What's the best place to buy "Cobra" air cleaner?

SunDude · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 04:23 PM

Where is the best place to buy a reproduction, natural finish, cast aluminum "Cobra" air cleaner kit like the one used on the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500? See photos below.

The best price online seems to be Tony Branda (Altoona PA) or Cobra Restorers (Kennesaw GA) at around $145-150 USD. Is there a better place to shop / do business with, that I should consider? I live in central Canada.

Also, where's a good place to buy air filter elements to fit and what is the part number? I think K&N makes a washable filter to fit (part no. E-1960), but I'm not sure if it's worth going that way. What about regular paper filters?

Thanks for the help.

FUNFER2 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 05:57 PM

If you can wait a few days or so, I have a machine shop that I'm working with that may be making billet oval cobra assembly's. We may even have separate letters & numbers, so you can spell and get the numbers you want. I'll tell you this, they are very cool.

1985 CCX · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 06:34 PM

The Cobra Store.......

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 06:49 PM

Finish Line??

http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...iq9l10lar9u3e1

racco · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 07:41 PM

I have one for sale, I'm in Toronto. pm me

Trueoo7 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 08:14 PM

Haven't checked the price lately but www.mustangsunlimited.com has them for sale.
Paper elements are Baldwin PA632. Lasted about 5K before I replaced it. Its about 1 1/2" tall. Paid about $20-$23. If clearance is not a problem then K&N is a little taller at about 1 7/8" - 2" tall and more expensive because its cleanable.

Just checked and its $125.00, a little better....

Howard Bosworth · #7 (**permalink**) 06-07-2010, 08:55 PM

Tony Branda good quality and knows what you need.

undy · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 04:08 AM

Get the one made by Blue Thunder. It's a very high quality piece.

mickmate · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 05:07 AM

I like dealing with Cobranda http://www.cobranda.com/aircleaners.html

SunDude · #10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 07:39 AM

mickmate, I've ordered parts from Tony Branda before and had good experiences. I've asked them for a shipping quote and am waiting to hear back (same with Cobra Restorers).

Does anyone know who the manufacturer is for this reproduction part? Does anyone have a mfr. part number? Is this the same piece that's available through different retailers, or are there different kits out there? It's hard to tell just from web surfing.

undy, do you know if Blue Thunder is making their own pieces or are they selling the same one as everyone else?

undy · #11 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunDude

undy, do you know if Blue Thunder is making their own pieces or are they selling the same one as everyone else?

I'm not sure what everyone else is selling?? I think the cast their own stuff.

SunDude · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2010, 11:58 AM

UPDATE: In the end I've decided to buy the black crackle-finish "Cobra" air cleaner and matching "427 Cobra" pentroof valve covers from Ford Racing.

The pricing on these items from our local Ford Racing dealer were simply too good to pass up (below MSRP and in CAD no less), far less than buying the reproduction air cleaner alone from Branda or anyone else (see above).

And although I really like the authentic turkey pan/chrome pentroof valve cover look, I can't justify the expense.

Thanks to everyone who provided me their advice and suggestions.

PANAVIA · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 10:47 AM

We buy things from branda all the time , and we have been very happy.

--keep in mind that the cast quality of the branda piece is as good if not better than the original piece. However do note these are replicas of 1960's castings - they will not be as perfect or crisp of a mold as say an modern lost wax casting. You may want to also obtain the matching / correct repro valve covers from the same vendor, or you may have a mismatch in quality , fit or finish in the engine bay as finished.

Steve

makindue · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

If you can wait a few days or so, I have a machine shop that I'm working with that may be making billet oval cobra assembly's. We may even have separate letters & numbers, so you can spell and get the numbers you want. I'll tell you this, they are very cool.

Nice! I must agree with you. I think also that they are really awesome!

I want to go in you machine shop. Where is it located?

PANAVIA · #15 (**permalink**) 07-08-2010, 12:34 AM

Anssen in LA will do that I do believe

FUNFER2 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-08-2010, 06:28 AM

makindue- pm sent.

SunDude · #17 (**permalink**) 08-11-2010, 06:41 PM

I just posted some before and after shots of my engine bay, now that I've installed the new Cobra air cleaner and matching valve covers.

Click here to see the photos.