Girlfriend wants an AC Cobra

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by IFlyEm

So here's my situation. Girlfriend wants me to build her a Cobra. She is self admittedly "not a good driver." Honestly, she's not bad per se, but she's not real strong either.

I told her that I think she's biting off more than she can chew. She's never driven a car with more than 200 hp. She's not buying it. She's positive she can learn how to drive it.

So I am putting it out here. What do you guys think?

BTW, I know the response is going to be build one for myself. My end of the deal is that she's letting me get a Z06.

Might I make the following suggestion (and comments)

1: If you truly love her, you will insist that she take at least a 3 day course at the Bondurant School of High performance driving

2: If you truly love her, you'll make sure to purchase an under powered crate engine of no more than 200hp for your build. Might I suggest an FFR spec racer chassis if you really love her and care about her safety at this time.

3: If you truly love her, you'll forget about your Z06 Corvette until such time as number one on this list is accomplished with a more than suggested passing grade of the course, or a repeat until such time as she can pass the course.


4: If you truly do not give a damn, then I suggest dumping this women and finding another that you can better handle when she suggests something as stupid as your current girlfriend has.

Sorry to be blunt, but we have seen far too many people, with far more experience than you both combined that "thought they could handle it". Some are buried, some are still alive but must live with the fact that they caused the death of someone else. Perhaps teach her to fly model airplanes first.

[IFlyEm]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Perhaps teach her to fly model airplanes first.

Like mine? lol



Ironically she's got her commercial pilots license and wants to learn to fly models as well.

Anyway, everything you guys have said we have discussed. Just sounds better when a third party confirms what I have said.

We are going to definitely go through driving school together. I have had performance cars all my life. Performance as in 11 - 13 sec cars. The Z06 will be the raciest car I have driven. Eventually I would love a Cobra. Just not sure I would be comfortable turning her loose in one that I would build to suit me.

I would like her to start with a decent 300 - 400 hp modern sports car with traction control.

Anyway thanks for all the input!

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by IFlyEm

I have had performance cars all my life. Performance as in 11 - 13 sec cars.

Drag racing is a whole lot different than road racing, keep that in mind. As for the power you want her to "start off with", that sounds more like ego getting in the way (yours,hers,both???). When I've instructed students, I've always told them it is not how fast you can go around a track, but how smoothly and consistently you can do so. Speed comes later once you master the rest......The same should be said about the power levels you want vs what you actually need to start off with at this time. Also, gender does not matter, maturity level and the want to properly learn a new skill is.


Bill S.

[1985 CCX]

Marry her now!
Buy her a top notch 289 car.....
Scrap the Z06 and get a matching 427.......

I know if my wife said she wanted a car it would be a matter of hours before it was in the driveway.......

Do what's right get her what she wants.
When momma is happy the family is happy. True....

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Marry her now! ...

First get a prenup and deal with who gets the car after you all crash and burn (marriage-wise, that is).

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by IFlyEm

Like mine? lol



Ironically she's got her commercial pilots license and wants to learn to fly models as well.


Anyway, everything you guys have said we have discussed. Just sounds better when a third party confirms what I have said.

We are going to definitely go through driving school together. I have had performance cars all my life. Performance as in 11 - 13 sec cars. The Z06 will be the raciest car I have driven. Eventually I would love a Cobra. Just not sure I would be comfortable turning her loose in one that I would build to suit me.


I would like her to start with a decent 300 - 400 hp modern sports car with traction control.


Anyway thanks for all the input!

Nice Yak! I take it you have a 3W in it? JR 12X? Looks good...

Originally Posted by mrmustang

gender does not matter, maturity level and the want to properly learn a new skill is.

Bill S.

I'm glad that someone finally brought this up. Bill is on the money here.

It has already been said, but the 289 car with a bone-stock 289 would likely satisfy her without having to be scary. She can learn to drive it if she maturely sets her sights on it. The school idea is a great one. Over time that little motor could be rebuilt to a fire-breathing beast that would impress even you...

It is great that she seems to share your interest in performance cars. As has been posted several times now, the big question is, "Does she really know what this car is like, how un-refined it actually is?" If not, that is the first order of business. You need to get her an extended ride in one. If she still wants one after that, then you need to go for it. Oh..., and skip the Z06, pass go, and collect your own Cobra! Course, she might get a little miffed if you put the Yak in the passenger's seat too often!

[289FIA]

Originally Posted by IFlyEm

I would like her to start with a decent 300 - 400 hp modern sports car with traction control.

...and ABS, side impact protection, Air Bags, front crumple zones...

[AL427SBF]

I personally would skip driving school and jump right into Drifting 101, you'll pick the other stuff up along the way

Best of luck, it'll be fun and no question in my mind she will do well. Next up, the trials & tribulations of the build. When that time arrives, I think you know to be very careful on how you might ask about 'component selection' lol.