable, but what about these 'older' type engines??

I think this is important, as NSW plated cobras seem to be a premium price because of this, and there is much better value in other states ie QLD and WA, and this seems to fit my budget better too!

Your input/feedback would be greatly appreciated, I love the forum, and the wealth of knowledge (I have spent every night reading this year, searching key terms etc), and look forward to meeting maybe a few of you come Oct. long weekend.

PS - I have spoken to a few of you already, either email, PM or phone, and very grateful for the help thus far. Thank you