New Guy Build Questions...

[Three Peaks]

William, welcome to the madness. I'm sure there will be lots of input for your questions so I'll just throw in my 2 peso's worth.

Yes, a Chev motor will probably be a red flag to some but it is your car- do it the way you want it. With 25 years in the service, you've probably got pretty thick skin.....

Two things to consider- the Chev engine may kill resale value unless you find just the right buyer when the time comes (and it always does eventually)- and be sure that whatever kit you choose that your engine choice is supported by the manufacturer so the proper mounts and space is available for the engine to actually fit in the compartment and connect to everything properly- headers, transmission, engine mounts, radiator connections, etc... not all kits fit all contingencies.

Another point- the Big Block chev and the 385 series Ford engines (429, 460) are heavy engines. For purposes of a lightweight car like a Cobra, be sure you have the proper set up to handle the extra weight up front and be prepared for a car that may or may not handle like the sports car it is supposed to be. IMHO a small block or 427 FE is a better choice due to weight considerations. If cost is a factor, you would be better off with a well built small block. You can easily get more than enough horsepower from a good stroked small block in a smaller, lighter package to wet your pants and that of your passenger.

Pin drive or 5 lug? Again, may be a cost consideration here. Much cheaper to go with the 5 lug wheels, but depending on which replica you buy, it may or may not come with pin drive mounts. Then the decision is made for you. If cost isn't a consideration in this case, the pin drive are more original looking and definitely have that cool factor. For a new set of pin drive wheels you're looking at $1600-$2,000 plus the cost of the adaptors if the car doesn't come with pin drive already.

Good luck with your search. Which replica have you been looking at the most? Some are supported better than others but there are lots of great manufacturers represented here.

Bob

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by Three Peaks

William, welcome to the madness. I'm sure there will be lots of input for your questions so I'll just throw in my 2 peso's worth.

Yes, a Chev motor will probably be a red flag to some but it is your car- do it the way you want it. With 25 years in the service, you've probably got pretty thick skin.....

Two things to consider- the Chev engine may kill resale value unless you find just the right buyer when the time comes (and it always does eventually)- and be sure that whatever kit you choose that your engine choice is supported by the manufacturer so the proper mounts and space is available for the engine to actually fit in the compartment and connect to everything properly- headers, transmission, engine mounts, radiator connections, etc... not all kits fit all contingencies.

Another point- the Big Block chev and the 385 series Ford engines (429, 460) are heavy engines. For purposes of a lightweight car like a Cobra, be sure you have the proper set up to handle the extra weight up front and be prepared for a car that may or may not handle like the sports car it is supposed to be. IMHO a small block or 427 FE is a better choice due to weight considerations. If cost is a factor, you would be better off with a well built small block. You can easily get more than enough horsepower from a good stroked small block in a smaller, lighter package to wet your pants and that of your passenger.

Pin drive or 5 lug? Again, may be a cost consideration here. Much cheaper to go with the 5 lug wheels, but depending on which replica you buy, it may or may not come with pin drive mounts. Then the decision is made for you. If cost isn't a consideration in this case, the pin drive are more original looking and definitely have that cool factor. For a new set of pin drive wheels you're looking at $1600-$2,000 plus the cost of the adaptors if the car doesn't come with pin drive already.

Good luck with your search. Which replica have you been looking at the most? Some are supported better than others but there are lots of great manufacturers represented here.

Bob

yes my skin has thickened over the years.

The Chevy motor is just a comfort issue, that's all ive ever worked on. But, i will most likely go with a big block Ford or a small block 427. Im not a purist, BUT, if i put the 427 badge on it, i want to have a 427 in the bay. Maybe not the OG, but a representation of it. Bottom line i want at least 500whp, and yes as you have already stated that's too easy for most SB strokers.

I have been eyeing FFR, SPF, and Backdraft. I LOVE the quality of the SPF, BUT i want to build it myself. Soooooo....

Another thing, its soooooooooo hard to decipher what's true and what's not about each of the manufactures. Because typically each of their individual customers is ferociously brand loyal and has nothing but negative comments about the other.

from what i can tell, SPF only sells completed rollers or turn keys. Backdarft the same. FFR sems to be the only one that sells a GOOD quality kit?

Help!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by willtwallace

I have been eyeing FFR, SPF, and Backdraft. I LOVE the quality of the SPF, BUT i want to build it myself. Soooooo....

If you want to build it, then the best replica is the ERA. However, the wait to get one may be a year, more or less.