I'm ordering an ERA! Seeking your experienced opinions

[blykins]

Originally Posted by DanEC

That sounds like a good deal even with shipping added on. Is that with a stock crank or a Scat stroker? Throw in a set of those nice Holman Moody valve covers and it would be hard to beat.

It's a true 390. Could make it a 445 for about $850 more.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by blykins

It's a true 390. Could make it a 445 for about $850 more.

... and pretty soon, *poof*, you're magically knocking on the 500/500 door (at least on the bench dyno with no pipes attached), but don't get me started.

[RodKnock]

How much extra for one of those new FE blocks from the company that rose from the ashes of Genesis?

[blykins]

Not sure Rod. I never did give much business to Genesis because of the horror stories I'd heard. I know that the "new" company isn't Genesis anymore, but I've had awfully good luck with Robert Pond and the new BBM blocks as well.

You're looking at ~$3300-3400 for the BBM cast iron block and ~$4700-4800 for a Pond aluminum piece.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

Not sure Rod. I never did give much business to Genesis because of the horror stories I'd heard. I know that the "new" company isn't Genesis anymore, but I've had awfully good luck with Robert Pond and the new BBM blocks as well.

You're looking at ~$3300-3400 for the BBM cast iron block and ~$4700-4800 for a Pond aluminum piece.

This is more for the OP than me. Would that $3,350-ish be incremental cost increase over the 390 w/prep work? Maybe the OP could fit the new block into the the budget.

If I were building a new engine, then I'd likely opt for the Pond alloy block, although the Shelby block that I have is fine.

[blykins]

Yes, it would be.

This is one of those scenarios where it's easy to get carried away. It's almost impossible for me to price out and market a "budget" engine and you can now see why. Even my 390's using factory cranks, rods, inexpensive oil pans, factory rockers, etc., are not "cheap" because of all the machine work involved, assembly involved, etc. I suppose I could do a very stock-ish style rebuild with Speed Pro pistons, cheap rings, bearings, and other parts, but that's just not the way I do things.

Once you get to a $10k engine, then you start asking questions like you're asking...."Well, if I'm already looking at $10k, would it be worthwhile to throw a few more bucks in for a stroker kit. What about an aftermarket block?" It's hard to stop at "budget".

[RodKnock]

ERA 941 for sale. $75,000 obo. 462 ci FE with Aluminum Shelby block, aluminum Edelbrock heads. No affiliation.

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4sa...b-1314x791.jpg

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

ERA 941 for sale. $75,000 obo. 462 ci FE with Aluminum Shelby block, aluminum Edelbrock heads. No affiliation.

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4sa...b-1314x791.jpg

I know a teensy bit about that car. The "all-in" build cost was >$100k.

EDIT -- Ooops, my mistake. I don't know that car. But, for all I know, he may very well have over $100k invested.

[Blue66]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

ERA 941 for sale. $75,000 obo. 462 ci FE with Aluminum Shelby block, aluminum Edelbrock heads. No affiliation.

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobra4sa...b-1314x791.jpg

I was thinking of that car..looks nice from the add.

[RockBit]

Couple of odd things about the ERA941 ad on Cobra Country. First, ERA has not built chassis number 941 yet. Also, the ad says the search started in 2009, build took two years, then the car was titled in 2009. Must be a relativity thing going on in Georgia.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by RockBit

Couple of odd things about the ERA941 ad on Cobra Country. First, ERA has not built chassis number 941 yet. Also, the ad says the search started in 2009, build took two years, then the car was titled in 2009. Must be a relativity thing going on in Georgia.

Good point - my ERA is #782 and was delivered in early 2010. I thought something sounded odd about that number. Probably is #741 is my guess.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Good point - my ERA is #782 and was delivered in early 2010. I thought something sounded odd about that number. Probably is #741 is my guess.

My CSX block is #931. The ERA has CSX block #930. My engine was built late 2007, early 2008. So the ERA # of 941 is likely an error.

[Blue66]

So what do you guys think that car is worth ? Been for sale a while.

[Grubby]

Really nice ERAs typically sell between $50k and $60k. If the car is as nice as it appears and needs nothing, I say it is worth right around $60k.

Lesser quality or worn ERAs can be had for under $50k.

John

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Grubby

Really nice ERAs typically sell between $50k and $60k. If the car is as nice as it appears and needs nothing, I say it is worth right around $60k.

Lesser quality or worn ERAs can be had for under $50k.

John

Typically, ERA's have 428's in them, which, if Patrick is reading this, are faux FE's. That all-aluminum 427 engine with Shelby block and TKO600 trans combo are at least $25,000 together, probably more if built today. And seems to have all the various options such as a heater/defroster. The only POS item are the BFG TA's. If you can buy that car for $60K, then buy it NOW! But I'd be very surprised, if that sells for much less than $70K +/-.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Typically, ERA's have 428's in them, which, if Patrick is reading this, are faux FE's.

My entire car is faux! But I will tell you that I have turned down unsolicited offers (serious ones) that would drop your jaw.... And it's mostly because of the color.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

My entire car is faux! But I will tell you that I have turned down unsolicited offers (serious ones) that would drop your jaw.... And it's mostly because of the color.

Seriously, I thought you said there was unaminity (100% as I recall) about beige.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Seriously, I thought you said there was unaminity (100% as I recall) about beige.

Ok I'll admit it! I like the beige.
Its polarizing and unique, just like our Pat.
It grows on you like moss or a barnacle

But those two padded roll bars... yikes... they'd knock a premium off anyone's offer price.

As for our OP.
Any reason you wouldn't buy a used ERA and modify/restore/re-build to your tastes?
Seems the most logical way to go if you were keen to enter the fray on a strict budget.

[madmaxx]

Just a heads up, Richy's Auto Collosion off Veteran Memorial (Houston) does exceptional paint and body. He specialized in Corvettes. He reworked a Superformance hood for me and nailed it. Everybody else wanted to repaint the car or at least the front half. Matching existing paint is much harder than painting from fresh. His fiberglass repair was also flawless. Corvette owners are painfully picky as are Cobra owners.

[DrivinWest]

Originally Posted by Dimis

As for our OP.
Any reason you wouldn't buy a used ERA and modify/restore/re-build to your tastes?
Seems the most logical way to go if you were keen to enter the fray on a strict budget.

If I can get what I want without having to redo stuff like paint, I'll very seriously consider used. There was a black ERA with a 427 S/O that sold for $50K here in Houston not long ago. I saw the car, and while not Guardsman Blue, it was great. I'm kicking myself.

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Just a heads up, Richy's Auto Collosion off Veteran Memorial (Houston) does exceptional paint and body.

That's GREAT to know - thank you! I had thought about Naber's Motors in Belaire, but glad to know there's a place in town that's actually worked on a Cobra.