religion, politics, big block vs. small block, aluminum vs. fiberglass

DKing · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 02:46 PM

I've observed that there are a few things that provoke a more, well, "emotive" response than others here on clubcobra. Fortunately, I haven't always been the one asking the sensitive questions and taking the beating.

The most "interesting" threads seem to revolve around the BB or SB question, fiberglass vs. aluminum, as well as CSX vs. replica. People seem to take a stance that the build choices they made for themselves should be absolute rules for everyone else, and the discussions can be quite contentious.

When I watch "Bitten by the Snake" I see a bunch of guys having fun with pretty cool cars in many respectable flavors. When I read some of the rhetoric posted here though, I get a little turned off to the Cobra thing altogether and start thinking about (God forbid!) buying a vintage Corvette instead.

(Of course, then I'd hear the "matching numbers" vs. "non-matching numbers" arguments, right?)

Somebody tell me that you guys are just having fun and that the Cobra enthusiast world isn't as badly factionalized at it appears. (BB Guys vs. SB guys, CSX Guys vs. Replica Guys, kit vs. factory built...)

Sigh...

Dking

rdorman · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 03:17 PM

When I first started posting here I had many of the same thoughts you had. What I came to find out it that there is a lot of history between many of the people here. What some times may seem like a lot of ball busting is more some thing between friends. Remember that it can be very difficult at times to tell what some one means in the written word.

There is also some bad blood between a few folks. Of course I don't know any group of 7000 people where everyone gets along!

This is really not much different than any other group. You get the good with the bad. The REALLY bad usually get run off.

Best bet on the pissing matches when they come up is to stay out unless you really want to be involved.

Here is what I can tell you. Many of those you see argue here have at one time or another sat down, had a beer and a few good laughs together. Like any 'family' we also tend to fight on occasion.

But if you want to try a REALLY anal group, then old vettes is where you need to be

Rick

DKing · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 04:14 PM

A buddy of mine has a very nice '67 Vette that is pretty close to original --- and he gets critisized for not having the original bowtie-issued type tires...

As for me, I'm not ready to give up the Cobra fetish just yet. I hope I can ask the pertinent questions to building a car (aluminum vs. fiberglass, BB vs. SB...) without launching a grenade into the forum. I'm pretty much enthusiastic about anything that even looks like a Cobra, no matter what the flavor.

The stock market is going to dictate what I can get, be it a aluminum bodied, 427 side-oiler powered, top-loader grinding monster, or a hot wheel. Right now, it looks like it's gonna be a hot wheel...

DKing

ENTDOC · #4 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 04:22 PM

I think if you attend any big cobra event you will find a very close family like atmosphere.Most of the controversial topics on the forum are handled with a tongue in cheek reply,if your attitude is right it can be a lot of fun.You cannot like everyone and everyone will not like you, however, I have yet to see an instance where someone in need of help was not offered it many times over.Unfortunatly, it does seem that one or two people seem to be at the head of most controversies on most forums,but that too is typical of life in general,dont let it spoil your enjoyment,there is a wealth of knowlege and good character around here. chuck

Mr.Fixit · #5 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 04:32 PM

Busting each other's chops over: manufacturers, engine choice, color, knock-offs, etc is all in good fun. I's more fun than just saying "yep" as we all agree on everything.

NROTOXIN · #6 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 05:13 PM

Dking,

The BACC meets every Saturday in Dublin for breakfast year round....cars are all types from orig to recreations. ALL are great people. There is some chop busting that always goes on but it is done face to face

curtis

LETSRCE · #7 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 10:19 PM

And some that's not face to face.
Like Curtis here, he has the only cobra that has never been out of the Danville area.

larryar · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 05:21 AM

Dking, first welcome aboard! The bb vs sb debate is easy.......get the one you want! I have a bb because I like the sound of it. I know plenty of sb's that will kick my a** in acceleration, so the one you want is the right one! By the way, if you really want to see what the cobra family is all about, go to the DVSF! Every kind and color of cobra is there and I haven't seen any fist fights break out over whoose car is best! Whatever you decide to do, remember, IT'S YOURCAR, so do what makes you happy!
Larry

Tinker51 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 12:14 PM

That's not true Joe, I was there when Curtis took the racing cat for a drive along skyline Blvd. I have photgraphic evidence

Dking, You should sit down and figure out if the car will be used for track, show, weekends, etc. With that info you can then go through all the various options and decide which one is closest to meeting you needs. It can take a lot of time and research to get their but you will not be sorry when you have the car you want, no matter who made it, what the body is made of, and how big the block was when it was stock.

DKing · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the signs of solidarity. I'll have to check out some of the Bay Area Cobra club activities. I guess I'm a frustrated bench-racer at the moment (or is that "cubicle racer"?).

I've had the yearning for a Cobra gnawing at me for the last three years or so, and it always seems just out of reach. Adding up the cost of a complete kit (no donor car) with options is right up there with SPF, and now with Shelby's fiberglass version. In my mind, if I'm forking out that kind of money, I might as well go for the Shelby 'glass Cobra. Of course, then I'll need to fork out another $20k (or so) for a 427 side-oiler...
I thought a kit with small block would be more affordable, but when I add all the interesting options, I'm so close to the 'glass Shelby in total cost (less engine & tranny)...

