which one to buy

[RedEsprit]

Hi Sinclair,

Since your original post referenced "future value", generally you will find the cars that are made to replicate the original car the closest will hold their value the best. For example a true FE seems to have a slightly higher residual value than a bored small block regardless of horsepower. Those with real knock-offs and and the right interior, etc., etc, usually will retain more value in the long run. Some cars, obviously the Kirkhams, but also Shelby fiberglass, ERAs, that are completed by the owner to be closest to the image of the original (right parts...right look) will have slightly higher residual values than others. A continuation Kirkham/Shelby aluminum product with the ol' man's fingerprint on it is probably the only car that has any chance of appreciation in the future if production were to cease for some reason. All that barring Bernanke dropping dollars from helicopters and the price of bread going to $22.50 a loaf. Maybe a good BDR could get to $500,000

[RodKnock]

I didn't see this part of the advisory in your caption above:

"Many refiners, blenders, and distributors of racing fuel sell and supply a “street legal” high octane unleaded gasoline (racing fuel) blend that complies with the specifications for California RFG. This complying racing gasoline is readily available and is legal for use in all motor vehicles both on and off road. Retailers may sell this racing gasoline as complying California RFG."

So, my 100 octane unleaded from the pump should still be available.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I didn't see this part of the advisory in your caption above:

"Many refiners, blenders, and distributors of racing fuel sell and supply a “street legal” high octane unleaded gasoline (racing fuel) blend that complies with the specifications for California RFG. This complying racing gasoline is readily available and is legal for use in all motor vehicles both on and off road. Retailers may sell this racing gasoline as complying California RFG."

So, my 100 octane unleaded from the pump should still be available.

I didn't see that either. Perhaps you are right, for your sake, I hope so.


Bill S.

[RodKnock]

Yes, but I may have lost access to the leaded race gas for those track events that I planned to attend in 2010.

EDIT: BTW, the paragraph that I quoted was taken from the text of the link you provided.

[xlr8or]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I didn't see that either. Perhaps you are right, for your sake, I hope so.


Bill S.

Bill I think the net effect tracking who and where it gets used will only apply to the leaded fuel.

PS: I wouldn't own a "street" car that required race fuel. Been there done that. Ain't no fun. It isn't difficult these days for a stroked 427 like RodKnock has or the one I had to make 600HP at the crank.
My friends SPF has a 514 with 765 HP and 700 TQ and he drives that thing all over the place. And yes he does have traction issues if you stab the pedal.

[RedBarchetta]

I just called Nickey Petroleum in Placentia, the source of my Sunoco 110 (the really good stuff). I get it straight from their pump 24/7 with the account I have with them. Ultimately I may have to complete a form with each invoice they send me stating which racing event I plan to use the fuel. No BFD.



For grins I might write down, "91 Freeway Flying Mile Contest, Saturday Night, 9pm".

Sorry to the OP.

-Dean

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

I just called Nickey Petroleum in Placentia, the source of my Sunoco 110 (the really good stuff). I get it straight from their pump 24/7 with the account I have with them. Ultimately I may have to complete a form with each invoice they send me stating which racing event I plan to use the fuel. No BFD.



For grins I might write down, "91 Freeway Flying Mile Contest, Saturday Night, 9pm".

Sorry to the OP.

-Dean

Thanks to everyone that is posting,Some of the things that came up have kept me from asking NICE looking car. The tire choice is going to be hard. I like the vintage look,but I imagine there not great all around tires? input welcome.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

For grins I might write down, "91 Freeway Flying Mile Contest, Saturday Night, 9pm".

Sorry to the OP. -Dean

There are plenty of threads here on Club Cobra about the advantages and disadvantages of various tires. The search button is definitely your friend.

[WardL]

E85 is 105 octane. I can't imagine it would make your Cobra go faster.

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Sinclair Snake

I am new here and just now starting research on which car to buy. I THINK I want either a Superformance or a BDR. I really want a CSX but dont think I will be able to swing it. Any input on future values of these three cars and quality etc. would be great. I am leaning towards the Superformance at this time and I am unsure about the rearends in the BDR since I want a TRUE 500+ hp car.
Thanks in advance.

For a price between a Superformance and a CSX, you can have a Kirkham. Aluminum body car that is superior to an original in every way except it is not an original. Dave is on this site a lot. Helps people all the time, regardless of the make cobra they have. Asks for input on improvement ideas. Bottom line a great guy. No doubt if I had the money, I would own a Kirkham. My opinion, it is the top of the line.

To be fair there are other dealers on the site as well. They too are helpful to everyone. They have excellent Cobra's, too. I would be happy with any of the cars that these guys sell.

