View Single Post
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 12-01-2008, 10:38 AM
RedBarchetta RedBarchetta is offline
Banned
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: SPF w/392CI stroker
Posts: 3,293
Not Ranked     
Default

Make/Model: Superformance MKIII
Manufacturers Web Site: http://www.superformance.com/
Owner's Forum links: http://www.secondstrike.com/
(this second one requires SPF ownership for access): http://performanceunlimited.com/scof/
Year/Miles: 2000/11,000
Built by/Time to build: HiTech - South Africa; approx. six weeks; this car (build #747) is in a series now fast approaching 3,000 cars. There have been many upgrades/changes to various components over the years. See the following link that explains the primary differences: http://performanceunlimited.com/supe.../features.html
Engine/Horsepower: RDI (North Carolina) 392W/480HP
Pros: The only Cobra replica company to have received official licensing from Carroll Shelby. All cars are hand built on an assembly line = consistent build quality. A+ fit and finish inside and out. All new components throughout, including Wilwood discs, true knock-off wheels, IRS rear, authentic Smiths gauges, leather seats and finished (carpeted) trunk area. It's a "manufactured replica", not a kit, and it comes complete. Add an engine (SB or BB) and a transmission and it's pretty much ready to go. Car handles and drives very well and covers the entire spectrum for cruisers vs. racers. Overall very easy to work on for the do-it-yourself mechanic. Several dealers across the country also provide good coast-to-coast coverage for availability and warranty issues. I'm 6'3" and fit comfortably (after removing the seat tracks and bolting the driver's seat to the floor).
Cons: Clutch/tranny most easily serviced through the top (i.e. pop the seats and remove the removable trans tunnel). Not a typical way to R&R a clutch...the only "job" that I had to outsource (so far). Also the original Smiths mechanical gauges are not the most reliable and water temp/oil pressure gauges are known to fail. It comes with owning a replica that was built to mimic an original, I suppose. Replacement parts from Superformance can be very expensive (think "Corvette" parts from GM vs a similar component for a Saturn and you understand what I'm talking about).
Comments: Overall I am very pleased with my first Cobra and have enjoyed this car for the past five years (I'm third owner). Joining SCOF (Superformance Cobra Owners Forum) after purchase is a must if you like to wrench on your own cars. Without the support of SCOF it is often difficult to get good information/content on specific part #'s and/or the correct procedures. There are also several innovative upgrades that have been born from the SCOF sponsor/readership.

The Superformance is an excellent middle-high end Cobra replica for the person that wants consistent build quality and doesn't have the time/skills to assemble a car on their own. Most people that see my Cobra for the first time ask me if it's a real one, so I view that as a high compliment.

More pics in my gallery.




-Dean

Last edited by RedBarchetta; 12-03-2008 at 09:58 AM..
Reply With Quote