New guy with basic questions

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

Budget wise I would like to be around 40??

Assuming that price range, I think Factory 5's, Backdraft's, maybe Unique's. If you can stretch another 10K-ish, then maybe an SPF.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Assuming that price range, I think Factory 5's, Backdraft's, maybe Unique's. If you can stretch another 10K-ish, then maybe an SPF.

Remember, he is looking for "a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable." I read "big block" to mean an FE, and he does not want a POS car.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Remember, he is looking for "a big block and I would like EFI. I want something reliable." I read "big block" to mean an FE, and he does not want a POS car.

But that conflicts with his price range of $40K in his original post. I haven't seen any Cobras with FE's and EFI for $40K. Have you? The budget constraint has to be the higher priority in his search criteria.

Unless the OP finances the balance of his purchase with, say, a "hard money" loan, which I know you would enthusiastically endorse.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

But that conflicts with his price range of $40K in his original post. I haven't seen any Cobras with FE's and EFI for $40K. Have you? The budget constraint has to be the higher priority in his search criteria.

Unless the OP finances the balance of his purchase with, say, a "hard money" loan, which I know you would enthusiastically endorse.

Precisely why I am pointing it all out. He will not be able to get what he wants for that amount of money. His two alternatives are: 1) Take something else for that amount of dough; or 2) Spend more dough. Neither of those two choices is particularly appealing. And you know my feelings on borrowing money to finance this hobby. To do that you might as well be borrowing money to run smack up your vein. I think he should just throw in the towel and forget the whole thing.

[Emurph]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

But that conflicts with his price range of $40K in his original post. I haven't seen any Cobras with FE's and EFI for $40K. Have you? The budget constraint has to be the higher priority in his search criteria.

Unless the OP finances the balance of his purchase with, say, a "hard money" loan, which I know you would enthusiastically endorse.

Let me back up, I was thinking the 427 maybe not a big block? No car loans on this deal 40 ish is it. I would forgo the bigger motor for nice solid and relaible. Again I'm not a mechanic. Great stuff here. Thanks. I've learned more since I posted this then I have in two weeks of poking around the web
Thanks!

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by Emurph

No car loans on this deal 40 ish is it. I would forgo the bigger motor for nice solid and reliable.

You can find a decent car for $40k. Some here would not be satisfied with that car, but perhaps you can. Many of us are.

Browse Cobra Country to get a feel for what is for sale at what price range.

You will find you can spend more or less than your budget.

But still, the best thing to do is see some cars in person to see what you can get for your money.

[vatdevil]

It's a bit of a drive for you but might consider attending the London Ohio Cobra event in a few weeks. Mank of the manufacturers will have display cars there.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

Let me back up, I was thinking the 427 maybe not a big block? No car loans on this deal 40 ish is it. I would forgo the bigger motor for nice solid and relaible. Again I'm not a mechanic. Great stuff here. Thanks. I've learned more since I posted this then I have in two weeks of poking around the web.Thanks!

I was kidding about the "hard money" loan because I know Patrick hates financing Cobras.

If it were me and I had the constraints that you've mentioned, then I'd likely pick a Backdraft. You MAY (or may not) need a few more $$$, but you get active factory support and customer service from Jay at Vintage Motorsports, a Cobra that originally came factory assembled turnkey minus (needing only an engine and trans) roller and have very good resale value. My $0.02.

If you want a more "authentic" Cobra than a Backdraft, then you'll have to spend more money for an Superformance. And even higher up on the scale, and more money, an ERA.

The Factory 5 builds are owner-built and unless you're technically-capable and/or a mechanic, then I would shy away from those Cobras. And it sounds like you're not.

[Emurph]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I was kidding about the "hard money" loan because I know Patrick hates financing Cobras.

If it were me and I had the constraints that you've mentioned, then I'd likely pick a Backdraft. You MAY (or may not) need a few more $$$, but you get active factory support and customer service from Jay at Vintage Motorsports, a Cobra that originally came factory assembled turnkey minus (needing only an engine and trans) roller and have very good resale value. My $0.02.

If you want a more "authentic" Cobra than a Backdraft, then you'll have to spend more money for an Superformance. And even higher up on the scale, and more money, an ERA.

The Factory 5 builds are owner-built and unless you're technically-capable and/or a mechanic, then I would shy away from those Cobras. And it sounds like you're not.

That's the kind of info I'm looking for! Thanks, so the factory 5's I'm seeing would all have been home builds and may or may not be done right? I saw a Backdraft on ebay that looks great but asking $51K. They would all have been built turn key? I'm not too worried about authentic. I definitely don't want a kit. My main thing is reliability and a nice quality car, good paint etc. if I have to give up the 427 I guess that is an option. I'm sure withy the weight of the car they are all fast! My Vette was a Z06 with some work done to it and weighed 3000lbs with 450hp. I'd like that acceleration rush which along with the awesome look of these cars is what got me into this. I don't want just another fast car. I want something different without spending 100K. Thanks again for the info you guys are great!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Emurph

Thanks, so the factory 5's I'm seeing would all have been home builds and may or may not be done right? I saw a Backdraft on ebay that looks great but asking $51K. They would all have been built turn key?

Factory 5's are not factory-builds. They're built by the buyer. Some are top notch, others not so much. There is a separate website for the Factory 5 forum.

FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum

Backdrafts are delivered from the factory in South Africa to the US as a turnkey minus (no engine/trans, but a roller). The engine and trans can be installed by the buyer or by a shop of the buyer's choice. A great many that I've seen here on this forum are finished (engine/trans installed) by Jay at Vintage Motorsports with engines built by Keith Craft, Ford Motorsport or Roush. And there many others, including Brent at B2 Motorpsorts.