Wanna drive it. Opinions??? - Page 2

patrickt · #21 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Or the contrary. Good quality original blocks become superfluous and worthless.

Well I'm confident it will be either one or the other.

rub35 · #22 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, no... 2550 with a half tank of gas. But, I'll go with the 99% odds and say the OP never gets a Cobra anyway. Any Cobra.

On the contrary, I usually set my sights on a goal and acheive it. I decided that I've waited long enough and it's time to find the one I want or at least the one I can make what I want. I like this forum because you get what you ask for. I asked for opinions and I got some. Thanks guys... keep em coming.

ERA Chas · #23 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rub35

I like this forum because you get what you ask for. I asked for opinions and I got some. Thanks guys... keep em coming.

Just be smart enough to heed opinions that are backed up with fact and experience. There are many keyboard jockeys that only spout what they read somewhere else.

patrickt · #24 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Just be smart enough to heed opinions that are backed up with fact and experience. There are many keyboard jockeys that only spout what they read somewhere else.

Go with the "rule of fives." You should have owned your Cobra for at least five years, put at least 5,000 miles on it, and have at least 5 posts per day since you joined Club Cobra.

PLDRIVE · #25 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 07:42 PM

All kidding aside, USE the Search,and u will find info on about any topic.

Lay out a budget (you will exceed what u planned for

). then Buy and build what makes u happy.

You will find a wealth of knowledge on this site, as well as some low budget humor.

Best of luck!

Mark

DAVID GAGNARD · #26 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Just be smart enough to heed opinions that are backed up with fact and experience. There are many keyboard jockeys that only spout what they read somewhere else.

That's why I suggest riding in and driving as many different cars with as many different engines as possible, then decide what's right for you.....

David

Grubby · #27 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 08:11 PM

I have made contact with the OP and I will arrange for him to look at and ride in an ERA with an iron FE.

John

patrickt · #28 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grubby

I have made contact with the OP and I will arrange for him to look at and ride in an ERA with an iron FE.

Give me an iron FE with a stumble any day over a SB.

lovehamr · #29 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 08:33 PM

Hey John, if you can, let him know what the weight dist is on that ERA as well. Don't want the Mustang and Fairlane jockeys leading him astray on the whole balance thing.

ERA Chas · #30 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Hey John, if you can, let him know what the weight dist is on that ERA as well. Don't want the Mustang and Fairlane jockeys leading him astray on the whole balance thing.

See post #19. John's iron heads only add 44 pounds behind the front wheels.

patrickt · #31 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

See post #19. John's iron heads only add 44 pounds behind the front wheels.

You know, just upgrading to Edelbrock aluminum heads, with just a little bit of basic port matching, would be a nice "over the winter" project that might work wonders for him....

ERA Chas · #32 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

...a nice "over the winter" project that might work wonders for him....

...And your winter project to fab steel fuel lines and dump the carnival type will provide similar satisfactions for you.

patrickt · #33 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

...And your winter project to fab steel fuel lines and dump the carnival type will provide similar satisfactions for you.

As a matter of fact, I have put a "remove the red and blue stuff" on my list of projects. I actually prefer the braided steel look, but I really do not like the red and blue look. I removed all the blue/red from the remote oil lines, because they jumped out so much. I let the fuel lines slide because, when the Turkey Pan is on, they're just not as noticable -- but they're not invisible by any stretch of the imagination. So, they're now on the list to be fixed.

Slick61 · #34 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 03:05 PM

Unless you're very patient, or very lucky, you'll probably have to make some compromises on your "wish list"... OR your budget. I looked at probably 8 or 10 before I bought mine... all kinds... JohnEx, SPF, Backdraft, B&B, FFR, etc. I tried to keep an open mind. Each mfr. has their good and not-so-good points. Most I looked at were stroked small blocks of varying displacement. How any engine sounds & feels will greatly depend upon setup. In addition, the transmission, gearing, and suspension setup also play a significant part. There were only a few mfrs. I ruled out, as their design/appearance strayed a bit too far from my "ideal". It's a personal decision, based upon your own wants & priorities. I "wanted" fuel injection, but it wasn't a deal-breaker... and I didn't get it. I wasn't delibrately looking for an aluminum-blocked car, but it's nice to have... more for bragging rights than anything else. A small block can sound just as mean (or meaner) than a big block, if it's set up properly. The header/sidepipe configuration can be finessed to whatever you want. I've had a few "nice big block" comments when I fire mine up... always gives me a chuckle. I wasn't set on a big blocked car (tho I looked at a few). But when the seller lifted the hood to reveal a DART-blocked aluminum 427W stroker, my eyes lit up. And when he started it up, I was SPRUNG! A week later, it was mine. I never drove a Cobra til 3 days after mine was delivered... it didn't leave the garage until registration & insurance were in place. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was close enough... and I haven't regretted my purchase. A buddy of mine has a 552 in his... it's a monster... probably puts out 900+ hp... yet mine sounds just as mean... and he would agree. That "sound" is all in the pipes.

