Why??

[kevins2]

Exactly, too many examples of this. A Cobra replica plus an overdose of testosterone is not a good combination.

[GregAgrest]

I don't think the answer to the question is really all that difficult to answer. Unless your Cobra is an everyday driver you simply don't rack up the mileage of one that is. Less use=lessr mileage.

[Boon]

We said the same thing. Looks like a Camaro from the back. lol

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Boon

We said the same thing. Looks like a Camaro from the back. lol

And I hear it has a 4-bag "kitty litter" hauling capacity, for when NewYorkGuy moves to Long Island.

[Large Arbor]

Since I am a newby, I will share my thoughts. I bought my Cobra last November, ERA 714. Yes, I have had some issues, wrong starter, leaky stub axle, but that has been about it. I have put on about 2,000 miles and it has been a blast. I have no heater and am 6'2" and the car is not uncomfortable and I could stay in it for hours. It is well equipped with an aluminum 427 FE pushed out to 468 CID and is over 500 on HP and torque. Cobras are not for everyone. I however wanted one since I was 18 and finally got in a position to buy one. After a year of usage, I would not trade it. The only PITA has been the close quarters when working on one. That issue tends to follow small sports cars. You get used to it though and learn patience. I treat it with respect as I am still learning how to drive it. It leaves a smell of gas in the garage when its shut down and idles a little high. However, I like the smells sounds and fun it creates.

I too cannot understand why some hang around this site with the antagonism to the word replica. Since many of these replicas are built better than originals, and the originals are beyond most folks price range, my Cobra is about the closest I will ever get to the real thing, and for me, although it does not have a CSX stamp, its everything I expected from one.

Phil

[patrickt]

I have been told, by true owners of original big block Cobra cars, that they were just as unreliable, and maybe even more so, than our replicas.

[Boon]

With all that being said what are some good reliable sites to find good used cobras?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Boon

With all that being said what are some good reliable sites to find good used cobras?

This is one of the better ones: 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE

[rodneym]

It is, Pete. We're just being numbskulls.
And she looks beautiful.

[RACERAL]

My Factory 5 small block
was the most reliable car I owned for 10 years of ownership. Sold it, planning on building another... this time with a big block. Why, because I got tired of everyone asking me if my old car had a big block in it.

[PSB]

Well, I'm a bit late to this thread...but here goes.

I sold my Cobra with about 5000 miles on it. Why? I loved driving it on short trips on back roads, it drew a crowd everywhere I went, and I would frequently go out in the garage to just admire it, but driving on an interstate was pure hell. Loud (engine noise wasn't bad, it's the wind and road noise that gets you), miserably hot in the summer, bone chilling cold in the spring/fall. Stiff suspension beat the crap out of you if the roads aren't good. Having to check the weather before driving anywhere to make sure it wasn't going to rain was getting old also.

Another reason I sold was the safety factor. There's nothing between you and the mega SUV driven by a texting soccer mom but 1/4" of fiberglass. It seems like there's been a rash of fatal Cobra accidents in the past couple years. Maybe it's not any worse than usual, but we just hear about it more because of the internet.

So, you guys who love your Cobras - good for you, it just wasn't for me.

I still liked the idea of a raw, lightwieght, high HP performance car I can build myself, so I'm building a RCR Superlite Coupe with a roof, A/C and heat, and a full rollcage with side impact bars.

Big block vs small block - my Cobra had a small block because it was significantly cheaper, more reliable, less maintenance, easier to find parts, and it still sounded pretty dang good. I will admit, if money was no object, I would've had a aluminum block FE.

Pete

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PSB

Well, I'm a bit late to this thread...but here goes.

I sold my Cobra with about 5000 miles on it. Why? I loved driving it on short trips on back roads, it drew a crowd everywhere I went, and I would frequently go out in the garage to just admire it, but driving on an interstate was pure hell. Loud (engine noise wasn't bad, it's the wind and road noise that gets you), miserably hot in the summer, bone chilling cold in the spring/fall. Stiff suspension beat the crap out of you if the roads aren't good. Having to check the weather before driving anywhere to make sure it wasn't going to rain was getting old also.

