cobra automotive in Wallingford CT

lloyds1 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 04:07 PM

Any reviews? positive or negative experiences? I'm looking for general engine and chassis maintenance, car set up, minor mods etc.....

thanks!

mickmate · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 04:25 PM

I've seen their stuff run on the track. They set up cars to go, stop, and go round corners!

lloyds1 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 05:30 PM

that's what I'm looking for

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickmate

I've seen their stuff run on the track. They set up cars to go, stop, and go round corners!

ZOERA-SC7XX · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 06:31 PM

They are uninterested in replicas. I went in there once and all the guy in charge said was they prepare and restore Shelbys. Didn't want to talk about anything. I'll never step foot in there again.

Rickd · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 07:13 PM

I was looking at a used ERA FIA car several years ago that had a lot of it's set up and completion done by them - and I spoke with them about the car. They were not negative to me at all about replicas and their web site says they specialize in them - along with restoration of original and Mustang gt 350 replicas. Expensive .. but very good is what I hear.

gfridland · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 07:29 PM

I worked with them after completing my build in 2003/4. They set up my alignment, final tuned the engine along with a few ods and ends.

They were good, knowledgeable, but expensive then…don’t know if its still the case.

Overall, I would recommend.

lloyds1 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 07:45 PM

So far it sounds like it is worth a call.......

ZOERA-SC7XX · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 06:35 PM

Maybe I was there on the wrong day or ran into the wrong rep.

lloyds1 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:37 PM

I called them today and they seemed happy to work with me. Since the car is new to me, I'm having them go through the car and check everything out, change all the fluids, balance tires etc........

I'll let you know how it goes.

lloyds1 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 02:45 PM

Dropped the car off today. They could not have been nicer and they had 4 real cobras there today (2 small block cars and 2 big block cars). One of the big blocks was the car Elvis drove in his movie! They also had tons of Shelby GT-350 race cars. Very cool place!

DAVID GAGNARD · #11 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyds1

Dropped the car off today. They could not have been nicer and they had 4 real cobras there today (2 small block cars and 2 big block cars). One of the big blocks was the car Elvis drove in his movie! They also had tons of Shelby GT-350 race cars. Very cool place!

They maintain a fleet of GT-350 Vintage race cars for varouis customers from around the country, some of the best and fastest GT 350's in Vintage racin today......also do Cobras, real and replica and other Vintage race cars........
the're good, very good, but ain't cheap......racing= $$$$$$, how fast can you afford to go???????

All the front suspension/brakes on my 65 coupe road racer and some of the rear came from them...........

Tell Scotty H., David in Louisiana says hey.................
That oughta be worth a free cap, maybe

David

Mark IV · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVID GAGNARD

They maintain a fleet of GT-350 Vintage race cars for varouis customers from around the country, some of the best and fastest GT 350's in Vintage racin today......also do Cobras, real and replica and other Vintage race cars........
the're good, very good, but ain't cheap......racing= $$$$$$, how fast can you afford to go???????

Race cars all right, but not vintage! All of the cars running now are technically far beyond what ran "back when"

Lotsa 351s, brakes that even GT40s didn't have and more. Not a knock on Curt V. and the guys there, but rather a comment on what "vintage" has become.

DAVID GAGNARD · #13 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Race cars all right, but not vintage! All of the cars running now are technically far beyond what ran "back when"

Lotsa 351s, brakes that even GT40s didn't have and more. Not a knock on Curt V. and the guys there, but rather a comment on what "vintage" has become.

Yep, I know what you're talking about....but it's like that from coast to coast......More Rousch built Ford motors at most Vintage races than at a NASCAR race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just look at their catalog, NASCAR built stainless steel step headers, somewhere over 4 grand a set, that much for a trans., 2 and 3 disc lightweight 5 inch clutches,etc.,etc......

Whether you're running a Mustang or a Vette or a Camaro, they all run pretty much the same stuff........like I said:racin=$$$$$$$$, the top dogs race on cubic dollars, something I'll never be able to do, but that's o-k, I'm still having a ton of fun, even running mid pack......

The only series I know of that is back to the basics is CVAR in Texas. They are super strict on the cars and must run everything on the cars that was avaliable "back in the day".....none of the new trick stuff allowed........just old school stuff, and old school racing........

David

eric johnson · #14 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 08:49 PM

They do a nice job, but are pricey.Also the race car support and logistics have priority over other cars that are in the shop. On vintage race dates most of the seasoned mechanics are at the track tending cars (thurs-sun). This can delay work on your car. On the plus side, you can leave your trailer on site until your car is done.

Don · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 09:27 AM

lloyds 1 :

According to the article in the AACA Magazine, the Elvis Presley driven Cobra is CSX 2254

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99730

zrayr · #16 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 09:54 AM

I've bought from them for several years. very nice, and competent.

Z. Ray

computerworks · #17 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

lloyds 1 :

According to the article in the AACA Magazine, the Elvis Presley driven Cobra is CSX 2254

2254 was leased for movie use and was in several (Viva Las Vegas, The Killers and Herbie...according to the SAAC Registry)

...but there also were several 427 Comp cars used as movie cars as well.

lloyds1 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:38 PM

He told me it was the car that Elvis drove in the movie Spinout.

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerworks

2254 was leased for movie use and was in several (Viva Las Vegas, The Killers and Herbie...according to the SAAC Registry)

...but there also were several 427 Comp cars used as movie cars as well.

RodKnock · #19 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyds1

He told me it was the car that Elvis drove in the movie Spinout.

I'll bet you that their shop rates reflect that fact too.

There's a shop like that here in Northern California. The work is virtually flawless, but you pay for what you get. Sounds like you made a good decision.

1ntCobra · #20 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyds1

He told me it was the car that Elvis drove in the movie Spinout.

The car in Spinout is a CSX3xxx car. I'm not sure, but I think it may be a car that was "rebuilt" after a wreck.