looking to buy, toooo many choices, help!!!

[Bryan Anderson]

thanks for the response, I have been building cobra's for over 30 years now and i do agree nothing sounds and runs like a big block, but in a cobra i think for the price you are wanting to pay and for an everyday driver a small block is the way the go, big blocks are going to cost more, they are not going to handle as well, the braking is not as good, space to work in the engine bay is much tighter, so again a 351 around 400HP in this 2400 lb car is not going to have a problem smoking the tires, I would be happy to build you a car anyway you want but the small block would do you just fine, please go over to www.bandbroadster.com and look at the owners group photo section and see some of the cars we have built over the years.

thanks
Bryan

[RET_COP]

Bryan [B&B] builds a very good roadster, strong and dependable frame and body, appealing shape and lines, and great service at a fair price. Check out mine.
Lou

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by edd

Thanks for all the responses. To answer some of your questions, I live in NE PA, I'm not looking to race, but want to be able to smoke the tires now and then, and as far as cobras being like harleys, I own three, a 1951, 56 and a 79, the 79 is what I call high tech. Owned quite a few muscle cars, inculding some big block chevys and mopars, but I don't know much about ford engines. What are the pros and cons of big block verses small block. From what I'm seeing there are some big HP 351's and even some 5.0 L Don't get me wrong, nothing sounds like a big block, but are there any big advantages.

I'm located roughly 40 miles west of Philly and have both a big block(not for too much longer it appears) and a small block car I'd be happy to show you the difference on. Will be back in town on the 5th, feel free to PM me with your contact information and I'll call you then.


Bill S.

[edd]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I'm located roughly 40 miles west of Philly and have both a big block(not for too much longer it appears) and a small block car I'd be happy to show you the difference on. Will be back in town on the 5th, feel free to PM me with your contact information and I'll call you then.


Bill S.

Thanks,
ekemp@frontiernet.net
610 730-4648
Ed

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by edd

Thanks,
ekemp@frontiernet.net
610 730-4648
Ed

Ed,

Sent you a PM with my contact information.


Bill S.

[bobcowan]

Buying a Cobra replica is not like buying a Corvette or Mustang. Those cars are pretty much a known quantity as far as equipment and build quality goes. For each year they the same suspension, same interior, same drive train, etc.

A Cobra replica is a completly differant animal. About the only thing they share is the look. Under the skin, everything is differant. And they all have differant builders - some are good, and some are not.

The first thing to do is educate yourself a little on the differances between one kit and the other. A Superformance and a Factory Five are very differant.

Then, decide what you really want want - an exact copy of the original, a track monster, or a fun street car that gets good gas mileage.

Then decide what items are must have's, and what items are definate no's. For example, I'd never own or build a kit with a solid axle. The IRS is so much smoother it's a must have for me. Then decide your preferances. I'd prefer EFI, but for the right price on a good car I could swap it over. And then list your definate no's - maybe no blowers, or no big blocks.

Once you have your lists made up, then start shopping.

[Excaliber]

Spin the tires? Easy enough to do, don't need much horse power, it's all about gear ratio's and tire selection.

My Excalibur had a stock 302 (about 215 horses), 5 speed, 3.5 rear gears. Top speed in 1st gear was about 25 mph, top speed in 4th or 5th was about 107 mph.

That thing would "smoke tires" to the point you couldn't see the car! Run some Goodrich TA's, some short gearing and go tear up the asphalt. Fun car below 60 mph. I like the ERA 427 I currently I have, MUCH faster, but you can make a strong case for "keep it simple". That Excalibur was rock solid reliable, easy to work on, got great mpg, handled darn good and didn't cost an arm and a leg. A good car for the money and the fun.

Some years ago my buddy bought a similiarly equipped FFR, classic 302, 5 speed, 3.5 rear gear, about the same kind of performance, a bit better. He paid $17,000 for it, used of course. He's done a ton of work to it sense, but that original price is hard to argue with!

[brobehr]

edd

I am in the same boat, so many choices and the info regarding them can be overwhelming. good luck mr phelps...

[427Charlie]

I've got a good deal on a Midstates. And I know, no side pipes or roll bar but we could add those and still be under $30k.

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=2784&cat=2

[Excaliber]

Street car setup, nice ride Charlie, a guy wouldn't have to add anything. Some folks prefer the street car look. You can always change it AFTER you figure out if a Cobra is to your liking or not. Plenty folks get one and then find it's just not for them.

[mickmate]

Just keep reading on here and get to some local events. Talk to the Cobra guys, look at them if you can sit in them or even get a ride in one it's even better. Warning on that is it's like heroin that makes an addict from one hit. I think that's why we get who's kit is this posts and the funky ads. There's as many choices as there are opinions as there are brands as there are assemblers. That's both the beauty and the pitfalls of this type of car.

[henrik]

I would take this if I were you...

http://www.suncoastcobra.com/showroom_inv1.asp

Talk to Jerry - he will take good care of you and make you a fair deal.

[Dwight]

For Sale