Superformance & ERA owners I need your help!

lloyds1 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:15 AM

Hi guys

I'm new to the forum and I am doing my research on Cobras because i plan on buying one this winter (or sooner if I find the right one). I have owned many cars, but always wanted a Cobra, so now I'm going to make the plunge

I have driven a backdraft so far, but I still need to sit and drive in (I will be perfectly happy as a passenger) a Superformance and an ERA.

So anyone with a Superformance or an ERA that would be willing to talk to me about their car, let me sit in it and take me for a drive would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you want to sell your car let me know too.

I live in Norwalk CT and don't mind driving a couple of hours to check out your cars. Thanks!

fastd · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:20 AM

go visit ERA in New Britain; you are a no brainer candidate for ERA since it is so close and awesome.

*13* · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:33 AM

I second that! ERA is top notch. I pretty much built mine from dolly's & did the body work. I'm in CA but if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them for you.

lloyds1 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:40 AM

I was there yesterday but they didn't have any cars I could drive or even go for a ride in! I love their shop though, it is such a throwback to the past and they seem like good guys.

I need to get a ride one though..........

The driving experience is just as important if not more important than the slight difference in aesthetics between the different manufactures.

JWheaton · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:49 AM

Lloyd,

Send me a PM. I would be glad to talk to you about my car. I live in nothern NJ about 45 minutes from Norwalk.

I agree with those that say go visit ERA. Not far from you and you will learn a lot abou Cobras.

Jamie

raclaims · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:49 AM

I have a Superformance and live in Northern NJ....I'd be more than happy to show you the car and take you for a "spin"!

raclaims · #7 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 07:51 AM

That's funny...2 guys in northern NJ reply at the same exact time!

This is perfect...you can see both of our cars at the same time. Midland Park is 5 minutes from my house!

Bob In Ct · #8 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 08:00 AM

Lloyds:
I have an older SPF and I live right down the road from you. You can also visit Vintage in Wallingford, they build a very nice car and they're local. In a few weeks you could compare a bunch of snakes all at the same time - see other New England threads.

Who are you anyway? Are you just looking for one to steal?

Bob

mrmustang · #9 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 08:22 AM

You'll find the ride in both to be quite similar since they are both IRS equipped cars. Your big problem will be deciding whether you want a Small block or Big block powered car. Most of the time your end use will determine this one (IE: street cruiser, drag racer, road racer, or nice Sunday driver). Now, before you decide on that, you'll need to work up a realistic budget, that and are you going to buy one already built, or build it yourself. Do a search for "How to buy a used cobra" if that is the route you want to take, if not, there are plenty of threads that deal with scratch building, finishing a factory roller, and everything in between. Most of all, enjoy the hunt, as sometimes that is half the fun.

Yours In Fords,

Bill S.

lloyds1 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raclaims

I have a Superformance and live in Northern NJ....I'd be more than happy to show you the car and take you for a "spin"!

That is great! I'm actually in NJ today on business (I come about once a week) any chance I could swing by today?

lloyds1 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob In Ct

Lloyds:
I have an older SPF and I live right down the road from you. You can also visit Vintage in Wallingford, they build a very nice car and they're local. In a few weeks you could compare a bunch of snakes all at the same time - see other New England threads.

Who are you anyway? Are you just looking for one to steal?

Bob

Hi Bob

I'm a motorhead. I have owned a bunch of 911's a bunch of race cars and used to race motorcycles. Not looking to steal one, but I am looking for the right one at the right price......

I did visit Jay at Vintage and drove one of his cars. Nice car and nice guy. Now i just need to compare to SF and ERA before I decide what car to get.

lloyds1 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *13*

I second that! ERA is top notch. I pretty much built mine from dolly's & did the body work. I'm in CA but if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them for you.

Your car is beautiful. I really like the vintage race look. the color is amazing.

raclaims · #13 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyds1

That is great! I'm actually in NJ today on business (I come about once a week) any chance I could swing by today?

