Lane,
I can't begin to answer all of your questions but I have seen some Cobras with air conditoning that did a pretty good job, at least where it blew out on your legs. As for the stretched cars, mine has a 94 inch wheel base and that does make them corner and handle better. I have driven both the 90 and 94 inch ones and it is amazing at the difference. As for power steering I really don't care for it. I like to have more feel of the road and to me the power steering takes that away. But if you are just going to cruise and not drive it hard on corners it would probably be ok.As for carburation or fuel injection, I will leave that for more knowledgeable people. I like the carburation but know several with fuel injection and they work great. I like the side exhaust as you can get a freer flow I think and also you don't have the heat right under you. However good heat shielding and padding will cover that. I like the solid 4 link rear end but there will be others that like the others better. As for your price goal, I think if you want all that you may have to make some adjustments.
Good luck.
Ron
