New member, a year away from starting

svirfnebli · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:33 PM

Hello All,

I'm a new member here in sunny Ventura, California and a transplant from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I grew up with my workaholic day saying how someday he'd like to build a Cobra replica with me as I grew up and unfortunately that never came to fruition. Well now I have kids, and that Cobra model still sits on my bedroom armoire and I decided a few months ago that I wanted to start planning to do a kit myself.

I've only done minor car repair work in my life, but Im a machine with multiple CNC machines and im pretty mechanically inclinded. I've definetly got my work cut out for me, i know. but I need a hobby, and i cant imagine buying someon elses car.

So far my working theory is to invest in a good engine (probably before the kit), and a decent quality kit - Then go from there. I imagine a good engine can be had for 6-9 grand in relatively good condition.

I'd love any good links you guys have and im an internet reading junky.

Matthew

Dangerous Doug · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:40 PM

Well, you came to the right place. Lots of folks here (with lots of opinons) with plenty of help to get you through your build.

Try to connect with some of the local Cobra guys, and start exploring the various manufacturers. I looked for several years, and settled on ERA and their 289 FIA replica. Very happy with the product, and even though I'm yet unpainted, I always seem to gather a crowd of admirers.

Sounds like you really want to build one---if not, there seem to be plenty of used Cobras on the market right now.

Anyhow, check out www.erareplicas.com. They are known for their customer service and the quality (and adherence to the original Cobra shape and lines---not everyone is, by the way...).

So, what's on the agenda? Big block or small block? 427 body style, or 289 FIA or slabside? Purist or mod?

Oh, also, go to www.summitracing.com and order a parts catalog.

Have fun!
DD

Cashburn · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:44 PM

Never buy an engine first... biggest mistake a lot of guys make.

tcrist · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Never buy an engine first... biggest mistake a lot of guys make.

Decide what engine you intend on using and build your car around that. You could pay 7K (small block) and up for an engine and it will just set there while you build. Then when you get the car together and have an issue (hope not though) and you are out of any kind of waranty.

JMO of course,

Terry

rustyBob · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 08:40 AM

Matthew.........why waite a year to start on you Cobra when you can start tomorrow or even today............I started with a body and frame and went from there(around the $7500.00 range)and got most of my parts from the local street rod shop and pulled the 390 from my daily driver and used it for power(rebuilt of course).Contact Shell Valley Custom Wheels 1-888-246-0900 and ask for Travis and get an info pack on the way and if you decied to go that way they are more than willing to work with you and tell them i sent you..........welcome to the wonderful world of buying and building a Cobra.

svirfnebli · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 01:43 PM

Not much set in stone yet as far as the guts of the car goes. I like the 427 body, and im thinking of going big block. Maybe an actual 427 side oiler? She's going to be a candy apple beauty (transulent dark red on top of fine gold flake (think les paul gold top guitar). I think thats a good idea about connecting with local cobra owners. I just have to figure out how to..

I think my goal of being here is to really learn about the options that are available for under the hood. I dont even have an idea of what a 427 body kit is going to cost.. This is just the beginning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Well, you came to the right place. Lots of folks here (with lots of opinons) with plenty of help to get you through your build.

Try to connect with some of the local Cobra guys, and start exploring the various manufacturers. I looked for several years, and settled on ERA and their 289 FIA replica. Very happy with the product, and even though I'm yet unpainted, I always seem to gather a crowd of admirers.

Sounds like you really want to build one---if not, there seem to be plenty of used Cobras on the market right now.

Anyhow, check out www.erareplicas.com. They are known for their customer service and the quality (and adherence to the original Cobra shape and lines---not everyone is, by the way...).

So, what's on the agenda? Big block or small block? 427 body style, or 289 FIA or slabside? Purist or mod?

Oh, also, go to www.summitracing.com and order a parts catalog.

Have fun!
DD

svirfnebli · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Never buy an engine first... biggest mistake a lot of guys make.

I was leaning towards not getting the engine first, but I had done some reading saying that prices on several used engines are really good right now because of the recession.. Aparrently few people are buying and lots of people are selling.

Is it just that some people buy the engine and never do anything with it? or that it rots while it waits for a car to go into?

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svirfnebli

Is it just that some people buy the engine and never do anything with it? or that it rots while it waits for a car to go into?

That, or you change your mind on the engine (or the internal specs of the engine). Regardless, make the basic decision of whether you want a big block, small block, FE, etc. and then start your build. You can have just about any engine your heart desires built and delivered to you in a matter of a month or two... or less. Get your build going first.

svirfnebli · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 03:13 PM

Thats great advice! I'll take it.

Total noob question - i've read a little about the FE .. what is it exactly and where does it come from?

elmariachi · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svirfnebli

Total noob question - i've read a little about the FE .. what is it exactly and where does it come from?

Its a long-since discontinued family of Ford V-8s. This is good starting point about FEs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_FE_engine

and there are plenty of books out there that tell you how to buy parts and build/maintain them.

patrickt · #11 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svirfnebli

Thats great advice! I'll take it.

Total noob question - i've read a little about the FE .. what is it exactly and where does it come from?

FE is a class of engines that were made by Ford. There were different sizes, but all look the same looking down on them in an engine bay. Two sizes of FEs were used in the Cobras, 427s and 428s. They are not the biggest, nor the fastest, nor the lightest engines, but they lend a "touch of originality" when used in a Cobra replica. Depending on the engine size, and the components you uaw, they can be cheaply and easily built... or pretty expensive.

svirfnebli · #12 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 05:25 PM

Gotcha - A quick google and wikipedia read educated me greatly. So is there a preference in engines around here? I imagine opinions vary greatly but does there seem to be a favorite? My ultimate goal is quick acceleration over top speed. I like that big block sound.

Thanks for alll the responses, how fantastic!

patrickt · #13 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svirfnebli

So is there a preference in engines around here? I imagine opinions vary greatly but does there seem to be a favorite? !

Opinions will vary, but.. the basic truth is that, in a Cobra replica, any FE is better than a non-FE, a 427 Side Oiler is the cream of the crop. A 427 Center Oiler might be a little better than a 428, which is a good all-around choice for authenticity and power. A 390 is one step below the 427s and 428s. There are some other, lesser known, FEs but you don't hear too much about them.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #14 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 06:16 PM

Let's not forget the car itself. If you want a Cobra that looks absolutely authentic, you want to look at ERA. Second to none in both quality and customer service, ERA is just about the most authentic looking Cobra replica that you can buy. My ERA 427 is often mistaken for an original, even among some original Cobra owners. That's about the most flattering compliment you can get. Good luck with your project.

rustyBob · #15 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 06:18 PM

The FE engines can produce tons of torque and if you want something that will blast off the line like you were shot out of a cannon the FE is the one you want. I have a basically stock lower end with stock heads with Edelbrock cam/intake/carb combo with some minor head work and it's plenty of power for a street driven Cobra it scares the heck out of most people i give rides to..........