getting ready to purchase a new cobra! need help please

[charlandk]

Hi all,

I am new to the site and looking for some advice from the backdraft cobra owners on here.

I have been looking at the backdraft cobras for a couple years now and the time is finally right for me to get one of my own. There are several options available and I am hoping that some of you can help me make the right decisions.

1. First, the most important one: Engine
What do you feel is the best engine option for overall performance? I am trying to decide between the roush 401r or the 427r (the fuel injection is just out of my budget) Open to any other engine options. I used to go to the drag strip with my son in my old mustang that I had to get rid of. He loved it and I plan to do some quarter mile runs with the cobra also. I will be using the car for work and around town transportation when ever the weather in the north east cooperates also.

2. power steering: Is it needed? Do you recommend it or no?

3. limited slip rear end? yes/no any thoughts?

4. How is the braking with the standard breaks? should I upgrade to the big brake kit?

Thank you all for any help you can give me. I hope to get mine this spring. Ive been waiting for almost 20 years to get my dream car and now that my kids are just about done with school, I am finally ready.

[henrik]

Hi Charlandk

regarding 1-4) Use the search option and then spend a lot of time reading. Then visit (if possible) events / dealers - and THEN you are ready to ask the questions...

Trust me - asking your questions at this point is trying to cut corners . it won't work.

There are no easy way... and research is a great ride - not something to "get over".

Happy hunt :-)

[FUNFER2]

Hello and welcome to club cobra,.....and cobra's !

You've made a great choice. I have a engine that you may like. I'm selling my 428 FE because I'm building a all aluminum 482 side oiler. I'll send you a pm/email.

[Gunner]

I know zip about Backdrafts, but some general observations:

Power steering is almost never necessary in these cars, especially with an aluminized smallblock. If you have upper arm strength problems (arthritis, shoulder injury, etc.) you might want to consider it but otherwise it's unnecessary. Even at a standstill in a parking situation it's not much effort to move the wheel. Once moving - forget it.

With the amount of difficulty even the mildest engine build has hooking up to the pavement, I'd consider a limited slip diff a requirement. You'll never get a clean, safe launch out of the beast otherwise, even in slightly aggressive street driving.

If you aren't going to track the car hard, upgraded brakes are usually more for show and boast than function. ERAs use Chevy truck brakes, intended to stop vehicles weighing three times as much - it's PLENTY of brake for a light car. That said, the upgrade is usually inexpensive (under $1k) and it's your choice.

The main thing I wanted to comment on is your intention to drive it regularly, for work and regular transportation. This can create a problem with the insurance. Most of us have "hobby car" insurance that is cheap and fully covers the car's "agreed value," but strictly prohibits using the car as regular transportation, for errands, or for work. Obviously, this rule gets bent quite a bit by most of us but the insurers are tolerant as long as the Cobra is a car we only drive when we feel like it, not when we have to. (That is, we have a regular car to drive in bad weather, at night, etc.) If you are going to drive it 5-10k a year as regular transportation, you're going to need more standard insurance, which could be quite costly and may not fully cover the car's value. All things to look into and think about... good luck!

[charlandk]

Thanks for all the useful input herik!

part of my "reseach" is asking current owners what options they have and like or dislike. If they had it to do over again would they maybe make a change such as go with the limited slip rear end or a different engine. You cant get better information than you can from someone who owns and has experience with the car. I have been researching this purchase for many years. Things like: which kit company to use and the reputations of the various dealerships. Ive gone to my local tracks and car shows and spoke to owners. I found this forum and figured that there would be several intelligent people on here that could point me in the right direction and help me with my decisions. It is part of my "research". I have spent the past few days searching though the old posts but still feel that speaking to other owners and getting their thoughts will be very valuable to me.

Thanks again for all your help.

[charlandk]

Thanks gunner. Your input is much appreciated.

I spoke to my insurance carrier and discussed the same with them. I have a every day vehicle and a motorcycle that I use. I intend to take the cobra to work a couple days a week and it is only about 15-20 miles from my house and the car will be garaged from about November until April so the miles put on the car per year will be very low and I can manage to keep them with in the limitations needed to use the antique plates.

Thanks again!

[FUNFER2]

I agree with the no power steering. The Cobra is small and light weight, so when you're driving, the P/S can get real jittery and you loose the feel of the road. The same can apply to power brakes.

