Opinions on best quality car or kit?

[jbuchert]

Im looking to buy a cobra and have been looking at Factory five racing, Backdraft racing and Huricane motorsports.

Im new to the cobra world and interested in oppinions on who makes the better mouse trap before I place my order. Still unsure of weather I want to buy one done or do it myself?

Thanks guys!

BTW.. I live in Mustang.

[Juggernaut]

Welcome to the forum from Claremore, Oklahoma!

Your question is an age old question, there has been many, many posts here concerning that very same question. Do a search on the forum & you'll be drowning in answers.

All the manufacturers you mentioned offer good kits/cars. Some manufacturers offer kits, some offer rollers and some a combination of both.

I have an RUCC kit from here in Oklahoma but RUCC stopped making kits some time ago. I built mine and I love it, great handling and quality workmanship.

Research, research, research is what it's all about when considering which kit/car to buy. Here are just a few things to consider:

1. Go to local car shows to check out any Cobra's there & talk to the owners.

2. Come out to the Tulsa area sometime, there's quite a few out here. Most people will take you for a spin and let you try it on for size so to speak.

3. Go to the manufacturers facility for a tour.

4. Consider your budget - most times it's cheaper to build it yourself.

I wanted to build my own Cobra, wanted the feeling of accomplishment that goes with it & I also wanted a "one of a kind" Cobra.

You know your mechanical skill level, of course thats a big factor in buying one already built or building your own.

Again, thorough research is the key to a pleasant entrance into the Cobra world.

PM me if you're ever planning to be in the Tulsa area.

Good luck,

Randy

[Clois Harlan]

What stage of Cobra do you want? Completely finished and all you have to do is buy the tag and go for a drive. Or, maybe someplace in between. There are some very good deals out there and I would suggest that you look at several offerings before you plunk down any cash. The Shelby meet is in June and expect several thousand Fords here and of those there will probably be 100 Cobra's from several manufacturers either on display or belonging to someone like yourself.

I guess the bottom line is "What do you want to do with your Cobra" and how much do you want to spend". In most cases the old adage you get what you pay for applies. We have several manufacturers represented here in Tulsa and at lease a couple originals. Email or PM me if you like and I can put you in touch with someone that has one of the kits you are considering.

Clois Harlan

[PatBuckley]

ERA!

They are simply the best.

[cscobra]

I second the motion on ERA. You can get anything from a complete kit to a fully-finished car from them.

[madmaxx]

I agree with ERA on a "kit" and Superformance for turnkey minus. I would strongly recommend turnkey minus unless you are up for a year project worth of work.

[Hexnut72]

The important question is what is your budget. The "Cobra" replica market spans from $10K-100k+. Quality ranges widely, even at the same price point.

[Snakebit]

ERA hands down!

[767Jockey]

So many different features for so many different cars, budgets, engine options, originality, body accuracy, suspension, on and on....your question really is too broad to be properly answered. One man's "best" is another mans nightmare. What do you want to spend and what are you looking for? There is much expertise available on this site, give many more details on your budget and desire, what you are looking for in a Cobra and you will get many more informed answers. Also, be aware that many will try to vigorously persuade you that their manufacturer is "best." Don't fall for it, it may be best for them but not for you. Do you have $140K plus to spend? Top of the heap is a Shelby aluminum car. Go for it. $100K plus, start a Kirkham build. Are you ok with a square tube frame? If so, look at ERA and SPF, they're both very good products. Need a round tube frame and IRS for originality? Look at a Shelby glass car, or one of Roger Bolick's carbon fiber masterpieces. Both will probably be in the $65K - $90K range when completed, depending on choice of powertrain. If you want to spend less than that, you'll probably have to drop down into the realm of live axle cars. Can you live with that? If so the most common are Factory Five, B&B, and many others. It's up to you, give us an idea of what you want, and many will try to help. Good luck, the search is half the fun. Welcome aboard.

[Cobra Lite]

Kirkham!!!

Absolutely the best.

In a league of their own
Less expensive than many others
But they are not inexpensive!
Nor are they just another fiberglass replica

I would go with their modern suspension instead of the ancient original design.

For a real budget build I like the Factory Five Roadster as it has great support and excellent quality for the money.

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by jbuchert

Im looking to buy a cobra and have been looking at Factory five racing, Backdraft racing and Huricane motorsports.

Im new to the cobra world and interested in oppinions on who makes the better mouse trap before I place my order. Still unsure of weather I want to buy one done or do it myself?

Thanks guys!

BTW.. I live in Mustang.

You should defintely check out ERA. They build a really high quality car which is one of the most accurate reqproductions out there. I looked at everything out there when I started my Cobra project a few years back. I really wanted an accurate 427 Car with a Big Block. I really feel that ERA has the best offering out there for a car like this. They can supply anything from a kit to a turn key car.

- Fred

[patrickt]

jbuchert, I won't tell you who I recommend. I will tell you though that if time is an issue then you're probably better off going with a Kirkham, SPF, Backdraft, or even the lowly FFR. ERA has a waiting list, and only Peter P. knows how long it is....

[LMH]

I don't know what's up with Hurricane or when they will have cars for sale, so I have to pile on the ERA bandwagon as well.
Of course, if you have money to spend, Kirkham is the top!
Larry

[Hexnut72]

Kirkham is the best replica.

[jagxjr5012]

Your crazy to ask that kind of question here (really kidding ...you just have a lot of biased opinions)....but since you did....don't screw around, just buy an ERA

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

I agree with ERA on a "kit" and Superformance for turnkey minus. I would strongly recommend turnkey minus unless you are up for a year project worth of work.

I agree, but that's just my opinion. I spent years looking and collecting information on everything out there, and the SPF was the best choice for me. My second (very close second) was a glass CSX 4000 series.

I decided I did not want an aluminum car early on because I did not want to have to worry about dents. I usually always park my car where I can watch it, but you never know when some idiot will lean on it when you are not looking.

After riding in both BB and stroked SB cars, I changed my mind on wanting a BB. Go for rides in as many cars as you can, collect a lot of info and keep an open mind.

I walked into Hillbank three years ago thinking I was going to buy a BB CSX 4000 car, and walked out with a stroked SB SPF.

[MFE III]

Ya know, everyone's voting up ERA, I just don't understand it. Just because it is highly accurate, very complete and very well made . . . I mean, where are the challenges
Man up and get a Street Beasts . . . now that's a challenge!
Matt

[Rickd]

Want aluminum? Kirkham, without reservation. Too expensive, or want glass, ERA (turnkey minus, turnkey, or kit - your choice = complete custom build).

[PatBuckley]

LOL - might as well close this thread!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PatBuckley

LOL - might as well close this thread!

Yes, the thread has disintegrated.