G'Day new member here

[brissytom]

Hello everyone who reads this,
As the title says I'm a new member here so I hope this is going in the right section. I am interested in building a kit car and the Cobra has always been a dream car to own, but searching the web for kits cars I'm amazed by all the choices I am seeing and don't know how to pick one.

I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to cars, I have helped mates change engines before and know my way around the basics like servicing and so forth but am hoping to start a kit car project in the new year. I like the idea of buying a complete kit so I don't have the confusion of trying to source parts from all different types of cars.

So what I am hoping for is advice on how to select a particular kit. The factory five mk4 kit is looking good to me but I am hoping some more experienced builders may be able to point out some options I have for different kits.

Cheers
Thomas from Brisbane, Qld

[Zedn]

Welcome to the forum.

Based on what you have said (complete kit) I would get the pace kit. That way you know registration will be ok as pace is is designed here for our rules.

[07cob]

Thomas

Welcome to the forum. There is no wrong place to post stuff here!

Without trying to create another Pace-Fest (not that there's anything wrong with that), go down to see Carig at Absolute Pace. Check out the other threads here about Pace as well - there's plenty to see.

Regardless of whether you end up with a Pace Car (hmmmm), Craig is very knowledgable about all available build options and will genuinely steer you in the right direction. Pace's kit is as much of a kit as the FF option with all new components included. If you can change your oil, you can build a Pace. FF does look considerably cheaper but with shipping, conversion to RHD and compliance it will probably be around the same total cost.

Good luck

Geof

[Wazza]

Welcome.....


There's a "Pace" banner at the top of this page....
just "click" and you'll get all the info you need.
Cheers,
Warren.

[Rog246]

Welcome to the madness where the journey is as much fun as your arrival.
Especially if you hang around on this site Tom !

[d488y2]

Welcome to the Forum. You live in a great place for Cobra Builders. Go and see Craig at AP he will set you on the right path. I heard Craig was once bitten by a Cobra and after 5 days
of excruciating pain, the Cobra died........

Enjoy your Journey

[750hp]

Tom, you should try to get down to the Hope Island shopping centre this Sunday at 8am. Lots of Cobras will be down there; heaps of different colours, shapes, engine types, wheel and interior options.

There aren't any composite bodied PACE cars on the road yet so you won't see a completed one there, but it will make it easier to spec your car when you place your order with Craig

[Paintwerks]

Tom,

Welcome to the forum. Back in 2001, I was living in Detroit and was going to buy and build a FF Cobra (Mk 2 at the time). I bought the instruction manual, specced my car out with the parts/motor (460 big block) that I wanted, and I made friends with several guys in the local Cobra club who were in varying stages of FF builds from just receiving the kit, to bare chassis to completed cars.

Unfortunately, I placed that project on hold due to budget constraints, but mid last year I was in a position to build one. So I researched the local Aussie Cobra market and Harrison seemed the way to go. I know a guy who has built one and is currently building another. I considered DRB (just couldn't like the errr, rear end), and CR.

But then I learned about the Pace 427SC. I liked everything about it from the physical offering of the kit itself to the intangible offering of support/knowledge from Craig White (owner of AP). Pace have spent way too much time on the body (gorgeous shape) and it is dead straight, the chassis (all-alloy unlike most others including FF which is steel), pin drive wheels so you get the real deep dish wheels, the all-new parts, Australian design and compliance and the overall quality is simply to die for.

I ordered my Pace 427SC last October and she is ready to deliver as a rolling chassis (just have to give Craig my final payment early next week)! Your lead time to acquire would be faster than mine was as they were still developing the car when my deposit was received.

I spent time with Craig and his dad Barry at Motorclassica last weekend and you should have seen the sheer quantity of onlookers who were blown away by the car. They were very impressed with what seemed like everything about the car. In fact, I stealthily listened in on some conversations and I didn't hear one single criticism from anyone.

I realise this sounds like another 'Pace love fest', but there is a reason for my support. I'm not a rich man by any means and I am investing a LOT of my money with AP to get this car (errr.. dream). I feel good knowing that I am getting a fantastic quality, gorgeous looking next generation AC Cobra replica that is Australian made and supported. Check out the Motorclassica thread for pics I took.

