New Member's First Post

[Tutosnake]

Hello Everyone. My name is Hector and I live in Louisiana. I joined CC a while ago, when I had just ordered a CSX car from Shelby American. Since an un-dertermined amount of time would pass before I could even see pictures of the project, I had not felt the need to post here.

Now, things have changed. I have received a few pics of the painted body, and it looks pretty awesome. I have been informed by the Shelby Dealer that the car will leave South Africa by the end of this week. I'm really excited.
This is my first Cobra Roadster, and my first hobby car, really. I do not know anything about mechanics, but am looking forward to hours of learning and fun.

I have two major issues and would like anybody's opinion on these.

First, the Shelby Dealer called me and announced that I will be receiving an invoice, and the balance of my order is due BEFORE they ship the car out of South Africa. I always thought I would pay the balance when the car was ready to ship out of Las Vegas, NV. The Dealers tells me this is not the case, and that this is the standard procedure. I am worried about paying the car off, and having 6 weeks of uncertainty! I mean, I know I will get a shipping tracking number, or the such, and I imagine the whole process is insured. I was wondering, though, if this is what everyone else out there has done, or if I have the right to hold payment until the car is in Las Vegas (US soil).

Second, I would like your opinion/recommendations on an engine builder and/or installer. (I know these can be two different parties altogether). I have been doing some research, but unfortunately (and fortunately) it seems that everyone out there is "the best".

I know this is a volatile topic. I have silently read over tons of posts/threads here and on other forums. It seems it is almost impossible to touch on this subject without hurting someone's feelings. I just want your "guy". I want to hear who builds/installs the best Period Correct 427 S/C engine (preferably iron block, aluminum intake, single carb, turkey pan, pentroof covers, puke tanks, around 500 hp, 4 speed Top Loader... basically the old set up).

I really would not like to hear the negatives, if you can help it. I do not want to hear who sucks, who has no matters, who does not not answer the phone, who is too expensive... Don't get me wrong, money IS an issue, but I am very aware that he old adage "You get what you pay for" is ever so true here. I just don't want this topic to be negative and hurting to anyone. Just tell me your positives about someone. I would like to just tally the names at the end of a few days.

I know the topic is boring to some of you (it comes back every year, right?) Do not opine if I am wasting your time. I figure many of you here have posted the question at some time, or another.

Please feel free. I am aware that ultimately, this is my decision, and my decision only. If I go one way, and it does not work out, I will not be coming back to the forum to complaint/trash/fault.

For the sake of honesty and disclosure, I will tell you guys whom I have spoken to in the last 6 months or so:

-Mitch Hughes at S/C Motorsports in OK
-Bill Parham at Southern Automotive in GA
-George Anderson at Gessford in NE
-John Garuti at Cobra Automotive in CT
-Eric Hinderberger at Performance Engineering in OH
-Mathew Gregory at Gregory Motorsports in CA
-A few others that were not interested.

Thanks everyone for your time and input.

Sincerely,

Hector

[B.M.B.C]

Ill recommend if you want cast iron block is too go for a new pond or genesis cast block. They are much stronger , correctly date coded. The one thing about genuine side oiler blocks is that they are 50 years old very brittle and expensive.
Or if you wanna stick with the Shelby theme then go for a new alloy Shelby block and heads.

[patrickt]

Hector, I'll skip the "pay up front" question as I went with a domestic auto. I'll also skip over who you choose to build your engine. Instead, I'll just point out that it's pretty easy to drop the engine and trans in to these cars. I have to believe there's a local speed shop there in Louisiana, that you could have the engine shipped to, and they can drop it in. You know, if you picked somebody like Gessford (the others, too, probably), he'd break the engine in on the dyno, dial in the bellhousing for you, and throw in the correct length driveshaft as a freebie. Then just pay to ship it to your installer and it's really a pretty quick job and you could be there when they did it.

[jpetran]

There is only one place and man that you need to deal with and that is: Tom Bernard at Speedway Classic Cars right across the street from Shelby America in Las Vegas. If you need more information as to why I recommend him, just email me or search this site under my name. Thanks, Joe.

[Al G]

Your purchase order should spell out when payments are due. My final payment was due before the roller shipped from the factory. You can always check with Shelby American about their requirements.

I also recommend Tom Barnard. While dropping the engine in might be easy, every car is a little different. I would not use someone who hasn't completed several CSX cars and knows their nuances.

[Clois Harlan]

GiveKeith Craft a call he is in your back yark in Arkadelphia. Keith and George both deal with the Shelby people regularly. Keith can even do your install.

Clois Harlan

[tkb289]

Hector,

First off welcome to Club Cobra and congratulations on the purchase and upcoming delivery of your CSX !

If indeed you have to pay in full when the car ships, check to see who insures the vehicle (Shelby American or the transport company) and what is covered. Check with your installer as well about their insurance.

For a motor I would recommend Tom Lucas, FE Specialties in Sacramento, California.

Have fun with the build.

[Tutosnake]

Thanks everyone! I'm looking into all of your suggestions. Money was sent on its way. Crossing my fingers I will get my car without glitch.

[Tim Brewer]

Congrats Hector on your car, I'm sure it'll turn out just fine. Now, I don't want to change the subject here, but I noticed jpetran says his car has a carbon fiber frame. I've seen quite a bit, but I've never seen, nor heard of a Cobra carbon fiber frame. You have any pictures of that? Generally, carbon fiber has a finite lifespan when even used as a bicycle frame.

[Silversmith]

If your looking for an original FE for your snake, might I suggest Holmon Moody Racing. They wrote the book on FE's. They still sell & install them also. Give Lee Holmon a call! I don't think you will be dissapponited!! $ 20 to 30K, but in the same range as others!

Welcome to the addiction!!

[aussielad]

Hector - first congrats on the car. The hardest thing is waiting for the car to be built after you place that order.....but it is worth it.

I have a Backdraft that has a PE motor from Eric in it based on the recommendation of the BDR dealer I purchased from.

It's in getting some warranty work on it right now so I will fill you in on the result and follow through once I get the car back in the next few weeks.

[jpetran]

I do own CSX-4507 and it is number 7 of only 7 produced in Carbon Fiber. I will upload some photos this weekend in the gallery.