To add to what the guys said above … based on my experience with my ERA FIA, I would suggest:
- Have Connecticut Custom do the paint. Not only is the paint outstanding, but the bodywork is excellent. They have done a lot of ERAs and really know what they are doing and Walt & Diane are very easy to work with. Another advantage of having the car painted before assembly is they can use a higher temperature oven to bake the car than one that has been assembled with wiring, an interior and other soft bits. If you are not going to insulate under the hood and carpet the underside of the trunk lid, have them finish the underside, I did and it's perfect. Don't forget the fender lips as well, it does cost extra, but to me it was worth it.
- My car was shipped to California by Intercity, my experience was good as I did not have any issues.
- Buy the parts you can from ERA, as the guys said they will fit and if you have an issue, ERA will stand behind them.
- For other items like the motor or transmission, buy major parts and related components from the same supplier, that way like parts are grouped together and you know they will fit. For example, don't buy a flywheel from one vendor, a pressure plate and clutch disc from another and throw out bearing from yet another. The likely hood of parts not fitting goes up.
- Lastly … it's an almost certainty your car will take longer to get on the road than you think, and cost more too … However, it will be absolutely worth it
Welcome to the family!