New Pace build in NSW

[Hail427]

Hello everyone just want to say hi (Hi) () I have been a dreamer for the AC Cobra for a long time, I thought it had fogged up (LIFE), with a quote from
John Lennon if I may " Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans", so as the fog got thicker I didn't think a time would arrive and got on with LIFE but I am here now, I first bought a Homebush fiberglass cobra kit wow some time ago at least 12yrs, started to buy components and donor cars, but the fog was thick back then when my choice of engines were diminishing, I mean choice after choice was a no go, (I had 390 BB, 351 4v Hi lift cam 12 and 1/2 comp Cleveland, 351 Windsor and a set of 3v Cleveland heads to go on it, but due to changes in (RTA) back then, kept it on hold
so the fun police put a thick layer of fog to my dream I stopped all thought on the AC Cobra and the Homebush Cobra kit sits in my garage, (its for sale by the way) but I went back on the web a couple of years ago and went looking to see what has changed in the AC Dream world, and found a few other suppliers and it shook off the fog, running outa space talk to much see next post.

[Hail427]

Hi continuing on from my first post, I went looking and found another kit I was interested in I liked what was on offer and since the engines are now becoming reliable and to my way of thinking not boring and constantly babied only to be kept alive with Frankensteins add-ons, so here I am and what I would like to ask is anyone who has experience with Pace or Craig please leave message/PM me any reply's are very appreciated thank you.

[Donunder]

I've read both your posts and I'm still foggy as to whether you've actually ordered a Pace and you're now considering engine choices ... Is this the case or is my understanding clouded and I've "mist" the point entirely?

[Hail427]

Hi Donunder sorry if everything is cloudy, hadn't updated my profile, I have a 3UZ FE V8 but wanted to know after the kit what's next? I have bought/ordered the kit and wanted to know any information on the pace and for that mater any kit, The engine has a auto which I want to use, I have posted a request
with Treeve to help but I would like to know what next from the person on the street not sellers or brochures but someone that can help and pass on their knowledge so it can be passed on thru people like me I don't want to profit from my cobra I want to enjoy it and I would like to share it with the next generation enthusiast a honest bloke asking a honest question.

[750hp]

Foggy, cloudy and with a username of hail, you must work within meteorology..!

Welcome and congratulations on the purchase. Have you locked in many of the specs/options at this stage or is it more that you've secured your place in the order list?

Build threads are our favourite, so any progress pics or build specs will always get the attention of this group!

[Donunder]

In that case mate, congratulations and welcome to the forum.

You've made a terrific choice in going with an AP.

Others will chime in with their choice of engines but it really depends on whether you want to go the traditional route with Ford, or join the growing ranks of guys going with the lightweight and powerful LS range of Chevys. Also consider the four litre Lexus.

Craig at AP will be able to give you sound advice as to the legality of whichever engine you are leaning towards.

You'll get plenty of advice here and soon the fog will lift and the sun will shine through.

[Hail427]

I have the pic s posted not sure if you can see them new to forums, but have my specs/options locked. 2 roll bars, 2 fuel fillers, yellow and carbon body upgrade, and a few more items but the drinks are long before refills had ordered the pace late last year, its been slow and I don't have many pic s from Craig he seems always busy, so was wondering if I made the right decision with pace or I am thinking its hard getting information, and to close shop and sell everything stick to mainstream cars and share my experience with as many people that ask

[Donunder]

Originally Posted by Hail427

.... ordered the pace late last year, its been slow and I don't have many pic s from Craig he seems always busy, so was wondering if I made the right decision with pace or I am thinking its hard getting information, and to close shop and sell everything ...

I'm sad to say that this sentiment has been expressed by a few Pace buyers.

I don't know how to reply to you other than to say that Craig (and Pace) seems to have been a victim of his own success. From what I have seen of the Pace cars, they have the ability to be among the world's best, but there seems to be a definite problem with supply and keeping up with demand.