As has been mentioned, take a trip to AP and meet Craig and the guys, and have a look at the cars (including Brads which he is building there). I believe you'll quickly be sold! I haven't regretted my decision one bit or wished I'd ordered a different Cobra (well, the alloy bodied Kirkham is purdy, but she's out of my price range!)

[Tonus72]

Well said Simon...

Almost word for word my view of the Pace 427 product too.
Except I have not lived in Detroit

Good luck with your search Tom. In my opinion the only reason I would consider a FFR over the Pace is the round tube chassis, a more classic look (from underneath ). Clearly this did not sway me as I have a deposit on a Pace 427...

Cheers

Tony

[brissytom]

Thanks guys, Pace seems to be the kit of choice of many out there. The only problem I have is the minister of finance (aka the Fiancee) has said she can allocate $50K for a project and the Pace kits seem to be well out of my budget, where as Component Cars who import the FFR Mk4 Cobra kits into Perth and come in RHD is considerable cheaper at $38K without engine, trans or paint.

So this leaves me with limited options of either a cheaper kit then Pace or buying a already built Cobra secondhand which defeats the purpose of the project or the option of something like a lotus clubman 7 style kit. Has anyone out there done a clubman 7 style kit car, if so what are they like to build compared to the Cobra?

Choices choices choices, good thing I have a few months to consider the options. Thank you for your time guys. Time for some more research I think.
Cheers
Thomas

[PeterAllen]

Originally Posted by brissytom

...I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to cars, ...Thomas from Brisbane, Qld

Tom - It's not only experience/knowledge it's also time (job, kids, etc) facilities, including specialist tools and whether you are a go-doer or a procrastinator, like me.

For a first car I think there is enough to do in buying one and modifying to your interest. If after owning one for a couple years and you are still interested then sell it and buy a kit and you will know exactly how you want it built.

Clubbies -see OzClubbies website.

[Tonus72]

Hi Tom

The Pace is $48k odd, spot on your budget!!

Just act surprised when it arrives without the drivetrain!

"My bad, dear. Do you mind if I spend another $5000?"

Ps - that is code, act surprised again when it costs more.

Solid plan....

Tony

[byroncobra]

[QUOTEHas anyone out there done a clubman 7 style kit car, if so what are they like to build compared to the Cobra?][/quote]


Tom

That's my Rush in the background (well it's not quite finished)

Hayabusa engine, sequential shift........maybe for sale

PM if you wanna chat

[750hp]

A Busa powered street car would be SUPER cool and heaps of fun!

[byroncobra]

Yeah, there's not too many BEC's around here, I've got a few hoops to jump thru to get it on the road but so far engineering looks good for ADR's.

[muzzza]

Tom, I have a 2012 Harrison for sale. PM me for any details. Murray

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by muzzza

Tom, I have a 2012 Harrison for sale. PM me for any details. Murray

Tom, if you want to drive -- straight away -- and not build, then this is the car for you.

It's at the upper end of your price range but then it's well worth the stretch. It is beautifully constructed and appointed and it comes with a very healthy and ultra-reliable drive train. Murray is an older guy (sorry Muz ) who has always driven this car sensibly, and to my mind it is probably the nicest car available within the Club at the present time.

Absolutely worth a close look!

[Wazza]

Of COURSE it's beautiful.....It's a very close "look alike" of another BEAUTIFUL Cobra !...
Friggin Clones !!!!

[Treeve]

The Rush in the background of that picture is actually a V8... so more like mine than yours :P

All the same, I would advise you go with an Aus based kit rather than overseas (or from an overseas dealer who works in Aus and can help through the regulations).

Many UK based kits that I've seen brought over on price alone end up costing the owners a lot more in terms of additional time and effort to complete the build to the required standards.

Treeve

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by Wazza

Of COURSE it's beautiful.....It's a very close "look alike" of another BEAUTIFUL Cobra !...
Friggin Clones !!!!

Yeah alright Waz -- yours is nice too...