My insurance company (State Farm) is fine with driving everyday. My policy is rated like a weekend car, so my premium is lower than our work cars. Something like, under 10,000 miles per year. I drive mine all I can but remember, you won't be driving in bad weather, rain, snow ect.... The miles come on pretty slow. If you go with EFI, make sure it's electronic, if it will be driven a lot. Mechanical EFI is hard to keep in tune. Be ready to pay around $5,000 and up $$$$$. Very cool though !

[FUNFER2]

I sent ya an PM. Try and call me. 402-781-2322
Kev

[henrik]

Originally Posted by charlandk

Thanks for all the useful input henrik!

part of my "reseach" is asking current owners what options they have and like or dislike... I have spent the past few days searching though the old posts but still feel that speaking to other owners and getting their thoughts will be very valuable to me.

Thanks again for all your help.

We are all different - but I found it very useful trying to make a "options"list for the ideal car... then did research here and on the www - revised the list including the questions pr. item... searched again and the called a few dealers.

Funny enough I ended almost were I began - but have been a bit around.

It has been a long long trip - and at some time you "pull the trigger"... and then you can "upgrade" later

But to give you my biggest questions:

SPF or BDR: BDR - like the Butt better - and I'm 6"2
Engine: LS7 (I'm in Europe) or Roush/Keith Craft: Ended with Roush 427 sr/tw - upgrading with Dynatek 8 stack polished EFI ($ 9' - but like the look and the much better running - and self tuning engine)
Engine size: 427 or BB : 427 (do NOT go below 427 - think of the badge and resale value)
Version: r or sr/tw: sr/tw you can drive down town without problems
LSD: yes
PS: no (same reason + keep it simple/light)
Brakes: upgrade for the look - and extra security feeling
T600 or T56: T56 with Steeda Tri-ax shifter

...but that's was my wish list with my questions.

[charlandk]

Thanks for the info funfer2.
Do you mind me asking how much the insurance policy costs you per year? I checked with my agent and it cost about $1000 per year but I can only put 2,500 miles a year on it and only during the weekend or going to a car show.

I will call you next week to find out more about your motor.

Thanks again,
Kevin

[Cashburn]

Kevin,
Give me a shout, happy to chat. Call is on me 888.427.1965

Once you have a color picked out it gets easy...

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Once you have a color picked out it gets easy...

Ain't that the truth.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by charlandk

Thanks for the info funfer2.
Do you mind me asking how much the insurance policy costs you per year? I checked with my agent and it cost about $1000 per year but I can only put 2,500 miles a year on it and only during the weekend or going to a car show.

I will call you next week to find out more about your motor.

Thanks again,
Kevin

I pay about $600.00 with unlimited mileage.

[FUNFER2]

Originally Posted by charlandk

Thanks for the info funfer2.
Do you mind me asking how much the insurance policy costs you per year? I checked with my agent and it cost about $1000 per year but I can only put 2,500 miles a year on it and only during the weekend or going to a car show.

I will call you next week to find out more about your motor.

Thanks again,
Kevin

Man, $1,000 ?
I think we pay apx. $400.
Does your company have a antique policy ?
That's not what we have but, I've heard people using it.

Do you think you would drive it that much ?

[FUNFER2]

CASHBURN- you talkin to me ?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

CASHBURN- you talkin to me ?

Nah, Kevin...

BTW his insurance will be atleast double yours... driving in Mass costs a bit more

[FUNFER2]

Fine,........don't talk to me then !

[gsharapa]

Give Keith Craft a call as he has a brand new SPF roller (Royal Blue/Wimbledon White Stripes) and a brand new Back Draft roller black. I think he got the cars in some engine deals but they are brand new and he could provide you the engine combination you want also. I think he might of started a 427 small block build for the SPF.....

[madmaxx]

Backdraft is a great car, Cashburn was offering new with ford 427 for 44900?, The SPF at Keith Craft is $10K more and worth every penny. Both are fantastic deals, it is what you want. Yes you need limited slip. Yes you need at least a 427 even if small block stroked. Yes you need a very reputable dealer. No you do not need power steering. I was thrilled with my BDR and SPF brakes with no upgrade. You want to track the car, take driving lessons, you should take the driving lessons anyways!!!!

[Cashburn]

2 left in the special at $46,900. See: Backdraft / Ford Racing 427 Promotion