Backdraft Owners Wanted !!

pdanesh · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 07:11 PM

Hi all,

I am a newbie looking into the main replicas out there and I have narrowed my search to Backdraft, Factory Five, and Superformance.
1. I would love to know why you picked BDR over any other.
2. Now that you own a BDR, what don't you like about your car and wished could be better (remember we all know that like all cars, replicars have problems too) and who else to tell me truth than real owners?
3. Do you know of any owners in the Los angeles area that I can contact?
4. Have you heard of LK Motorsports in Hermosa Beach, CA or California Cobra in San Diego,CA as potential builders?

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your input.

Payam

got snake? · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 08:36 PM

Very happy with BDR. Some minor issues but nothing that you can't fix with some aftermarket help. The perfect cobra would be a Spec Racer built by BDR. Now there is an idea!

Sid

pdanesh · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 09:06 PM

Sid,

Waht kind of problems have you had?

tamanaco · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 09:47 PM

Why a Backdraft....a factory built car...92 inch wheelbase...fits the taller body, 6' 1"+ and fits OK, good support from Backdraft...found this out after buying car from previous owner...a year after his purchased. thanks guys at Backdraft in BB, FLA

What would I like better...Paint...is ok to fair...my car is #260...i here they are much better now? Just some minor issues...a better brake switch, flanged header to side pipe connection, i think this is standard now. adjustments of things...like the clutch slave, ride height, open differential, final gear ratio...this maybe more of assembler issues, not understand the proper question to ask...

The bottom line...only did 4 months of internet research on Cobra's. Focused on Backdraft, drove only a Backdraft, liked it, bought it, and I would highly recommend it after about 2000 mile of driving in the 4 months of driving it and 9 months of owning/fixing. The car is now close to be "sorted out".

Now, I do want to say my Cobra is for good weather street driver (i'm in Northern Ohio)...a little 1/4 mille stuff, going to be doing the mid ohio cobra school, and the LCS event. Not a show car.

Lots of good Cobra's manufactures and builds/assemblers...have fun on the decision!

Bill

Naumoff · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 09:58 PM

I would pick a Unique over any of those and I did.

Rickd · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 05:00 AM

Pdanesh. You've got 3 pretty distinct cars in your comment. Are you planning on any part of a build or buying a roller or turnkey? Superformance = painted roller or turnkey, very high quality, excellent resale, known product; Backdraft, is also a painted roller / turnkey, and is being slightly changed with every car (no longer use the original BMW suspension), well built cars (with some minor issues that are normally ajusted by the dealer prior to delivery). Factory Five is a kit and every car is different, depending on the skill of the individual builder. My recommendation would be to visit a dealer of each, drive one, then visit the ERA factory in New Britain, Ct. In my opinion they have a better chasis than any one else, and the best quality car overall. You will have to wait 7-9 months for a turnkey. Do the research, don't rely on 'opinions', you really need to visit the dealer or factory. Have fun!! Rickd

SkipB · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 05:25 PM

pdanesh,

I bought a Backdraft because at the time it offered the most "bang for the buck", and I think many will agree with me. Great car, handles better than most (not sure about this "no more BMW suspension deal"), looks very good, arrives as a roller, good support, and great people drive them.

I am not familiar with LK Motorsports, but I am very familiar with Armond Caprio at California Cobra. I got my car through him in 2003/4. Great guy, knows his "stuff" and now back in business after a short absence.

SkipB

Ps. I would buy a Backdraft again today. Constant improvement and good people to deal with. Most to the major problems you will hear about are related to the engine/tranmission/installation and not Backdraft. Find a good dealer and you are set.

deadbeatle · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 06:49 PM

I have a more recent build #461 and I looked at all of the same companies as you did including Unique. I did not want to build one, so Factory Five was out becaue I didn't trust anyone that I met in the build quality of a used car, also the rear quarter on the FF just did not look right to me, just my opinion. Superformance was a good car also but dollar for dollar and car for car, I found Backdraft to be as good for less money. Superformance comes with plenty of extras that I did not need. Lastly, and most important was the factory support. You will find very few negative comments about the BDR factory and dealer network. They build a quality product and will abosolutely go out of their way to fix a problem after delivery, even to people that are not the original buyers. All these cars are hand built, and under constant revision and improvement. Paint is very good today. Drive them all. The BMW independent rear suspension seems to get the most negative comments from the non-owners, but the ride quality is much better. If you are looking for absolute original type build, then unique would be my choice for the money. Long wait, but very good car.

Rickd · #9 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 07:17 PM

Deadbeattke. Don't know where you came up with "BMS IRS = most negative comments from non - owners". BMW IRS is a good thing, that is used on a car that is much heavier than a Backdraft. The only comment was that Backdraft is no longer using the BMW suspension, and has moved on to an improved, and I would imagine, more robust suspension. That is a POSITIVE comment. Backdraft is a heck of an offering and should be evaluated by any one interested in a cobra. But if they come in saying "I want to know what is better .. Superformance, Factory Five, or Backdraft .. there are differences .. that should be pointed out .. Including .. also include ERA .. because it is definitely a top shelf car .. and they should really check out Kirkham .. so they have a full informed information base. Fully informed buyers / owners is a good thing. Have fun and drive em. Rickd

h2oman · #10 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 07:49 PM

If you got the $$ ERA is what I like the best. However, I love my BDR.