It's easy for me, I suppose, to sit on the sidelines and say just hang in there and as soon as this initial hectic pace at the factory slows down a little, your car/parts/information will flow through to you. Part of the problem of course is that Craig absolutely refuses to compromise on quality and he insists that every car that goes out the door is as perfect as it can be. But it's disturbing that this delay issue has been raised a sufficient number of times as to cause disquiet among prospective buyers.

For a start I'd be recommending that you do not "sell everything". It must be terribly disappointing that when you've made the decision and you're keen to get on with the exciting part of building the car, that you're being frustrated by lack of supply. You have chosen what many believe will become one of the most highly regarded Cobra recreations in this country and perhaps eventually internationally, but yes, this delay is a worry, no doubt.

There are a growing number of Pace builds under way at present. Have a look at the other build threads and perhaps send a PM (just click on the person's name and the PM prompt is in the drop down box) to the owners to see how they're going and also seek advice from them. Sort of like a support group for all you hardy Pace pioneers!

Craig is a good bloke and I know he must be feeling awfully frustrated that he's having trouble keeping up. I hope that in the years ahead everyone who has built a Pace car will be able to look back on all this and know that the wait was definitely worth it.

[pigsear]

Hi Hail. Best advice is to get a timeframe from Craig and double it! I do agree Craig is a victim of his success but he is also a victim of suppliers. I am current buying items from USA and 3-4 days turns into 3-4 weeks even though you pay for air postage so obviously they must do a lot of refuelling of that biplane! Also I a finding after postage and currency conversion it is that different in just buying it in Oz ( o/s not the Pace). So in short be patient and spend the time researching what you need. Most people spend a lot of time redoing work because they were to optimistic and didn't do the research or was offered the wrong advice. Just be wary of opinions and go with facts. And more importantly enjoy the build! Pigsear!

[TheDoc]

Hi pigsear, I'm building a pace on the Gold Coast. Progress has been a little slow since delivery of kit in December. PM me if you want to contact or phone me directly.

[Chook]

Hi Hail,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your build (or so far purchase!) experience.

Agreeing with the gents advice above, my 2c is that if you haven't participated in any of the NSW Cobra Club events, it would be more than worth it. Not only to ask the millions of questions, but also the President is currently having a Pace built, built by the Vice President, who also has his hand in several other Pace builds.

What part of Sydney are you?

[Hail427]

Hi everyone what a difference a day makes! I feel I owe Crag an apology the posts I have previously put my sorry thoughts into were not doing justice to Crag and his team at Absolute Pace and to the cobra and the cobra forums all I can say is it was my frustration typing and my emotion not my head, if it was my head I would have said "Crag is doing what he can and he has been more than fair giving me his advice on my thoughts and keeping me informed with the build between his busy schedule" so I have actually thought it through and realized the distance from Sydney to Brisbane some 925km 10.5 hrs distance and while we are not in different country's the distance is one major point in my frustration, not being able to see the build until some time after being discussed is unnerving and frustrating, so to Crag and his team and the cobra forum sorry for my unthinking remarks so I would like to post some pic`s and Craig and my thoughts on my build for the next generation Cobra builders and to please think of distance.

[Towmaster]

I'm still confused....

[sambo]

Edit - Hail, just wondering what you mean by engines "only to be kept alive with Frankensteins add-ons"?

[Wazza]

I was at Absolute Pace on Thursday,admiring your car.
It looks brilliant, and just be patient,and you'll end up with a great Cobra.
Cheers,
Warren BOYLAN

[BJ's Snake]

Maybe get off the drugs and the fog will lift.....

[Hail427]

you guys are so funny, here are some pics

[Hail427]

starting with the body and chassis, I wanted yellow so there is no confusion when people say I didn't see the yellow car.
(I ride a motorbike you would be surprised how many times I hear that)

[Hail427]

[Hail427]

and the Toyota 3uz fe v8