Jon,
Welcome aboard!
My desire to own a Cobra began when at about 20 years of age in 1991, I saw a Cobra do about a 150ft sideways powerslide down Brighton Road. My jaw just hit the ground. I've never fallen out of love since!
Fast forward to 2002 and I was living in Detroit with my American wife, and I started look at building a Factory Five. I hung out with guys who had finished them, had just received them and also those who were mid-way through their builds. At the time, with the options I wanted, it was going to cost about USD$35-$40K. My wife asked me to wait stating that our finances would take too much of a hit. Not long after, I learned to fly instead (another bucket list item!).
In 2012, I was pretty much set to build a Harrison, but was told about the new Absolute Pace 427SC. All-aluminium semi-monocoque TIG welded chassis, carbon fibre and kevlar body (and a gorgeous body shape at that), lots of cabin space, true pin drive 'knock-off' wheels, Brembo brakes, all new parts and my choice of motor. I bit the bullet and ordered in October 2012, receiving (rolling) chassis #7 in December 2013. My lead time was longer than normal as they were still developing the car at the time. Current lead time is a lot shorter.
I wasn't too hung up on the Ford versus Chevy thing. After all, Shelby first approached Chevy for one of their small blocks, but they turned him down...and then he went to Ford. In 2012, the LS3 was the best value new motor at the time and I was going to put one into the car, but then in early 2013 I got a cracker deal on a new 585hp LSA (same motor in the VF HSV GTS). So, that's what I went with. When completed, the car will weigh approximately 1060kg ready to rock.
I've had great support from Pace with help on the build, plus as there are at least 8 of us building the car (that I personally know), we have each other for support/questions etc. This good for you as by the time you order and start building, our cars will be completed and you can ask us questions about our experiences. Also, the current build manual is very comprehensive with lots of pictures/diagrams and version 5 is soon to be released.
Due to a shortage of finances, I didn't commence building my car until about July 2-13. Apart from being a full rolling chassis with diff and suspension installed, I've installed the motor and trans (with a little help from my friends!), have the fuel, brake, pedal, handbrake, wiper and cooling systems all installed, heater fitted, seats mounted etc. I'm about to jump onto the wiring, and when my headers turn up, I'll be able to start the car.......... hopefully within a few months! Expected completion is early next year, with luck, she'll be all painted, trimmed and registered for the Grand Prix.
The engineer who is certifying the car is extremely impressed with absolutely everything about the car (cannot fault it), says it is over-engineered and there will be no issue with obtaining full street registration which is the way I am going.
I own a bodyshop and am a qualified painter so I am painting my particular car, but the Pace's gelcoat is so beautiful and such high quality that many are opting to not paint and just run the polished gelcoat. I cannot argue with that logic. This particular attribute on the Pace can save you over $10K if you can live without painting the car and don't need a metallic finish.
The only thing you really need to be able to stomach is the budget. A Pace comprehensive kit (less powertrain, wheels, exhaust and interior trimming) is approx $50K to join the club if you buy them at the same time, then you have approx. $13-20K for powertrain, $4-10K for trimming, $4-6K for wheels/tyres, ~$4-5K for engineering, testing and rego and then paint. And then there are the options like LSD, superstreet body, second roll hoop, carbon dash, side pipes, bigger wheels etc. You could
easily spend $100K+ without blinking an eye on building a Pace. And that doesn't include one cent of your time!!!!!
I think it's all worth it though!! Good luck with whatever you decide!
Cheers,
Sime
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