Most desirable upgrades

SkipB · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 05:24 PM

I have build #90 and have added some "upgrades" to my car. But, I would like to see if there is a list of what is available and what others have done to improve their cars. This doesn't have to be factory upgrades either. (the new start button comes to mind)

My upgrades (in not particular order)

Oil cooler, new springs, driveshaft safety loop, lug nut covers (poor man's knockoffs), locking glovebox, modified seatbelt mounts, heat shield for brake master cylinder, real chrome/metal headlight rings, leather covered steering wheel, modified shift lever, chrome fire extinguisher, gas tank vent hose modification.

If you know of any factory upgrades that I could put on my car, or other products/accessories that you think add value to your car, please let me know. (I won't add a top or heater as they are really not needed in our climate.)

Planned modifications: Limited slip diff, hidden stereo, maybe tonneau cover.

Anybody add a good stereo that is not visible?

SkipB

Metal-morphous · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 06:19 PM

Skip, This is a seamless aluminum plating that we here at Metal-Morphous have applied to many fiberglass cobra hoods. I just figured I would get the ball rolling

Ron

ROUSHAC · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 06:40 PM

Ron,

That looks SUPER!

What's a "ballpark" estimate of what that would cost to have done by you.

Thanks!
Dave

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 07:03 PM

Ron,
You need to update that photo with a Backdraft hood... got any?

Cashburn · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipB

... modified shift lever ...

SkipB

Skip,
What did you do on this?

Metal-morphous · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 05:37 AM

Jay It just so happens that I have a Backdraft hood in the shop this week

, it should be finished by the end of the week and I will post a picture here. BTW its a very nice hood, first Backdraft we have worked on and I'm impressed

SkipB · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 09:58 AM

Jay,

I hated the way my shift lever pointed up at the sky. Plus it made it awkward to shift. So, while I was at California Cobra one day, we pulled it out, put it in a vise, heated it with a torch and bent if forward. So, it now rides nice and low in 1st, 3rd, and 5th. No big deal, but it looks better and is more comfortable.

SkipB

SkipB · #8 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 10:01 AM

Metal,

I do like the look of the aluminum under the hood. But, it would cover my Carroll Shelby autograph. (Before you ask, yes, I paid for it!)

SkipB

Metal-morphous · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 05:32 PM

Skip I got it, you can hang the autographed hood on your wall, that why you can see Carroll's signiture all the time, then order a new one from Jay at Vintage motor sports, hes right around the coner from us, almost like one stop shopping

that way you can have the best of both

BUCKEYE COBRA · #10 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 03:29 AM

Skip,
What are these?

Quote:

, lug nut covers (poor man's knockoffs),

Thanks,
John

SkipB · #11 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 06:25 PM

John,

Team III Wheels sells a set of four lugnut covers for Backdraft 15" wheels. I was told they were the original wheel supplier and may still be. The covers look like a 5 sided star that slip over the lugs after the wheels are bolted on. Then you screw on your knock off over the covers, tighten the set screw and suddenly it looks like you have true knock offs. It works great and they are very easy to install. I think the set was about $135.00 if I remember right. You might want to check their website and see if they are still offered. I didn't do that before I wrote this, sorry.

SkipB

Ps. I want to apologize for this thread being split in two parts. I am not sure what happened. But, I am glad for the great responses.

JayBar · #12 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 07:56 PM

These are the wheel studs I used. They install with an Allen wrench and locktite. Remove the old studs with two nuts cross tightened.

https://secure17.nexternal.com/share...t=products.asp

On you mods. Oil cooler, sorry I did it, has caused nothing but trouble and is not necessary in a street car and marginally useful on a track car. 17 inch wheels would be a meaningful upgrade. Front spoiler not needed car feels rock solid at 135 mph with a cross wind. A T -56 6 speed would be a meaningful upgrade. Limited slip differential, well it is the thing isn't it. You don't need one. I did the same et with and open rear 3.10 as I did with my $500 limited slip 3.73.
There a a lot of things you can do that will make you feel good and get bystanders to shake there heads in agreement ,but don't mean anything.
The BDR suspension is great and will out perform most other replica cobras except "maybe" some special race prepped car.

