ERA questions - Page 3

ZOERA-SC7XX · #41 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 05:20 PM

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but all Cobra builds probably cost 50% more than we planned to spend. I hope never to have to sell my car, but to drive and enjoy it. I wanted an AC Cobra back in 1966 when I was just thirteen years old. Now I have the chance after forty years to drive my dream (I also have a '76 Corvette that I've owned for twenty years and truely enjoy that too). It's taking a little longer to realize the finished product (Tony's in MA just delivered it after painting it) and the trans is out getting rebuilt. I hope to drive it before summer's over, but you know how the best laid plans go, but the build is totally enjoyable. Good luck with your choice and keep us all posted.

65FIA289 · #42 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 05:30 PM

Thanks, will do.

SM

65FIA289 · #43 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 06:21 PM

Are most of you guys running sway bars on the ERA?

sm

Tongue Pirate · #44 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 07:00 PM

Front & rear, yes.

Snakebit · #45 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 11:04 AM

Front and rear with the big brake option.

John Martin · #46 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 12:20 PM

I added my sway bars later. It was good to drive with out them first .

65FIA289 · #47 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Martin

I added my sway bars later. It was good to drive with out them first .

Did you notice a big difference in handling, ride quality, etc?

SM

Cobra 29 · #48 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 05:52 PM

65FIA289, in deciding upon the ERA FIA, you made a great selection! I have the 427SC model and a close friend has the FIA. We often attend shows parked side by side and we are able to point out the true differences in these two body styles.

I did add the front sway bar to my car and it helped some what in cornering but honestly the car drove and cornered very well before I added the bar. I added the front bar because for some reason the rear bar was already installed and I believe that you should have a larger bar in the front for proper balance and road holding.

robbiecanuck · #49 (**permalink**) 04-20-2006, 08:53 PM

Hello all!

I've just been digesting the conversation regarding the FIA 289. I've been doing a lot of research over the past couple of months and ERA keeps coming to the top of the heep along with a few other brands (SPF, Unique, Kirkham and a couple others). I like the fact that they have a couple different workable IRS solutions for high HP cars.

Question is, I hear they are hard to get into Canada, as are most US based replica manufacturers. Any advice, thoughts or experiences on this? What do I have to do to get one into the country and make it road legal?

On a side note, thanks ot Mike from TurnTen, who is the distributor for a Canadian company - D&D Corbras I think - whom I'm seriously looking at. I am blown away by the accuracy of the ERA product, and I used to know a fellow Torontonian with a ERA 427 (who conveniently moved away and I've lost touch with) who first infected me with the fever for a ERA car. At the same time, I like Mike's passion at TurnTen for the D& D product. I'm open, but I would like to be on the road with my cobra in 12-15 months.

Thanks
Rob

Tongue Pirate · #50 (**permalink**) 04-20-2006, 09:36 PM

The ERA FIA is a very nice car. I can't speak for Turn Ten as I've never had the opportunity to see one up close. If an FIA car is what you are in the market for your choices are pretty much Unique, ERA & Kirkham. I have heard people say that the ERA Body is the most accurate. I'm not going to get into that arguement but I do think it is the best looking of the three. If money were no object I'd probably take a good look at Kirkham for the sake of the Aluminum body but that's just me. Having said that I have nothing bad to say about my ERA or the people at ERA. I love my car & have 0 regrets. Top notch all the way around.

TampaFla · #51 (**permalink**) 04-20-2006, 11:16 PM

You'll never hear any complaints from an ERA owner. The car is great and so are the people who work there.

USrowboy · #52 (**permalink**) 04-21-2006, 12:54 AM

Ditto on the ERA. I looked at a LOT of kits and looked at the reputation as well as the resale value. The ease of build, the comprehensive assembly manual, the lack of need to weld and fabricate. This is one very well thought out car/cars.
I'm a boatbuilder by hobby, not a motorhead. My ERA replica went together very easily, and in the time they stated in the manual except when I didn't read directions. They are ALWAYS helpful on the phone for tech help and stop work to show you around the shop. They care! GREAT company, great people.

TampaFla · #53 (**permalink**) 04-21-2006, 03:51 AM

Their cars are great, just start restoring a 25' Hunter (sailboat) and it's (so far) taking longer than the 289FIA.

Snakebit · #54 (**permalink**) 04-21-2006, 09:58 AM

ERA is a top of the line replica and very well thought out. I researched for over 5 years on all different kits while saving money to purchase a replica. ERA came out on top. They went to Arizona and took templates, tons of pictures, and measurements of the only original FIA that was not wrecked and re bodied. The end result is truly a work of art.

In a conservation, Peter mentioned shipping some parts to a guy in Canada. If he doesn't know all the ins and outs of getting the car registered in Canada, may be he can put you in touch with his Canadain customer.

Tongue Pirate · #55 (**permalink**) 04-21-2006, 10:18 AM

Snakebit, Lets see those webers