I looked at a lot of SPF and made a bunch of offers. But if you're like me on a budget of $50k or less for a turn key, Backdraft is clearly the best choice. As everyone says, "best bang for the buck!"
Good luck with your venture.

Snakester · #11 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 08:03 PM

I have BDR # 261...Purchased 9/05...Now have 4500 miles and it runs better every time I drive it!!! I looked at all Cobra's out there and am very happy that I chose BDR. I am now looking am ready to purchase another and It will be another Backdraft!!! In fact I put my BDR up for sale today. Snakester

Cashburn · #12 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 08:25 PM

As a dealer of Backdraft, I have a question... who keeps telling you the BMW suspension is going away???

pdanesh · #13 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 09:19 PM

I checked out a Backdraft today, the first car I have really looked at seriously. It looked great!! I was able to sit in it and there is plenty of space. It was only a roller, so I will have to wait to actually take a ride in one. I even got under the car and I have to say it looks like a very solid car.

I hope to go out to the local SPF dealership next week and check it out as well.

Jay,

I am glad that you posted to this thread. The BDR that I saw had a BMW suspension and as a longtime BMW owner, a couple of M3s, I have to say that the BMW suspension is a huge reason I like the cars. Is there any truth to the change in suspension?

Payam

Cashburn · #14 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 09:28 PM

The BMW suspension and brakes remain in "the plan". The changes that have occurred since roughly #400 or so include new half-shaft designs, aluminum fuel tanks, and the front brakes have gotten larger (caliper from E46), among other changes that would be less obvious.

madmaxx · #15 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 10:08 PM

Superformance are not holding there values anymore. This in my opinion is a direct result of Backdraft. BDR is on 500 plus cars, I bet half of those would have been superformance. I agree BDR dealers are not pompous like Superformance dealers. The more I compare the two the more I realize Superformances are legends in their own minds. Nobody will compete with the comfort and leg room of a BDR. I also like the ss panels in the engine bay.

Rwillia4 · #16 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 10:21 PM

I purchased a BDR because of the suspension; I like a tight handling car. I don't think anything can touch a BDR in handling twisties (IMHO). IRS for a straight line is different story and not one that interests me.

Things I would change are minor: door fit, headlight trim (from plastic to metal), steering wheel (yeah it is wood but...it sucks when next to an original)

Things that stand out to me (in no particular order): stiff frame, 17" rims, coilovers, metal to metal mounting for doors, wiring includes a place/connections for a aftermarket ignition among other things, VDO gauges, finishing panels in the engine bay, ...there are others I just can't think of them right now.

I would suggest Armond in a heartbeat; he is a man of his word and has helped beyond expectations.

Naumoff · #17 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Superformance are not holding there values anymore. This in my opinion is a direct result of Backdraft. BDR is on 500 plus cars, I bet half of those would have been superformance. I agree BDR dealers are not pompous like Superformance dealers. The more I compare the two the more I realize Superformances are legends in their own minds. Nobody will compete with the comfort and leg room of a BDR. I also like the ss panels in the engine bay.

My Unique has more leg room than a Backdraft with a 90" wheel base. A comfortable ride with a Jag IRS and you can purchase a turnkey minus to order. a high quality car, handles like it is on rails and is made here in the USA. What more could you ask for?

Cashburn · #18 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 06:11 AM

Just to recap...

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdanesh

Hi all,

I am a newbie looking into the main replicas out there and I have narrowed my search to Backdraft, Factory Five, and Superformance.
1. I would love to know why you picked BDR over any other.
2. Now that you own a BDR, what don't you like about your car and wished could be better (remember we all know that like all cars, replicars have problems too) and who else to tell me truth than real owners?
3. Do you know of any owners in the Los angeles area that I can contact?
4. Have you heard of LK Motorsports in Hermosa Beach, CA or California Cobra in San Diego,CA as potential builders?

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your input.

Payam

Payam,
You may also want to register at www.backdraftboys.com to ask Backdraft specific questions.

madmaxx · #19 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 07:28 AM

1) Factory assemlbed, price, leg room, looks, resale value
2)earlier bdr - 120?, trunk leaked water, fuel gage not calibrated, ebrake not calibrated, carpet kinda cheap, floor mats extremely cheap, BFG tires sucked as far as steering wheel vibration work that out with road force balane, seat belt bolts not completely bolted down, slip fit on sidepipes suked but now they are flanged, windsheild broke when hitting a bump, had to adjust coil overs differently to get car to sit level, door rattled had to wrap tape around door jamb but new ones this has been resolved
3) Keith Craft of Plano did a horific job on the install of motor and trans. I could list 20 plus items but that was not BDR's fault

got snake? · #20 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdanesh

Sid,

Waht kind of problems have you had?

Tail lights suck but Reg told me they have changed the housing so they are better now. I just went straight to LEDs Lot better! My speedo doesn't work since the wires on the back comes off all the time.(VDO Guages) BMW dealer will not sell you just the clip.

the master cylinder for the clutch was too small. I'm on my 3rd throwout bearing. Went with a wilwood 1in stroke. WIL-260-6766 part number on Summit. FYI.

I'm worried my rear end may eventually go but it hasn't yet.

But thats about it. All of it can be delt with. Just talk to your dealer and get some advice. Stick with a small block. Get the suspension specs from Tony Martin and the BDR will be a freakin slot car on the road/track. Point and shoot!

GET THE BDR!!!

SID