To build or buy used......?

[Rickd]

The vintage knock offs are nice wheels - they are a 5 pin - I put them on my 289 FIA and really like them. Definitely go with a 5 speed - most people recommend a Tremec TKO600 and I went with it. There are opinions on the 5th OD ratio to go with - I felt I was going to be doing more highway driving than I am - and I "mistakenly" went with the .64 OD. Should have followed the advise of Bob at ERA and the comments from the Kirkhams - and gone with the .82 OD with the 3:54 rear...or a 3:31 rear. The drop in rpm's from 4th to 5th is crazy - 1000 or more. If I had it to do over (or decide to blow some $$$) I would go with the .82 and a 3:33 rear. Buying a new - or used - ERA FIA (if you can find one) is a great great acquisition. Amazing build quality, incredible engineering detail (I sent you a PM with some detailed comments so as not to bore everyone). You might even post an ad on cobra country "Wanted USED ERA 289 FIA". There are cars that people have built that have had very little use. I have almost 6000 miles on mine in just over 2 years (I travel a lot on business or there would be more - I am in Lima, Peru right now waiting for a flight home - red eye - and another trip - 0 miles for Memorial Day weekend). Any questions about being tall - having large feet - call Bob at ERA - for a new build they can use a Kirkey aluminum seat on the floor rather than a padded street seat - pedals can be moved. They have built cars for guys well over 6'5". Get racing/ driving shoes - reduces the width. Enjoy the reasearch!! Get an ERA and enjoy the car.

[azfordman]

I appreciate the responses so far. I had forgotten I can search past threads...so I will keep reading on the 4 vs 5 speed. It seems this is going to be a harder search than I had thought. There are currently a handful of 289 cars for sale at the moment, and all of them have "elements" of what I am looking for...right engine, right color, wrong transmission...etc. I will most likely talk to ERA and Unique this week to get exact pricing on a "roller". Aside from the car decision there is also the dilemma of how to distribute the funds I am working with. Spend it all on a high dollar perfect car....less money on a great car and a new truck.....more money on a great car, a decent used truck and the 50 cal BMG I have always wanted...... I am sure you all have been there, and I do appreciate your help as well as your patience!