Another reason I sold was the safety factor. There's nothing between you and the mega SUV driven by a texting soccer mom but 1/4" of fiberglass. It seems like there's been a rash of fatal Cobra accidents in the past couple years. Maybe it's not any worse than usual, but we just hear about it more because of the internet.

So, you guys who love your Cobras - good for you, it just wasn't for me.

I still liked the idea of a raw, lightwieght, high HP performance car I can build myself, so I'm building a RCR Superlite Coupe with a roof, A/C and heat, and a full rollcage with side impact bars.

Big block vs small block - my Cobra had a small block because it was significantly cheaper, more reliable, less maintenance, easier to find parts, and it still sounded pretty dang good. I will admit, if money was no object, I would've had a aluminum block FE.

Pete

A straight-forward, honest answer. . And I think the OP has already come to his senses and given up the pie-in-the-sky, stupid idea of owning a Cobra.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by PSB

Another reason I sold was the safety factor. There's nothing between you and the mega SUV driven by a texting soccer mom but 1/4" of fiberglass. Pete

IMO not enough is said about this. Different people deal with this differently- it worries some of us more than others. Also depends on where you live and your driving environment. There are only a few hours in the day that I'm willing to get out on the street in either my 66 Vette or my ERA. I watch other drivers like a hawk but it's difficult to judge those big SUVs roaring up on your tail while I'm sitting at a light or that I'm passing while they are waiting to pull out into traffic. I love my old cars but my advancing age makes me more appreciative of the years I have left and I limit driving them to try and improve my odds.

[RodKnock]

You should also be careful of stepping off curbs, eating too much, not exercising enough, etc.

You're more likely to get into an accident as a pedestrian or develop heart disease than get into an accident while driving your Cobra.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You should also be careful of stepping off curbs, eating too much, not exercising enough, etc.

You're more likely to get into an accident as a pedestrian or develop heart disease than get into an accident while driving your Cobra.

I beg to differ around here. People drive like idiots. One swoop lane changes across 3 lanes of traffic at the last second to exit the freeway and running red lights are spectator sport around here.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I beg to differ around here. People drive like idiots. One swoop lane changes across 3 lanes of traffic at the last second to exit the freeway and running red lights are spectator sport around here.

RodKnock just enjoys being contrary.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

RodKnock just enjoys being contrary.

Actually, I'm more of a statistician.

The fact of the matter is that nearly every one of us use our Cobras so infrequently (most are bought, used and sold with very little mileage) that pedestrian accidents and heart disease would be greater risks to the general Cobra owner population.

[PSB]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You should also be careful of stepping off curbs, eating too much, not exercising enough, etc.

You're more likely to get into an accident as a pedestrian or develop heart disease than get into an accident while driving your Cobra.

Well, I've never been hit as a pedestrian, and I don't have heart disease, but I have had two vehicles totaled in accidents caused by other drivers. One turned left right in front of me and the other ran a red light doing about 50mph. I walked away from both accidents, but if I'd been driving my Cobra in the first one I'd have had serious injuries, and the second I'd be dead.

[cycleguy55]

FWIW, not once, but twice in the past six weeks I've had someone nearly collide with me while I was driving the Cobra. In both situations I was turning left into a parking lot (Home Depot, then Staples / Costco) across two driving lanes, while the miscreants were both exiting the parking lot and attempting to turn left into the same path I would have been on, had I continued straight. In both cases I had my turn signal on (and yes, I checked to ensure they work) and both times it appeared they were looking over and behind me. It was as if their motoring paradigm was 1/2 ton trucks and SUVs which, by the way, we have a lot of around here. Notwithstanding the fact my Cobra is a pretty bright red with a hint of orange, it would seem to be nearly invisible - at least at that height. Almost reminds of the two summers I rode a murdercycle...

Maybe I should jack the Cobra up and put it on 32" off road tires. Anyone know where I can get a lift kit?

[PSB]