I'm at work and have another toy with me here...but if you want to come by tonight that's cool. You do realize once you go for a ride in it...you will buy one immediately right?

Nothing compares!

Bob In Ct · #14 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:01 AM

Lloyd:
I've got a 10 year old SPF with a small block. Let me know if you want to see the car.

Keep in mind that SPF, FFR, BDR and ERA are apples, oranges and a couple of other fruits. They can vary widely for features, quality and cost. ERAs tend to be 4speeds with FEs, FFRs tend to have 5.0, BDR cars usually have Roush Windsor strokers with 5 speeds and SPFs tend to have Windsor and 385 series engines.

New SPF and BDR cars can be purchased new in a short amount of time. ERA usually takes a little longer.

Bob

patrickt · #15 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloyds1

Your car is beautiful. I really like the vintage race look. the color is amazing.

I don't know what that color is, but I like it a lot. The black and the wheels really set it off. It's a good look.

Rickd · #16 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:35 AM

I am jealous that you live in Ct., as ERA is in New Britain .. and they build the best glass bodied cobra on the market. Incredibly well engineered, fit and finish superb. I had another brand for two years, had a chance to drive an ERA and am now fortunate to have my new ERA FIA with just under 5000 miles on it in the garage. Go check them out. They build a 289 FIA body, a 289 Slab Side body, and a 427 SC body. The 289 and 427 are different chassis. Visual details of engine compartment, cockpit, trunk, body shape = identical to originals.

Excaliber · #17 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:47 AM

I'm not sure a ride in an SPF vs ERA is going to reveal a lot, or be different enough to be a determining factor. #1 you have to consider potential difference in engines AND gear ratio's. Which can vary widely for any replica and makes a HUGE difference in over all driveability, feel and soul.

Now a lot of ERA's follow the same basic recipe, FE with a top loader and 3:31 rear gear. There fairly consistent in that regard. SPF's are all ove the map! Small block, big block, 5 speed (with widely varying gear ratios), four speed. Because the RIDE itself is going to be similiar the variance is going to be about how the individual setup of motor, trans, rear gear ratio, cam profile and carb setup work together. That kind of "feel" for the ride can really only be done by actually driving the car yourself for many miles under different conditions. Something that is not likely going to happen.

I have, in my mind, what I consider to be the "perfect" setup for specs for a STREET and occasional track car. My current car does not meet those exacting specifications, but it's close enough. Which is almost ALWAYS the case, perfection is a very illusive prize, if you come close to your ideal, you done good!

patrickt · #18 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excaliber

I have, in my mind, what I consider to be the "perfect" setup for specs for a STREET and occasional track car.

Well, it's a slow day... I'd be willing to listen.

*13* · #19 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't know what that color is, but I like it a lot. The black and the wheels really set it off. It's a good look.

Thank you, Color was a tough choice for me. I wanted something that looked good in vintage dress but would stand out a little bit as being unique. One day I was driving & saw a Saab convertible That was this color gray & that was it. Dolphin Gray is the color. It never seems to reflect correctly on film though.

Don · #20 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 11:23 AM

If your purchasing an out of state Cobra , either previously registered or new, might want to familiarize yourself with the the CT DMV regulations for inspecting and registering a kit/replica Cobra in CT. Such as Bills of Sale for the engine, transmission etc., heat shields on the side pipes, accepting out of state titles/registration for transfers, new, etc.

CT issues a unique CT VIN for these vehicles, ERA would be aware of the specific steps, etc. and be able to share their recent experiences for CT transfers on pre-owned, new etc. The " Composites ", as CT refers to the kit/replicas, are exempt from emissions.

Currently, the year of registration becomes the model year of the Composite. As of Oct 1, 2009, the new regulations will become effective in that the model year will be the year the vehicle most closely resembles, not known whether the Make name will remain as Composite or ?. I am not aware if the new regulations have been finalized/published.