New member looking for cobra

[dcdoug]

Hi I am a 2007 GT500 owner who is looking to also become a 1965 cobra owner. After some research, I think that a Shelby CSX fiberglass car is the right one for me. I am beginning to look at options and engines. The car will be used mostly for the street with only limited track time.

I am also considering doing the engine/transmission install myself (mostly for the experience), although I have read some threads on this forum of problems that might lead me to reconsider. I am mechanically inclined and have some experience with 60's Ford Mustangs, but am certainly not an expert. Do they have shop manuals for these cars?

Thoughts, comments, advice on any of the above?

Anyone have a CSX that they want to sell?

[Cogswell]

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct/2125/cat/2

[RodKnock]

Also, check www.cobracountry.com.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Hi I am a 2007 GT500 owner who is looking to also become a 1965 cobra owner. After some research, I think that a Shelby CSX fiberglass car is the right one for me. I am beginning to look at options and engines. The car will be used mostly for the street with only limited track time.

I am also considering doing the engine/transmission install myself (mostly for the experience), although I have read some threads on this forum of problems that might lead me to reconsider. I am mechanically inclined and have some experience with 60's Ford Mustangs, but am certainly not an expert. Do they have shop manuals for these cars?

Thoughts, comments, advice on any of the above?

Anyone have a CSX that they want to sell?

Welcome to CC Doug!

If you're going to do the install yourself and want to buy a new roller, start scanning the Shelby dealers to see what they have in stock.

http://www.shelbyautos.com/dealers.asp

[LMH]

Why the Shelby as opposed to ERA, SPF or some other higher end replica?
Larry

[dcdoug]

Although it may seem silly to some, I like the authenticity of the Shelby.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Although it may seem silly to some, I like the authenticity of the Shelby.

It's tough, but drive a few cars before you commit. Although you might like the authenticity of the CSX, you may prefer how other cars drive, your fit in the car, etc.

[dcdoug]

Good advice. I will do that.

Doug

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Good advice. I will do that.

Doug

I didn't fit in the Superformance but did fit in the Shelby. You should try them on first especially if you are tall.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Although it may seem silly to some, I like the authenticity of the Shelby.

It's not silly. It's obviously a very important criteria to you and you want to be happy.

While it may have not have been smart on my part, I knew exactly which car that I wanted. I didn't need to try them all on for size, but certainly good advice by Doug. I just didn't follow it and I'm still happy with my choice.

Whatever the nonsense that follows on this thread, the CSX is a good choice. Good luck.

[1985 CCX]

If you can afford a CSX roller it will certainly be a great choice even over KMS, ERA, SPF and others. Mainly the CSX# at least gives you the right to say it is a real Shelby. If you want ally, or think you might, consider KMS. KMS roller is few more $$ than a CSX glass roller however you will always be able to say "Yes, it is Ally!"

My suggestion on the motor is build/buy a motor with moderate power for the displacement. If you want to turn the key and drive anywhere anytime skip the super powered option. It will be better on gas, run cooler and will be dependable.

A friend with an original CSX said: Today's replicas are much more powerful than the 60's cars. I drove it and agree it feels more like 425hp rather than 500+.

You can get the authentic feel w/o sacrificing power, just don't go overboard.

[dcdoug]

Thanks for the continued advice. I am 6'2" and about 190. Any comments on models that typically won't fit for a taller person?

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Thanks for the continued advice. I am 6'2" and about 190. Any comments on models that typically won't fit for a taller person?

I'm exactly the same height/weight as you. I've got an SPF with the seat bolted to the floor (no rails) and all the way back. I like the lower seating position and it gives me about 1" of room between my knee and the dash. Depending on the length of your legs, you might also need to modify the seat of a CSX car.

I guess the other thing I would add, is that there are a ton on smokin' deals out there right now. If you build new, you'll end up eating some depreciation...just like driving it off the lot.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Although it may seem silly to some, I like the authenticity of the Shelby.

Not silly at all. Whats important to you is the most important thing. When all the comments are done, it's still your car. A glass CSX is a great car for sure.
I personally like glass over aluminum if you drive it much. It doesn't dent!

Driving a couple different manfucturers is a great idea. It's amazing how different they are when you've been in a couple different ones.
Larry

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

The CSX glass car would be a wise choice, especially if you can find one ready to deliver at a Shelby dealer. With the economy the way it is, I'm sure you can find one at a discount. Buy or build a somewhat mild FE for great driveability and accuracy. It's a great time to have a Cobra. Good luck.

[misfit41]

There are lots of great cars for sure ,I have to say I am happy I bought the csx. Although not original it is true to original design and folks looking in the engine compartment can tell the frame and design diffrence. My car drives and handles great and has the stance a cobra should, I am also suprised with the ride quality.My next choice would be a kirkham but they are more money. I agree with whom ever mentioned buying a built car ,makes lots of sense.Tk

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

The CSX glass car would be a wise choice, especially if you can find one ready to deliver at a Shelby dealer. With the economy the way it is, I'm sure you can find one at a discount. Buy or build a somewhat mild FE for great driveability and accuracy. It's a great time to have a Cobra. Good luck.

HST has some in stock. Mine is a carbon fiber body and it is absolutely the most beautiful body work I've ever seen.

[RodKnock]

A CSX "street" roller was just purchased recently on eBay for $41K, if I remember correctly. It may have been purchased by someone here on the Forum. Deals are out there for both rollers and complete cars. I remember Keith Craft was offering on eBay a complete CSX S/C with one of his aluminum 482 engines in it for $75,000-$80,000 not that long ago too. That's basically your range +/- a few thousand.

I almost bought a fiberglass CSX, but decided the shiny look was for me.

[Great Asp]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

It's not silly. It's obviously a very important criteria to you and you want to be happy.

While it may have not have been smart on my part, I knew exactly which car that I wanted. I didn't need to try them all on for size, but certainly good advice by Doug. I just didn't follow it and I'm still happy with my choice.

Whatever the nonsense that follows on this thread, the CSX is a good choice. Good luck.

Winner-winner, chicken dinner.

To the OP, congrats on going old skewl with the rest of us. Having drivin both cars, with similar HP/weight ratios, I can tell you it is a completely different experience. These cars will always keep your attention (or should) when driving them.

Good luck on the seach, buy what is right for you!

E

[twobjshelbys]

I am learning to drive my 427S/C. It is very fun but has a set of limits that can't be tested in everyday street driving. If you're primarily interested in a street car with a little less hp/weight ratio and still want to be totally authentic look at a 289-style (CSX7000/CSX8000 series).