My Plan, after much deliberation

[aks801]

Well, after much continued waffling, I believe I've arrived at a plan for my Cobra build.

Factors include: limited money right now (the bear market has not been kind to this stockbroker); want to use Weber carbs on older 351W or FE; use Lincoln Versailles rear end for disc brakes; don't want to wait until money accumulated for full kit purchase.

So. I'm really leaning towards Shell Valley. The engineering looks solid, and will accommodate what I want to do. Body looks good, and I've read good things about the quality. And very importantly, I can "pay as I go" by purchasing single components, or groups of components. For example, buy the frame and basic suspension and steering components first. Paint them the way I want, install, then buy and recondition a rear end, and install it. Then, get wheels and tires. While this is going on, find an old 351W block at a pick-a-part, and start accumulating all the goodies to go in and on it. Then get the build done by a pro. Install engine and Tremec in what is now a rolling chasis. Order body.... You get the idea. This route may take me longer than some (year and a half?), and may eventually cost more than it could have, given that the shipping charges will add up, but this will allow me to get started sooner without significant capital outlay.

By the way, goal is to have HP and torque both in the mid to upper 300's (plenty of power, but very "streetable"). I don't intend on doing serious racing (I bet that's what they all way, eh?!), just some minor thrashing.

I invite all comments/questions/suggestions/warnings/condolences.

I'm really gonna do this! Ya-hooooo!

alan

[ENTDOC]

Look into the T3 kit on EBAY( under 427 cobra) I think they use Shell Valley bodies and frame.You may be able to pick this up for little money and come out way ahead. chuck

[GeorgiaSnake]

aks, You should look at the Unique kits. You can pay as you go and order what you can pay for. The Weavers are good people and the cars first rate.

Randy

[Bart Carter]

Originally posted by aks801
[b]Factors include: limited money right now .... want to use Weber carbs on older 351W or FE.

... find an old 351W block at a pick-a-part, and start accumulating all the goodies to go in and on it. Then get the build done by a pro. Install engine and Tremec in what is now a rolling chasis. Order body.... You get the idea. This route may take me longer than some (year and a half?), and may eventually cost more than it could have, given that the shipping charges will add up, but this will allow me to get started sooner without significant capital outlay.

By the way, goal is to have HP and torque both in the mid to upper 300's (plenty of power, but very "streetable")...B]

Alan, some of my thoughts:

1. Why Webers? Holley on a decent AL manifold will get you way past your upper 300 HP goal. Cost difference and ease of maintenance is far to the Holley side.
2. Any pro that will build your engine will be able to get cores cheaper than you. Save yourself the trouble unless you are going to build the engine yourself.
3. Buying parts of a kit? Save enough to get the kit (11,000 for a FFR) or do some creative financing. A loan would be better. Interest rates are down. (Home improvement loan?)

Congratulations on your project!

[Mr.Fixit]

Pay as you go is not a good idea. You'll end up with a bunch of money "invested" in a not complete car that if you had to sell, you would take a big loss on. With the low prices for used cobras right now due to the economy, a used driver might be your best bet to get into a cobra for the least cash and risk. Building a car almost always costs more than buying one. If yoy decide you just have to build yer own cobra, you will make much better decisions on parts and such if you allready owned a cobra first.

[Tongue Pirate]

I think if you know what you want as far as parts, manuf., style & have the ability to do the work yourself then just do it your way that way you only have to do it once! Just an Opinion. Good luck on whatever you decide to do!

[aks801]

Thanks for all those who have provided their input. A few thoughts:

If I had enough bucks, I would get a more complete kit, I'm sure it makes a lot of sense. But, I don't have that kind of dough to plunk down right now, and don't want to wait to get started. So, it's my impatience and anxiousness to get started doing something/anything that makes we want to do what is perhaps not the optimal/logical thing to do. But then again, how logical is a 2-set car with (typically) no top, loud as all getout, that scares the elderly and pets. It's about emotion, and gut-feeling. That also is why I want Weber carbs: sure a Holley is much less expensive, and EFI may be more practical, but goll-darn it when I open that hood I know what I want it to look like.

I really do appreciate the thoughts and tips that have been provided. Now I'm off to hang my Cobra calendar in the garage: the transformation has begun!

alan

[Boudy]

FYI...

Don't assume your dream is unfinancable. PeopleFirst.com financed several cars in the last couple months in the 6% range.

Just another consideration...

Boudy

[james-w]

AKS, factory five also lets you buy the roller apart from the body, trim etc. Either way you might start with the motor, trans. They are universal to whichever kit you choose.

Good luck

James