Decision made, ERA on order

[Godfather]

I have finally made my decision and put down my deposit on an ERA 427.

Now the long wait begins. Peter says the list is about 5 months out to start. I am going with an FE powered car with a toploader 4speed form David Kee with the new lower 1st gear. Any one else using this this trans with the lower 1st gear? I would like to hear from you. I am planning either 3.31 or 3.07 rear ratio.

[Bob In Ct]

Have you determined how many RPM you'll be turning at 60MPH with the tires you plan to run?

Bob

[strictlypersonl]

Is it geared any differently than the Wide Ratio listed here?

[kanuck]

There is a 2.88 first gear option on the wide ratio version, I would go with the 3.08 rear end gear which would give you a 8.9 first ratio overall thats the sweet spot, more than 9.0 puts to much power through the drivetrain and causes excessive wheel spin traction loss and wheel hop.
Thanks Dean

[Godfather]

Yes it is a different first gear . It is a wide ratio gear box but first gear is lowered from 2.78 to 2.90. It will allow a higher rear ratio and still get that first gear pull.
try this link http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/componentmfg.htm

[Godfather]

Bob in Ct-- no i have no idea yet what rpm would be. I like the look of the goodyear billboard tires and am considering running them, dont know if they offer different sizing

Kanuck--yes I think we are talking about the same thing. I just want that 1st gear low enough to have that pulling sensation , but do not want to be high rev in 4th at 70mph

[richsd]

Originally Posted by Godfather

I have finally made my decision and put down my deposit on an ERA 427.

Now the long wait begins. Peter says the list is about 5 months out to start. I am going with an FE powered car with a toploader 4speed form David Kee with the new lower 1st gear. Any one else using this this trans with the lower 1st gear? I would like to hear from you. I am planning either 3.31 or 3.07 rear ratio.

Congratulations. ERAs are awesome and what a great car it will be with an FE and a toploader. Best of luck.

[PatBuckley]

You made the best choice - I miss my ERA.

[cbmax]

Godfather,

Welcome to the club. Even though the wait seems like forever right now, it will pass quickly. Easy for me to say right

Are you getting a turnkey? Who is building the motor?

I got my turnkey ERA 427 in August of '05. Had Danbury Competition build the motor and Tony's do the paint. Went with the TKO 600 5 spd. and 3.54 rear. Also got the upgraded ERA rear suspension in order to get the outboard brakes(highly recommended even if you never plan to race).

I am looking forward to another great driving season. Hopefully not too much longer of wait, but we did just get 12 inches of fresh snow here in NJ.

Keep us up to date on your progress.


CB

[mtr]

Congratulations, mine (#719)isn't on the road yet but I couldn't be happier with it. ERA has been great to deal with!

[hey,littlecobra]

#291, 16 years+ and still going strong.
can't go wrong with ERA.
Kristen

[Chaplin]

Congrats, great choice.

And I agree with CB, get the ERA optional rear. I didn't, and I wish I had. Makes servicing the rear brakes much easier.

[RedEsprit]

ERA 742. Ready to pick up around the end of the month. Ordered late May of last year so my wait was a tad longer than 5 months but if you want accuracy and the best glass car around...you wait. Besides, the longer you wait the longer you get to annoy Peter. Also building the car with an FE
(428) and also ordered the optional rear with outboard brakes, comp front brakes and the other "usual suspects". Rear is a 3.07. Plan on doing some driving at Sebring and we have very loooong, loooong straights. Need the top end.

[Rickd]

Red, what transmission? Are you getting a Toploader? Which one? Should be a great car. I've got an FIA on order that will get a 331 and a TKO 600. Looks like the next Reptile Roundup might be at Morosso in the Fall. RD

[RedEsprit]

I got a rebuilt close ratio toploader from Cobra Restorers. Yup...there's plenty of track time in Florida if you want it. I belong to SAFE Motorsports and they periodically rent Sebring, Moroso and Homestead. One of my attorneys is president and drives a Noble. Lots of track time. Chin Motorsports, Deep South...lots of track time and great events.

[Ant]

I havent seen an ERA in the flesh, and wonder at times why ERA isnt considered with the big three, Shelby, Kirkham, SPF, but I would emagine ERA is good value for the dollar!

Gear ratios, I picked 2.953 for my first gear ratio in a Jerico five speed, as this gives me a good launch gear for road racing, this is with 25.6 diameter tires, through a 3.27, 8.8" rear, my other ratios (4) are custom designed to suit the tracks here, but arent that disimilar to the Richmond five speed ratios! Having a lower first gear is great because you can launch it, grab second at the lower end of the power band, and they seem to be easier to get off the line, than eg 2.32 toploader ratios, where it is necessary to get a good balance of rpms with the clutch release!

[WarrenG]

Congrats on your decision. Delivery of my FIA is scheduled for tomorrow and I'm looking forward to getting it out on the road this week no matter what the temperature is. Been looking forward to this for several months. Even though it's taken longer than some other cars I could have gone with, I wouldn't go back and change.

[RedEsprit]

By the way, congrats Warren on the car. I think mine is supposed toi it the main floor next week. Take a look at 742 when your up there if you can and let me know the status.

Thanks in advance.

[hey,littlecobra]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I havent seen an ERA in the flesh, and wonder at times why ERA isnt considered with the big three, Shelby, Kirkham, SPF, but I would emagine ERA is good value for the dollar!

welllll.... it isn't???

maybe it has to do with quantity??
ERA doesn't spit them out like an assembly line.
I think Peter said sometime that in his lifetime, he'd maybe make as many ERA replica's as there were original. Around 1000.
ERA reputation is second to none.
K

[JWheaton]

Great choice GOdfather.

You will not be disappointed.

Fabulous car and great people to work with.