The heat shield is a good idea, I don't know if Ed is making them larger now to cover the clutch master cylinder also. My problem was always the clutch cylinder not the brake cylinder.

Since you and I have the same generation car, I tired for ever to stop the pipes from leaking, I finally gave up and had Reg weld up my pipes into a flange and bolted the headers to the side pipes.

Some low cost upgrades that make sense. A one way check valve on the brake booster, this holds some reserve vacuum in case the engine dies you still have brakes, cost about 4 bucks at NAPA.

A inertia cut off switch. Will kill power to your electric fuel pump (if you have one) if you hit something. Cost about 16-20 dollars at you Ford dealer. Ask for one from a Probe.

I have not found a need for larger (M3) brakes. I do just fine in open track events with the standard setup with race pads. I have about 15 open track events on the set up and it rocks. I can eat up Corvettes (not the zo 6) and even a few turbo Porsche's.

Check out:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...t+moroso&hl=en

As to radio's I don't know how you would hear it once you start moving. As to the tonneau cover I got one never use it. I carry a large golf umbrella that covers the entire cockpit, so if I get caught in the rain I pull over and pop the umbrella and wait for it to be over.
That's all I can think of for now. Good luck, keep it simple you will be happier in the long run.

Trueoo7 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 08:41 PM

Jaybar
That link just takes you to the general site. Not the specific wheel studs ??

Cashburn · #14 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 08:46 PM

Jay,
Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing this. Mind if I link it on our Web site? Really cool footage... those Z06s are monsters huh?

BlackBDR · #15 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 10:25 PM

Skip,

I have the ultimate must have for a BDR; chassis stiffening! Matt at Autoworks International has done a fantastic job. Most of what he's done is weld in gussets and stiffening plates but there's also a large bolt on plate at the rear of the car. We drove it the first time two weekends ago and the difference is a quantum leap. It's back with him now to add gussets to the rear spring mounts. I've asked him to take photo's so I can post them. Stay tuned.

John and Leeann

BUCKEYE COBRA · #16 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 04:10 AM

Jay,
Nice tip on the golf unbrella. Now....just to find a source for a BDR golf unbrella

John

JayBar · #17 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 05:17 AM

Jay, sure you can post the link, my pleasure.

The link on the wheel studs should work try

https://secure17.nexternal.com/share...t=products.asp

BladkBDR
On the frame stiffening, I had suspected it might me necessary. Do you know how much weight it has added to the car. I would love to see pictures of the frame.

JayBar · #18 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 05:20 AM

Ok,
Seems the forum shortens the link. You will get a page with mag wheels on it. Go to the bottom of the page that where the studs are you want the ones that are $2.00 each.

Cashburn · #19 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBDR

Skip,

I have the ultimate must have for a BDR; chassis stiffening! Matt at Autoworks International has done a fantastic job. Most of what he's done is weld in gussets and stiffening plates but there's also a large bolt on plate at the rear of the car. We drove it the first time two weekends ago and the difference is a quantum leap. It's back with him now to add gussets to the rear spring mounts. I've asked him to take photo's so I can post them. Stay tuned.

John and Leeann

John what number is your car for reference?

SkipB · #20 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 02:05 PM

BlackBDR,

Hey, good to hear from you John! I haven't seen you or your car in a long time. I know you had "a little" front end problem with your car and it sounds like it is being fixed and then some! I know Matt and helped him with a car for the SEMA show. Did you ever see his custom Mustang? Matt is a really nice guy and very knowledgeable too. It was also good to find out that Miguel ended up at a good place! I'll have to go by and check out your car!

SkipB