[vettehead]

I am starting to plan how I'd like to do my Cobra build. I have restored a couple of vehicles in the past and I'm more interested in actually "building" a car this time versus simply "assembling" one, so to speak. I would say that I have average mechanical and fabrication skills; I have hand designed smaller components and fabricated dozens of pieces for my vehicles in the past but I won't be quitting my day job any time soon to do this for a career (although I would love to think I could and still eat!)

That being said, I was wondering if some of you wouldn't mind sharing with me if you are using pre-made "systems" (Heidt suspension sub-components, etc.), combination of pre-made and homebuilt parts or simply one-off designs and homebuilt components. If you would share a comprehensive list of all components that you're using I would really appreciate that.

In addition, if you wouldn't mind including vendors that you are going to use and what components they will be supplying, I would be grateful. One of my huge disadvantages is that I have more enthusiasm than I have "engineering ability". So as much as I would love to design every last component and hand build each one of them, I don't have that level of expertise, equipment or confidence.

In my past vehicle builds, I have assembled a band of folks that have all the expertise and equipment to acomplish this Cobra project with me. That being said, I will be constructing a homebuilt chassis...strangely enough, I have more confidence in myself on this portion of the build...but I would like to simply "drop" a body shell with all exterior trim included...on top of the chassis to complete the build this first time out. (owning a clapped out Vette, I have actually become quite proficient with fiberglass techniques but I don't see myself doing a one-off body this time). I will also be custom designing and fabricating the interior myself.

However, I am looking for suggestions on front end geometry components (a-arms, coils, steering assemblies, etc.). What rearend combination would someone suggest? Late model Mustang or a one-off piece? Brake systems? Steering wheel, steering column, steering box, etc? Transmission suggestions? Which vendor to buy a 90" wheelbase body shell and body components from?

I am leaning toward incorporating late model Mustang 5.0 technology into this vehicle...fuel injection, etc....probably even using the engine and transmission package as well... but would like some members thoughts on this. As a guideline, I would like to build this as affordably as possible...read; I'm just a regular Joe that loves these cars but the wife won't let me mortgage the house to do it either. So cost is important here. I would say that I could easily get into an FFR Cobra with the funds that I have now if that helps put some numbers to this. I'd love to hear from some members as to what they believe they are going to have for money into their "scratch built" Cobras.

Sorry for being so long winded but I am at an important turn in the road here. Thanks!