Robbing banks or running drugs up from Columbia are both out of the question. So is manipulating the stock market, or "other" illegal activities.

What I want, though, is a streetable Cobra that also is fast enough to be respectable on the track. I like the original knock-off type wheels, and a body as close to the original as possible.

A 'glass Cobra with a 428 ought to do the trick, right?

DKing

Mr.Fixit · #11 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 02:39 PM

There are some pretty good deals on slightly used SPF's right now, form what I hear.

rdorman · #12 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 02:53 PM

DO look at the used market. More car for the buck. Buy carefully.

"What I want, though, is a streetable Cobra that also is fast enough to be respectable on the track" 400HP or so is enough to run fast and scare the $hit out of most people. Go 351 Windsor. Or a MILD BB. BB is a bit more money though.

"I like the original knock-off type wheels" Looking or actual knock offs. From what the budget sounds like, may I suggest the 'looking' type! Big time compromise in the 15" tire size (But I love my TDs!).

"a body as close to the original as possible" There goes SPF, FFR, CR, etc. I left out the higher line cars since that doesn't sound in the budget.

"another $20k (or so) for a 427 side-oiler" Remember they came with 428 as well, cheaper.

Have you checked out Unique? Just some thoughts!

Rick

Mr.Fixit · #13 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdorman

"a body as close to the original as possible" There goes SPF, FFR, CR, etc. I left out the higher line cars since that doesn't sound in the budget.

Rick

SPF is very close, they just made the nose rollover a little pointy. FFR has it's perky butt deck lid, but pretty close otherwise. CR is way further of, with it's stretched wheelbase and weird door line. I don't think there were two originals with the same body lines anyhow. As long as you don't get one with a wider or longer body, stretched wheelbase, or a west coast, they are pretty original in shape.

Shop around for a used SPF, drive it for a year, then you will know what you REALLY want out of your cobra, and rarely is it the same thing you thought you wanted all these years.

DKing · #14 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 04:42 PM

Higher line cars, meaning Shelby & Kirkham aluminum? Definitely on the wish list, but way out of reach at the moment.

Looking at ERA, but the pricing rolls up to the SPF and Shelby 'glass levels, once you add all the gee-whiz options.

Does Unique offer pin-drive wheels? All the pictures I see of Unique cars have lug-nuts...

Any suggestions on where to look used?

I looked at a couple used Cobras locally. Body panels didn't line up well on one. Saw a SPF in Los Gatos. Very nice, but the guy was asking $69k. Used can be a little scary with Cobras: I could end up with a real "Frankencar" if I'm not careful.

DKing

cobradriver · #15 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003, 02:03 PM

DKing, are you the same person I met at the Scotts Valley Shell station. I was waiting for a hauler for my dead Cobra (lunched a roller-rocker). If so thanks for your kindness and referral.

Keep your eyes open, every now and then a CSX comes around and someone needs to raise cash. It sounds like you have a pretty strong network upon whom you may rely for advice. The market has improved; do you homework and you won't be disappointed.

BTW, I have a '66 vette 427, '02 TT Porsche, '03 M5, and nothing provides the YA YA factor of a properly sorted Cobra.

rdorman · #16 (**permalink**) 09-24-2003, 02:32 PM

I took SPF out because they made the body 'perfectly' symmetrical. Damn nice car though. Any one remember where those pictures where of all the cars profiles for him to look at?

ERA, most that I have talked to put a lot more in the finishing of their ERAs. Finished they are in the tops price wise. Beautiful cars.

Pin drives, sure, you can put pin drive on darn near anything one way or another. But you will pay! You may have to use the kind that use a bolt on adaptor, I am not sure. Give the Weavers a call. Some of the nicest people in the business. Turn key starts at 43 from them. But it would be a piece of cake to option it out into the 50s.

$69, sounds high. Lots of nice SPF for under $50. Now and again, under $40.

Used, you have 7000 people here to ask about the car! Try here and of course over at Cobra Country. Drive the car. If something doesn't feel right, walk away (the first one I drove didn't 'feel' right so I walked, just ran into the guy that did buy it. Within a year the motor, differential, fuel cell and entire braking system had to be replaced/rebuilt). Have a professional check it out.

"body panels didn't line up" ever seen some of the un-restored original Cobras? Especially the track cars. Today, we expect the fit to be better, and why not!

Happy shopping!

DKing · #17 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 01:25 PM

Cobradriver: That was me at the Shell Station in Scotts Valley. I'll keep an eye out for you, but I'll probably HEAR you before I SEE you, just like last time when you came up Granite Creek road past my house. That's one mighty fine Cobra you have there! Your car has the "wow" factor even on the most satiated Cobraphile.

Rdorman: I found the profiles on the ERA web site. Here's the link:
http://www.erareplicas.com/427/profiles/index.htm

ERA also has some useful info on comparing the 427 S/C with the 289 FIA. Here's that link:
http://www.erareplicas.com/differ/index.htm