Possible new EM Cobra Purchase Opinions needed

[avdcav]

Thanks in advance to any help "

So I have been a Porsche guy for years" Now I am ready to move to somthing else. First thought was newer style corvette, Hard to beat for the money !!!

Than I came upon a EM cobra 460 in let's say 7-8 out of 10 condition
it really is a stunning vehicle. I honestly don't know what to offer for the vehicle and this is were I need some help.

Here are the basics

Color Blue Paint is in very good condition
460 Motor Clean" needs a detailing but its rock solid
( I think the heads are Iron original )
Tranny C6 AUTOMATIC This is a little bothersome but could cope
( Don't know the stall )
460 badges
BF GR tires very good condition
Rims are the classic replica knickoffs in very good condition
Top and side windows perfect condition
7500 miles on car
New side pipes that look amazing
Mustand II front end
Leaf Spring rear
Front Disc
Rear Drum

Any opinions would be helpful

[Clois Harlan]

Just a shot in the dark....a friend of mine just bought a EM from a guy in San Diago that had never completed the car for $32K. He spent an additional $3K to finish. The car is immaculant and one of the best assembled kits out there. I like EM but I understand if you were to build one today it would probably take more than a year to get your ride on the road.

Clois

[rustyBob]

before you make an offer.....shop around......see what else is out there.....
do your research first......it may save you a major headach in the long run.....

[avdcav]

Are you saying that because of procurement on parts issue's ?
The vehicle I am looking at is 100% Done. Just needs alot of cleaning
I would however like to convert to independent rear suspension but have not
done the research on parts or associated costs but that's another day.

I've looked at about 6 Cobras now" and some were good and some were really good but
I'm just not spending 45K on a car that I will drive 4-5 months out of the year on weekends. And most people seem to be asking alot of money for simple bolt on items and shiny parts. I also found it interesteing that every car I looked at the owner could not speak car at all. Were as in the porsche community I am accustomed too " We normaly speak down to the metallurgy of components. (that was a little exaggerated but you get the point).

Solid info is hard to come by on these cars " and pricing is even harder
does anyone know of a check off purchase list I can download? Cobra specific

[Jerry Clayton]

The car that you are looking at with M2 front and leaf spring rear, iron head 460/C6 trans is probably a super cruise around car but won't give you the aggressive driver/car/road experience your looking for.
However----most or at least mant EM s were the choice of outside the box builders that wanted something different than the just like the original/mine is more authenic than yours/----the builders that wanted some truly high performance big inch, supercharged, hemi, all aluminum, etc engines with modern type (C4 Corvette) suspensions--

The M2 front/leaf spring rear is going to drive like a Pinto with a 460 engine------------

[rustyBob]

avdcav.....first off WELCOME to the site......
the thing with Cobras is there are no 2 that are alike...
there are probably 60 companies produceing replicas and
thats not counting all the companies that have gone out of business
the best advice i can give is DO YOUR HOMEWORK....
set your budget and stick as close as you car to that budget....
deciede on what you want to use the car for....race/street/show....
deciede on how "authentic" you want to be....
dont jump off the cliff because its there.....look first.....

[Buzz]

If you are from the Porsche world and appreciate cars down to the metallurgy level, you will not be happy with that particular car unless you plan on using it for very basic cruising duties. Shop around for a Cobra with independent rear suspension, good disc brakes all around and a manual transmission. These features alone will place your search among the more reputable brands.

[Dwight]

I have worked on four EM (owned one) that were build in the early 90"s. Great kits. None had leaf spring rear ends. Either 9" or 8.8s with Mustang style upper and lowers control arms. I don't think I ever worked on one that was a factory car all the way. Like most of the kit car we love, the builder and his skills make all the different's.

Take a long hard look and even better get someone who has build a few to go with you.

At one time EM was one of the four best kits available. IMHO

Dwight Frye algunruner@aol.com

[avdcav]

Oohhh. This is good. Exactly what I'm looking for
Don't be shy. Lay it on me """".

Thank you all

[avdcav]

Real intentions are a cool cruiser I can
Play with and some new garage candy "

No plans at all to track it "

[Buzz]

If you want a good, accurate looking car from a current manufacturer that can be a solid performer when correctly built and sorted, look at used cars from Unique Motorcars (highly recommended as one of the better brands) and Hurricane, if you can find any in your price range. There are other great cars from ERA, Superformance, and others but these will probably be above your stated budget. If you are not fanatical about accurate appearance, there will be a few FFR (Factory Five Racing) cars with IRS and plenty with solid axle rears that will be nicely finished and within your price range. The newer FFR MKIV has a much more accurate body shape, but there wont be many if any lower priced examples on the used market yet. Backdraft makes a popular, well finished car with a stretched wheelbase and a unique body shape - you may find a used one at your price point.

Others will chime in with more recommendations. Look at the used Cobras on 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE for those brands and others that will be mentioned here.

E-M built some good cars with both Jag and Corvette based rear suspensions if you can find them. Highly respected manufacturers that are no longer in business like Butler and Contemporary Classic should also be watched for - some reasonably priced gems occasionally show up for sale.

Be patient; settling for a sub par Cobra that burns rubber and makes big noise through the pipes but can't keep up with a Honda Prelude on the road because of crappy brakes and suspension could turn a rewarding ownership experience into a huge disappointment.

[Hotfingrs]

I've had my EM for 12 yrs and love the hell out of it. Don't worry about getting parts, because they are all available from different sources. Having owned over 40 Corvettes in my lifetime, I chose the C-4 suspension and heim jointed everything. IMHO cant go wrong with EM.

[avdcav]

Sorry about the re posts
Anyone know the speculated cost
Of getting rid of the leaf springs ?

[Dwight]

A LOT

keep looking


Dwight

[Jerry Clayton]

The rear section of frame had differances between the leaf,and irs types of rear--they also had both Jag and C4 Vet set ups

[Frank Messina]

Coming out of a Porsche, you will be very unhappy with this particular example as soon as the new wears off.
Look for exactly what you want. IRS, 5 speed, 4 wheel discs, BB or SB, rediculous HP? It's out there in abundance now. Keep looking
Frank

[wolf k]

Didn't some EM have extended wheelbase? 96 in. vs 90 in. Something to consider if you are tall.

[ceslaw]

Gen IV was 93 inch wheelbase, stainless steel chassis, IRS. Solid, heavy, good cruiser.

[Rawkkrawler]

avdcav, Sent you a PM.