04-30-2006, 08:56 PM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 283
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Not Ranked
So many choices!!!
I don't have one yet, but some things from my research:
1. They don't look the same. MrMustang brought an ERA to an FFR breakfast, it was way different. Better IMHO, by a lot. Have only seen about four other brands, but you need to look at the body and be sure it is what you want. Look is important with these cars.
2. Figure out what you plan to spend. Out the door, registered and running. You can build a donor FFR for under $20, get a turnkey ERA or Superformance for $55-60k. And spend anything in between. This may eliminate some options.
3. Make the build or buy decision. Virtually all the kits are available turn-key, however all the turn-keys aren't available as kits. An important thing to consider is how the car is going to have the body prepped and painted.
4. Make sure what ever you do can be registered in your state. After it is built is the wrong time to find out.
5. Decide if it is a track car or a street car. Some cars come with power steering and power brakes. Others come with sophisticated race suspensions. All have less than race ready safety equipment. However, some place the driver's unprotected head near a metal roll bar (let's replace the head rest with a steel tube?). Some have tops and tonneaus Others don't even offer it as an option. Some are enlarged for more passenger room. Net, figure out what you want to do with it.
6. Decide how original you want to be. None of these cars is 'original' which is probably a good thing. Kirkham has an option that is close. But how close do you want it to be?
7. Look at some used ones. That's what yours will be after a year. How was the purchase or build? What did they like? Who did they use? You may find that buying one is a good idea.
Throughout all this, see as many cars and talk to as many owners and manufacturers as you can. A few hours up front will probably yield great rewards.
Oh, some good news. Nearly all of the manufacturers I've talked to seem to have pretty developed design and manufacturing processes.
Just my 2¢; take it for what is worth.
David
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