Which Kit?

Big Ben · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 10:08 AM

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the list and just getting into Cobras, and I have the fever. This may be a pretty common question from a novice, but given the number of companies that manufacture Cobra kits, it's very difficult to determine who makes the best kit. I visited a Superformance dealership and they appear to have a quality product. But, I've read a lot about ERA and like what I've seen (in print). Any input/advice you can provide would be most appreciated.

I don't want to build one from the ground up, but rather have the body rivited/bonded to the chassis and most of the hardware installed. I guess a rolling chassis. The engine and transmission I'd do.

I like the small block look and would like a 289 Hi-po. Any recommendations on where to go for such an engine??

ST · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 10:57 AM

You can do a search on this topic here and find about 3 million posts to help you decide.

I can only speak from my experiences with ERA. As far as they go their customer service is first rate. I bought an older car and they helped me WITHOUT FAIL everytime I had a question or a problem.
I would without question buy from them again!

Draco · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 11:10 AM

With the mighty american buck you might want to check out the Canadian - Johnex

FOCS · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 12:07 PM

Superformance was the car for me. Great product and great people. ERA is another fine product, although I did not want to wait the 18 months or so for a car. I also liked the fact that Dynamic Motorsports and my engine builder Competition Motorsports are only a couple of hours away from me in the event I would need support. Given your proximity to Ross, OH, I would look very close at Superformance.

Brian

cob289 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 02:56 PM

Don´t buy a kit !!! Buy a Kirkham !!!

Don´t buy a kit !!! Buy a Kirkham !!!

Double Venom · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 03:51 PM

Big Ben,

You're invited to our shop just north of Lonon, right off of I-70. 2 hours from Cinn.

I have a turnkey Classic Roadsters, a Mid States, and a Factory Five car in house. None of these are for sale and are all customer cars, but you are welcome to look, sit, touchy/feeley.

DV

Open on weekends if that is convienant
740-852-5280

SSSnake · #7 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 04:38 PM

Big ben,

Superformance makes great cars, but only the 427 body style. I'd go for either the ERA or Unique for the FIA. I think Johnex makes a FIA and a slabside, but i really haven't heard much about them. The customer service from ERA is top notch. Once you start bothering Bob and Peter, you won't want to stop.

Glenn Jr

Len Hurlburt · #8 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 05:28 PM

Big ben,

Take a stroll through the Cobras for Sale section of this forum. There are a number of ERA, Unique, and SPF Cobras, as well as other manufactures cars listed there. Most have photos that accompany the text. For what you would pay for a new turn key minus car, you could probably buy a very nice ready to go Cobra. Take your time and enjoy the photo ads.

Richard Hudgins · #9 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 08:31 PM

Big Ben,

I would certainly endorse the ERA product. I have seen and driven a number of their cars and they are top notch.

The Kirham is also excellent and very true to the original car.

I think that they are both in the same price range.

Of course there are the Shelby cars. Very nice, well done and they have just issued a FIA car if I recall correctly.

You will not go wrong with any of the above choices.

Roscoe · #10 (**permalink**) 02-20-2002, 12:02 PM

Being from OH I don't think you are that far from Buffalo, NY, home of A & C. They make one of the best bodies in the industry and it come complete with inner panels, cut outs and gel coated. I'm not going to paint mine for a couple of years.

Check it out: http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm

Roscoe

wadesdad · #11 (**permalink**) 02-21-2002, 11:23 AM

Big Ben,

The Ohio Cobra Club now has some 60 members. There is most likely an example of just about anything you'd like to see. Unfortunately, with the inclement weather, you'll not get to see any number of manufacturers in one spot, unless you see DV in London, OH.

If I can help point you to a specific example, let me know.

wadesdad@hotmail.com

Steve R · #12 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 11:58 AM

Ben,
Take DV up on his offer. He is a real enthusiast with a lot of knowledge about these cars, and a real nice guy to boot! ( by that, I don't mean it is nice to give him the boot) He! He! He!
Steven R

Jack21 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 12:42 PM

Ditto the above. Magazine ads and websites make for pretty pictures, but seeing the car, sitting in it, going for a ride, and talking to the builder about the pros/cons of examples is the only way to tell.

You may find that you can stretch your car $$$ a bit further by having a builder build a semi-roller, of full roller for you.