Superformance VS. ERA

[Mark IV]

Aside from Patricks usual "comments", you will do well with either. For once he can actually add something to the discussion as he IS an ERA owner.

The ERA is a high quaility product when it leaves the factory and if assembled properly, makes a great car. You will not go wrong with one that is well built (and I sell Superformance). That said, the SPF is a consistant quality product and you will know what you are getting.

Both have good resale values and are sought after on the resale market.

Find what you like and drive the wheels off it.....................................

[kevins2]

There is a section on ERA's website that answers the question about the rectangular frame. Essentially, while a deviation from original, it is stronger and will handle the hp that some folks put in these cars. Worth a read if that is important to you.

Regards,

Kevin

[SPF1061]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Aside from Patricks usual "comments", you will do well with either. For once he can actually add something to the discussion as he IS an ERA owner.

The ERA is a high quaility product when it leaves the factory and if assembled properly, makes a great car. You will not go wrong with one that is well built (and I sell Superformance). That said, the SPF is a consistant quality product and you will know what you are getting.

Both have good resale values and are sought after on the resale market.

Find what you like and drive the wheels off it.....................................

When I bought my Superformance, I questioned where the Superformance fell in the ranks of replicas. It was suggested to me by the dealer that if I wanted to consider another brand I would do well to look at ERA and Kirkham.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Aside from Patricks usual "comments", you will do well with either. For once he can actually add something to the discussion as he IS an ERA owner.

And don't hold Patrick being an ERA owner against the car. It's a fine car, and the majority of owners are not like Patrick.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

And don't hold Patrick being an ERA owner against the car. It's a fine car

A point to which I agreed, the ERA IS a fine car. I have known several and have been impressed although they were cars built by ERA, not an owner or assembler.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by SPF1061

When I bought my Superformance, I questioned where the Superformance fell in the ranks of replicas. It was suggested to me by the dealer that if I wanted to consider another brand I would do well to look at ERA and Kirkham.

That SPF dealer gets bonus points for his honesty. He's a credit to his occupation.

Originally Posted by Silverback51

And don't hold Patrick being an ERA owner against the car. It's a fine car, and the majority of owners are not like Patrick.

Ahh, but think how wonderful the world would be if that were only true.

[kevins2]

OK, I've seen several comments about the difference in ERA's between ERA built and owner built. Considering that ERA mounts and bonds the body (important to be done just so, in my opinion, to avoid stess cracks in the future) the rest of their kit seems pretty straight forward. They put in the lights, radiator, pedals, most of the steering mechanism, gas tank, rear wiring, etc., etc. The rest of the build is just assembling stuff. How hard can that be?

And I'm not asking the question sarcastically - I'm under the impression that someone with patience and basic ability, even with no prior experience with cars, can put the car together in a top quality manner. Am I kidding myself? Anyone out there that actually built their ERA care to weigh in?

Kevin

[patrickt]

Of the couple dozen ERAs that I have seen, live, with my own two eyes, I don't believe any of them were built by the owners -- they were all factory jobs. But I've had a lot of my car apart and I tend to agree with you. If you take your time you'll be fine. At the very, very end of the build, having four corner scales to set the corner weights will end up making a world of difference though in how it handles. ERA did that for me, and I subsequently checked them with my local club's scales and they were dead on.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by kevins2

OK, I've seen several comments about the difference in ERA's between ERA built and owner built. Considering that ERA mounts and bonds the body (important to be done just so, in my opinion, to avoid stess cracks in the future) the rest of their kit seems pretty straight forward. They put in the lights, radiator, pedals, most of the steering mechanism, gas tank, rear wiring, etc., etc. The rest of the build is just assembling stuff. How hard can that be?

And I'm not asking the question sarcastically - I'm under the impression that someone with patience and basic ability, even with no prior experience with cars, can put the car together in a top quality manner. Am I kidding myself? Anyone out there that actually built their ERA care to weigh in?

Kevin

I think you will be fine. I did my own bonding and painting. Bonding was not a big deal but the several hundred rivets that have to be drilled and installed are not great fun. If you're buying the car bonded, riveted, painted and with rear suspension installed - you will have it made.

[kevins2]

Thanks guys, I was starting to second guess myself reading about how it will kill the resale value if I assemble it myself.

I'll have a lot to learn as I go, but that should be part of the fun and, as Bob said, they have a great manual with detailed instructions. Although my wife may not always agree, I am capable of following instructions.

Regards,

Kevin

[DanEC]

I might add that I received my car two years ago this month and I'm just now completing buffing out the paint. I spent the better part of 20 months on body work and painting. Other than only being able to work on it on weekends and when it wasn't too hot or too cold - I'm just really slow - but I am happy with the paint. However - I'm not sure what the paint shops that ERA uses are charging these days - but it's actually a bargain I think. Other than being able to spread that cost out over time, I'm pretty sure I didn't save myself any cost overall.