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by olddog

For a price between a Superformance and a CSX, you can have a Kirkham. Aluminum body car that is superior to an original in every way except it is not an original. Dave is on this site a lot. Helps people all the time, regardless of the make cobra they have. Asks for input on improvement ideas. Bottom line a great guy. No doubt if I had the money, I would own a Kirkham. My opinion, it is the top of the line.

To be fair there are other dealers on the site as well. They too are helpful to everyone. They have excellent Cobra's, too. I would be happy with any of the cars that these guys sell.

I built a second home on the lake and cant really swing more than the 50's. I am like you and would love to have a Kirkham. I know its possible to buy a car with a budget,only to sell it and get what you really wish you had. I have seen me do it

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Sinclair Snake

I built a second home on the lake and cant really swing more than the 50's. I am like you and would love to have a Kirkham. I know its possible to buy a car with a budget,only to sell it and get what you really wish you had. I have seen me do it

If you have a budget of 50's,come on down and take a look at my ERA, you won't be sorry that you did.


Bill S.

[Shoo]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

If you have a budget of 50's,come on down and take a look at my ERA, you won't be sorry that you did.

So, all that posturing and postulation just to sell a car?

[SKINNEDR]

Originally Posted by Shoo

So, all that posturing and postulation just to sell a car?

That was cold man.....
Wiplash...
Dex..

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Shoo

So, all that posturing and postulation just to sell a car?

Tell me, in all of my other posts on this thread did you once see me attempting to sell my car to him over any others, or was I offering good,clear,sound advice to a newbie? I think not. My last post was more tongue in cheek, after all, he did post a budget in which my car fit, same goes for his want of high HP, as mine as more than he'll ever want or need to use. Why should I not at that time throw my own hat in the ring. But again, never once did I attempt to steer him away from anything else, I just questioned his need for 500+ HP in a car weighing less than 3,000lbs and went from there. Care to attack me some more, feel free I've got nothing to prove, nor a chip on my shoulder.


Bill S.

[olddog]

I have only driven one Cobra. Mine. It is the best handling car I ever drove. It will outcorner, accelerate faster, and stop quicker than anything I ever drove. The only thing I ever rode in that could outperform it, is other Cobra's and there are plenty out there that are light years ahead of mine.

The short wheel base is a true hand full, if the wheels get loose. If you let it get very far side ways, the back end will come around real fast. I have never spun it out, but I have come close on an autocross course a couple times. Your correction has to be dead on, with very fast reflexes. Over stear it and the swing back is tough to overcome. I'm no expert driver, but I also have no ego pushing me. It is my experiance that getting out of the throttle at the first hint of loosing traction is best. Few people can power there way out of trouble. To sum it up, because the handling is so good, when you do loose traction, you are going to be going way too fast and turning way too hard to recover. I absolutely will not push the car on the streets.

As for Hp, forget about peak numbers. Look at the torque across the entire rpm range. The flatter the torque curve, the easier the car will be to handle. An engine that only has 200 lb-ft at 2000 rpm and 500 lb-ft at 5000 rpm is more difficult to handle because every time you step on the peddle, depending on the rpm, the reaction is different. If there is a rapid increase in torque in a short rpm range, it is even trickier to handle.

[xlr8or]

No posturing required. Bill is always selling a car.

[noblec5]

Shoo, I think you are a little off base on Mr. Mustang's intentions. the last thing he is doing is posteuring just to sell a car! Mr. Mustang is a respected member here on CC and to call him out on this subject in my opinion is unjustified! If you were to do just a little research you will see what im talking about. He has helped out literaly 100's of people trying to buy new, used, including all makes, and everything in between in regards to Cobra's. To say something as glib as that, is in my opinion, silly!

Chris

[Sinclair Snake]

Originally Posted by noblec5

Shoo, I think you are a little off base on Mr. Mustang's intentions. the last thing he is doing is posteuring just to sell a car! Mr. Mustang is a respected member here on CC and to call him out on this subject in my opinion is unjustified! If you were to do just a little research you will see what im talking about. He has helped out literaly 100's of people trying to buy new, used, including all makes, and everything in between in regards to Cobra's. To say something as glib as that, is in my opinion, silly!

Chris

I agree as OP I appreciated Mr. Mustangs replies,being my first post I was honored to have so many replys. Most forums just ignore someones first post. I will do as most have suggested and go to a few rallys and look at as many cars as I can.
I have received Pm's as well with leads and even offers of rides I am sure to have more questions,but for now I just need to figure out which brand

[PLDRIVE]

Go look and sit in both cars. See which one looks and feels better to U. Try to get a ride in both. As far as HP goes, get what U want, you will grow into it. As others have mentioned, exercise restraint with the right foot (especially when the tires are cold). I have over 500HP to the rear wheels and the car hooks up very well and no problems with differential. Good luck!