Cobra power, how much is enough?

[PHC1]

Well, I think I have a better understanding now of what a Cobra feels like and how much HP "I" would need after being a passenger in a Kirkham as well as trying a Superformance out from behind the wheel.. I would be more than OK between 400-450HP. They are fun machines but personally I would never try to push my luck too far in one of these.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PHC1

... after being a passenger in a Kirkham as well as trying a Superformance out from behind the wheel.

Now that you've answered the horsepower question, could you see any differences between the Kirkham and the SPF? Did any of the differences jump out as you as "gotta haves?" Now I'm not talking originality, or even the aluminum v. glass thing. Instead, those differences could be as little (or big) as the wipers, stance of the hips, look of the nose, etc. Or, did both cars pretty much look the same to you?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Now that you've answered the horsepower question, could you see any differences between the Kirkham and the SPF? Did any of the differences jump out as you as "gotta haves?" Now I'm not talking originality, or even the aluminum v. glass thing. Instead, those differences could be as little (or big) as the wipers, stance of the hips, look of the nose, etc. Or, did both cars pretty much look the same to you?

Liked them both a lot! I don't have the "trained" eye for authenticity, nor is it really a priority for me with my first Cobra selection. It was great to be able to see both side by side and they both looked very good and very similar in shape. Of course there are minor differences in the shapes but I really can't say which is better because they both look great. I could easily live with either in terms of overall shape and close resemblance to the original if that's the benchmark...

Felt a bit different of course. The superformance had many, many more miles on it and the owner uses it quite a bit. The suspension/ride quality was more forgiving overall but the car was not quite as "tight" as the virtually new Kirkham. The Kirkham felt both stiffer in the suspension and body rigidity and I guess that makes sense since it is aluminum and new, also much louder.

The superformance felt like it was more forgiving, more driveable while the Kirkham felt more raw, precise and high strung and a bit edgier. I guess at the end of the day it's what one prefers to do with the car. The Kirkham was also in their "filed" form, meant to be painted and that really gives it a more serious, "body in metal" look, very unique.

I'm still on the fence in terms of my first Cobra but at least I now have a better understanding!

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Now that you've answered the horsepower question, could you see any differences between the Kirkham and the SPF? Did any of the differences jump out as you as "gotta haves?" Now I'm not talking originality, or even the aluminum v. glass thing. Instead, those differences could be as little (or big) as the wipers, stance of the hips, look of the nose, etc. Or, did both cars pretty much look the same to you?

Patrick: As noted by PCH1 to his untrained eye he could not see much of a difference. To those like me that have been around these cars for years and years we can tell these cars apart from 50 yards away. The average guy can't. I can see a substantial difference in body shape between a SPF and a Kirkham. I'm sure you can to.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

The average guy can't. I can see a substantial difference in body shape between a SPF and a Kirkham. I'm sure you can to.

Yes, I wanted to see if he spotted some of the differences, like the pedals, or the radiator. Some people can't, you know... and if you can't see it, then there's really no point in paying for it. For me, the angle of the radiator was always important. Not so much because of the originality thing, I just really don't like the look of a vertical radiator. If ERA had a vertical radiator I doubt I would have bought one.

[kobrabytes]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Well, I think I have a better understanding now of what a Cobra feels like and how much HP "I" would need after being a passenger in a Kirkham as well as trying a Superformance out from behind the wheel.. I would be more than OK between 400-450HP. They are fun machines but personally I would never try to push my luck too far in one of these.

Interestingly enough, IMHO, this is a question that you cannot answer until you have thousands of miles in the drivers seat. Initially what seems like a insane amount of power becomes less impressive and overwhelming once you get used to the performance. Honestly I could use a few hundred extra at times.

Ultimately with everything I've read on this thread it has NOTHING to do with how much HP your engine produces. It's having enough that you are not disappointed with the performance of your Cobra. Once you put it all together it's a bit harder to get large gains.

In the end EVERYTHING comes down to the driver. You could have a billion HP Cobra and still use the accelerator prudently. On the other hand you can kill yourself in a Ford Focus doing stupid things. Either way, build what you want, because you want it, and you get what YOU want. You don't really need to care about others opinions.

RE: Aluminum bodied Cobras...

I'm truly not trying to stir anything up here, but... I think the guys that "claim" glass is better than AL have never owned an aluminum Cobra. In the bare, they are the easiest body to maintain. Scratches and dents are relatively easy to deal with, and require no repainting. If you paint them, that changes the amount of work.

All that being said, build your dream and never look back!

len

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by kobrabytes

RE: Aluminum bodied Cobras...

I'm truly not trying to stir anything up here, but... I think the guys that "claim" glass is better than AL have never owned an aluminum Cobra. In the bare, they are the easiest body to maintain. Scratches and dents are relatively easy to deal with, and require no repainting. If you paint them, that changes the amount of work.

Well, you stirring the pot now.

I agree with you. Having owned a '66 Corvette Convertible for eons and eons, I think it's "six of one, half a dozen of the other."

Certainly there's absolutely no difference when they sit in a garage all the time.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Certainly there's absolutely no difference when they sit in a garage all the time.

... or if you use a magnet to tell them apart.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... or if you use a magnet to tell them apart.

Poor Patrick... all his family photos on the floor in front of his SubZero ...

[patrickt]

... not to mention the menu from our favorite Chinese place.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... not to mention the menu from our favorite Chinese place.

Subzero. What a bunch of snobs.

Chinese food. Now there's a healthy alternative for your family.

BTW, whatever happened to PHC1? Did he buy something already? Or did the "fling" with the Cobra end with his purchase of his new 2012 Corvette.

[JBCOBRA]

LOL Cash!
....and how come you can't get a Subzero with an ice and water dispenser

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Poor Patrick... all his family photos on the floor in front of his SubZero ...

[REAL 1]

One body cracks and splinters. The other dents/dings.

[kobrabytes]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Certainly there's absolutely no difference when they sit in a garage all the time.

I have 24k on my car. It's seen a lot of road. I need a new windshield it's been sandblasted so much it's hard to see out when the sun hits at certain angles.

I've had the body repolished once, after abou three years. That was a LOT cheeper than a new paint job.

Like I said.. Till you own one you'll never know...