Help & pointers in purchasing.

[patrscoe]

I am looking to purchase a Cobra within the upcoming winter and I have been trying to figure out what to look for, size of engine, fuel injection, interior preference, etc... Seems that there is no Cobra replica on the market that is nearly the same.

Any help on the following:
Engine: what is the right engine for the car, size, more or less hp, etc...
Anything to look for that is a continuous problem with these cars?
Any other pointers that might help?

My intended use would be driving locally and perhaps short day trips.

Thanks
Patrick

[KirkV]

Oh boy, the sky is the limit on this one.

I started with a shell valley kit car and have settled into a superformance car. I guess it depends on your pocketbook and if you want a kit to build or a car already built for you?
I have around 450HP and it is well enough for me, but have friends with 700HP that is insane for me! lol

I had a fuel injection car and now have a demon carb. Again no problem with either more of a choice you make.

If you choose a kit car stay with one of the more prevalent types to help with parts etc and they will always be around in the future.

Do a little looking around and see if anyone near you may offer for you to ride in their car. That is worth it's weight in gold.

Kirk

[patrscoe]

I although I would love to build one, I just don't have the time and most likely the expertise in building one from ground up. I am going to purchase one that is already built.
I am not looking to break the bank on this but I want to have fun and minimum problems, if possible. It's going to be strictly a weekend fun car.

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by patrscoe

Any help on the following:
Engine: what is the right engine for the car, size, more or less hp, etc...
Anything to look for that is a continuous problem with these cars?
Any other pointers that might help?

My intended use would be driving locally and perhaps short day trips.

Welcome.
At least you know what you want from the car, that really helps.
Next step is to determine your budget. The range is basically from $25,000 to $100,000.

Check out CobraCountry and you will see a wide variety of styles and prices.

You will also get a wide range of opinions, but here's my take:

The 'right' engine is a big block 427 side oiler. Expensive but holds value well.
There are lots of different engines and most of the population won't know the difference. Many of these run 351w based engines which are a bit lighter and can still make really good power. Initial cost and resale will generally be less than a big block. (Notice I said generally).

They all have their quirks, so expect some mechanical work no matter what manufacturer you go with. If you don't intend to do your own work, hook up with the local Cobra club guys and find out who works on their cars.

Look around a lot and see what you like. I doubt you will find any 2 exactly alike.

Good luck and keep us posted!

John

[patrscoe]

Is there anyone from the Central Virginia area that owns a Cobra?

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by patrscoe

Is there anyone from the Central Virginia area that owns a Cobra?

Plenty

Capital Area Cobra Club - Index


Bill S.

[Mr Jody]

Go back up to near the top of this page and you will see a “Community” tab with a drop down menu. The last item there is a “Members List”. Click on this and it will give you a list of all members (may take several seconds to load, over 55,000 members listed ). After this loads, pan over to the right hand side of the page and near the top you will see a “Search Members” tab. Click on this and you will see an “Advanced Search” option. From there, you will see several fields that you can search on, one of them being the state. My search with “VA” in the state field shows 612 results. Maybe you can narrow it down from there. It is worth noting however, that some members' listings do not have the state filled in , and you may just have to rely on those speaking up here, but this may give you a place to start.

[patrscoe]

Thanks