Position of pedals

Way2Fast · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 04:55 PM

I had my first chance to sit in a Cobra over the weekend. It was a Backdraft Replica. I was surprised to find that the gas, brake and clutch pedals are all off center of the steering wheel and to the left. The clutch is a real leg stretch to reach even with the seat forward. I'm 5'10" and feel that it would be uncomfortable, if not unsafe, driving with the pedals in this position. Is this "fault" common to all manufacturers or just to Backdraft?

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:04 PM

The ERA pedals are not off center.

dcdoug · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:14 PM

The CSX pedals are. But you get used to it pretty quickly. I don't even notice it anymore.

STEVE-O · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:20 PM

The Superformance pedals are also offset to the left.

patrickt · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:29 PM

Well, maybe I'm just so used to it that I can't tell it anymore.

But I don't think they're offset. Maybe another ERA owner will chime in (preferably a post #731 car because the foot box configuration was changed beginning with that number.

dcdoug · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well, maybe I'm just so used to it that I can't tell it anymore.

But I don't think they're offset. Maybe another ERA owner will chime in (preferably a post #731 car because the foot box configuration was changed beginning with that number.

Don't they have to be offset to clear the bell housing and transmission tunnel? I always assumed that they all were like that because of this.

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 07:26 PM

I have a Lone Star with a 94" wheel base. The extra four inches are in the cockpit. But I don't think the wheel base has a lot to do with the pedal postion in most Cobras. I build my car so it would fit me. I'm 5' 10" and have an adjustable seat with the pedals set up for me. I twisted the seat just a little so I would square up with the steering wheel and pedals. I moved the gas pedal about 2" to the right. Some Cobras feel like I'm sitting sideways in them. The pedals are far to the left. Take a little time to get use to them. But, The more you drive them, the better they feel.

Dwight

74 degree today, took a 135 mile trip to get some ice cream, nice. Watch Coach blow a Carrera away three times. The big block will do it everytime.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Don't they have to be offset to clear the bell housing and transmission tunnel? I always assumed that they all were like that because of this.

Doug, I really think it's a straight shot from the seats to the pedals in the newer ERAs. Either that or I'm just too stupid to tell that I'm sitting at an angle.

mdross1 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 08:35 AM

The original big block Cobra's were set up that way.Stand behind a 427 looking through the roll bar and steering wheel you should be looking at the throttle pedal.When you settle into the footbox the pedals feel natural.It's all in your mind fretting over it.

RallySnake · #10 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 01:52 AM

If you were able to look straight down through a transparent Cobra, you would see that your feet are next to the engine. A big block is about 25 inches wide. Your butt is next to the driveshaft, which is 4 inches wide. So your legs (and in may Cobra's, the seat) are angled to the left. This is very similar to a drummer sitting at a drum set with his left foot on the highhat pedal (to the left) and his right foot on the bass drum pedal (straight ahead). Your torso has to twist a little to the right to hit the snares and toms. This position is not too bad and can be adjusted to easily. However, it can lead to back problems for some Cobra drivers and some drummers.

I have driven many long rallies in this position. The longest one was a 15 hour event from Ontario, CA to Laughlin. I was tired but fine. As I have gotten older, I find I have to exercise much more to stay flexible and have the energy to drive the car for the long events. Next Friday, we will be running from Santa Barbara to Las Vegas in a 14 hour event. I will take turns driving with my co-driver so we don't get too tired. The slight angle to the left is the least of my worries. The cold temperatures are my biggest worry!

RallySnake

mdross1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 03:51 AM

Good comparison,never played drums but now have a little better understanding.Still can't grasp using all four limbs and making those great sounds.Several of my very good friends are drummers.Never taking my Cobra on a trip like yours,our NorthEast roads are horrible.Cold temps are not an issue,with the top,side curtains and heat on, it stays quite toasty in that little cabin.

Cougar · #12 (**permalink**) 11-14-2009, 07:43 AM

The pedal offset is annoying and dangerous enough to make me know that I'll eventually get rid of both of my FFRs and go to an ERA or monstered Miata. Even after tens of thousands of miles, I've never gotten used to it. As an additional aside, definitely be sure to opt for something with IRS too.
Peter

Francis · #13 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:28 PM

part of your "real leg stretch" problem you have is the fact that the backdraft has 92" wheelbase. Although not the single factor, it is a contributing factor that is affecting your reach. I chose a superformance becuase it is a 90" WB (as with the CSXs), and I was able to have the pedal box moved forward toward the driver (offset to the left). I am 5'8" and have the seat set in the middle seat postion. This setup allows for a "rational" position of the seat, pedal box and shifter.

springin · #14 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:29 PM

The offset on my ADDVintage is far left also. When I first started driving it I found myself pressing on the brake instead of the clutch. It took a few hours of driving to not bother me. It is second nature now to feel left.

dcdoug · #15 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 05:43 PM

The funny thing is that if I drive the Cobra for a few hours and then drive our Audi (also a manual), I find myself depressing the clutch with my right foot (or maybe I should say mashing it through the floor). Oh and flipping on the wipers when I want to make a turn....My wife just sort of looks at me with that "what in the He11 are you doing" look.

PLDRIVE · #16 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Hi Way2Fast,
The clutch pedal can be adjusted. Each pedal can be adjusted in or out. U will get more comfortable with the offset. I am 5'9" and have no problems with clutch.

mickmate · #17 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 08:08 PM

Most Cobras are pretty tight for space, clearance etc on everything including controls. They usually have pedals set to the left to clear bellhousings that are set so far back in the car. Steering wheels are typically to the right with a seat in the middle. One trick that originals and some others employ is to point the seat towards the pedals, that is the seats are splayed out at the front. Some pedal positions can also be tremendously improved by bending arms to a more natural position for the driver.

elmariachi · #18 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 08:12 PM

My Hurricane is offset to the left and as a result, it has caused damage to my left hip, now requiring a hip replacement. But under our new government-run healthcare plan not only will I get a bionic hip for free, once my stimulus check arrives I can get a new ERA with the centered pedals.

My wife said I should just "Man up."

SunDude · #19 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 10:40 AM

Ask the guys in the Backdraft section of this forum, but I recall many of 'em saying that the BDR has one of the widest transmission tunnels in the business. BDR has apparently splayed the front seats outwards to accommodate the wide tranny tunnel.

The pedals in my SPF are offset somewhat too, as I'm sure all Cobras (originals and replicas) must be to make room for those big stonkin' mills underhood. You get used to it. And it's a small price to pay for all that power and fun!