I don't regret going with a stroked small block at all. I have more room in the engine bay to work on it... and good airflow around it for efficient cooling (a key with an aluminum block)... and with 612 hp/615 tq, I have more power than my driving skills will support. If memory serves, mine weighs in around 2300 lbs. Probably anything you get will have more than enough power. TRACTION is typically the limiting factor. When I started looking, I promised myself that I would NOT end up in a YouTube video, having seen several of wadded-up Cobras because someone was showing off or driving beyond their abilities. Be careful... these snakes will BITE!

These cars are all about ego... you need to figure out what it will take to satisfy yours, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept (unless you build). Good luck... and enjoy the "shopping" process...

Donunder · #35 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 03:34 PM

Congrats on a nicely balanced and informative reply Slick.

Exactly what a prospective new buyer would be looking for...

DAVID GAGNARD · #36 (**permalink**) 08-28-2012, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick61

Unless you're very patient, or very lucky, you'll probably have to make some compromises on your "wish list"... OR your budget. I looked at probably 8 or 10 before I bought mine... all kinds... JohnEx, SPF, Backdraft, B&B, FFR, etc. I tried to keep an open mind. Each mfr. has their good and not-so-good points. Most I looked at were stroked small blocks of varying displacement. How any engine sounds & feels will greatly depend upon setup. In addition, the transmission, gearing, and suspension setup also play a significant part. There were only a few mfrs. I ruled out, as their design/appearance strayed a bit too far from my "ideal". It's a personal decision, based upon your own wants & priorities. I "wanted" fuel injection, but it wasn't a deal-breaker... and I didn't get it. I wasn't delibrately looking for an aluminum-blocked car, but it's nice to have... more for bragging rights than anything else. A small block can sound just as mean (or meaner) than a big block, if it's set up properly. The header/sidepipe configuration can be finessed to whatever you want. I've had a few "nice big block" comments when I fire mine up... always gives me a chuckle. I wasn't set on a big blocked car (tho I looked at a few). But when the seller lifted the hood to reveal a DART-blocked aluminum 427W stroker, my eyes lit up. And when he started it up, I was SPRUNG! A week later, it was mine. I never drove a Cobra til 3 days after mine was delivered... it didn't leave the garage until registration & insurance were in place. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was close enough... and I haven't regretted my purchase. A buddy of mine has a 552 in his... it's a monster... probably puts out 900+ hp... yet mine sounds just as mean... and he would agree. That "sound" is all in the pipes.

I don't regret going with a stroked small block at all. I have more room in the engine bay to work on it... and good airflow around it for efficient cooling (a key with an aluminum block)... and with 612 hp/615 tq, I have more power than my driving skills will support. If memory serves, mine weighs in around 2300 lbs. Probably anything you get will have more than enough power. TRACTION is typically the limiting factor. When I started looking, I promised myself that I would NOT end up in a YouTube video, having seen several of wadded-up Cobras because someone was showing off or driving beyond their abilities. Be careful... these snakes will BITE!

These cars are all about ego... you need to figure out what it will take to satisfy yours, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept (unless you build). Good luck... and enjoy the "shopping" process...

Well said...........

David

Slick61 · #37 (**permalink**) 08-29-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donunder

Congrats on a nicely balanced and informative reply Slick.

Exactly what a prospective new buyer would be looking for...

well... I try... had I bought a big-blocked car, I'd likely be singing a different tune. Every manufacturer has their own fanboys... I've tried to stay out of that. Cobras are like snowflakes... each is unique, beautiful, and special... (group hug!) The key is to find a car you like, buy it, and enjoy it! There will always be someone to trash or praise your choice. Buy what makes YOU happy!

Grubby · #38 (**permalink**) 08-29-2012, 04:46 PM

The OP came by last night for a really close look and a drive. We talked about weight and weight distribution. He had lots of questions.

Reuben - It was nice to meet you. Good luck on the selection and buying process.

John

patrickt · #39 (**permalink**) 08-29-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grubby

The OP came by last night for a really close look and a drive.

I have to ask... did you give him a "hard ride," or a gentle ride?

rub35 · #40 (**permalink**) 08-29-2012, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I have to ask... did you give him a "hard ride," or a gentle ride?

It was a good ride. A little cruising and a some hard acceleration and shifting

. It was awesome fun and I enjoyed it. It is the second "ride" that I've had in a BB Cobra this month. I'm saying that I probably would prefer the BB over a SB, but I need to try and sample a couple of those too just to be sure.
The first car (CSX) I got a ride in was on the wild side as far as state of tune. John's car is about medium I'd say. A good compromise for quick runs and long hauls as well. Either way, I'm impressed.
Thanks John!!!