John,
I really liked the Javlin, but the Cobra is really nice. As for the
oil filter, most For FE engines will use the same one unless they had to use a short one by mounting it in that close space. If that is the case I would get a remote filter kit and put it where I could run a full size filter. All of the other advice given in the previous posts pretty well covers what to look for and do. You will learn as you go and you can always always ask questions if you run into something that you aren't sure of. One thing for sure, you are in for a great time when you start driving it.
Ron
