Interested Newbie - Seeking Advice on Ownership

[twobjshelbys]

Here is my initial over arching question, and I realize the question is too general to nail down but....generally speaking,

Q:what is it like to own/drive one of these cars?
A: You will be accosted at every stop by people who want to know what kind of Mustang it is. Learn about the cars and have a general response ready. Some will know what a Cobra is and ask if it is "Real" - meaning is it original. Have a canned response ready there too. Mose people are satisfied with a simple yes or no like answer and getting into more detail can stretch your gas fill time from a minute or two to much longer.

Q: Can there be a reasonable expectation of reliability, comfort, performance, practicality, etc?
A: The answer needs to be considered in the correct era. Remember it is a 60's car. So expect 60's style reliability. It's also a race car at heart, and race cars don't have a 3 year 36000 mile warranty. I would expect a newer Cobra engine to actually be better than your Mustang since the new engine components, even though they are time-correct, are machined to much higher tolerances.

Q: Is it terrible once the trip goes past 100 miles, or is it a cross country type ride? In between?
A: That will depend on your own a** and back. There is no cruise control, but there isn't on the Mustang either. However, the seat position is relatively fixed and I think the seats were stiff. I could do a drive from Lyons to Colorado Springs (about 100+- miles) without any discomfort. But you'll be forced to a stretching break every 300 or so miles to get gas.

Q: I realize the quality of the kit and the build is a major factor. I am not out for all out speed or performance. I want a build that feels like a well built car, not like a cobbled together concoction that barely passes the requirements. I think that pretty much any drivetrain will perform beyond my ability to drive it, so I would not be seeking a full blown stroker FE build. I would be looking at either a mild FE, or perhaps one of Ford's crate 427 Windsor engines.....not the hotter one, the milder dual plane version. That would have MORE than enough performance for me. I would also want an OD tranny and EFI, but not a high end MPFI, probably something like the MSD Atomic EFI. I've always had a liking for the Superformance cars, but I'm not sure my budget can support that. Factory Five is high on my list as well, but I'm not sure that with my skills I could achieve the build quality I'm after.
A: So all of this is really power train preferences and personal choice items. Some of them will affect reliability, e.g., there are good and bad EFI systems. Educate yourself before buying a completed car and before building one of your own.

Q: Anyhow, I realize my questions are very general, and probably repeated a million times. I did search this and several other forums. Most newbie discussions are about one kit versus another. I'm not there yet. I just want to know if the loss of my Fastback would be worth the gain on the other end.
A: I suggest you just start reading here. There are thousands of topics to review, and hundreds on almost any sub question you may have, e.g., EFI.

You didn't ask about how it is to drive one. They are the twichiest things on wheels. Everyone wants monstrous HP so the HP:weight and accompanying torque mean you can break wheels loose in a straight line in almost any gear. There is nothing between you and that light pole except a thin layer of aluminum (probably not in your car) or fiberglass. Be careful and I would suggest a really good track prep class so you know how to get out of that oversteer spin that WILL happen when you least expect it.

Good luck.

[DanEC]

Ride comfort is dependent upon the suspension set up - IRS is definitely more comfortable - and how the seat is set up. These are small cars. Park one in your garage and you will think the garage has somehow grown in size. If you are short to medium height you will fit fine. If you are tall or heavy, how you sit and fit in the car will depend on the manufacturer and how the seat is mounted. How the pedals are mounted can also affect comfort.

If you haven't had a convertible before, it is definitely a unique and pleasurable experience - as long as the weather cooperates. I have a top and side curtains for my ERA and it's pretty cozy in the winter, but you wouldn't like it if you are claustrophobic. Probably 98% of these have side pipes and between them and wind noise - they are loud. Make no mistake about that. That may be as much a limiting factor as to how far you want to travel in one as anything else.

My ERA rides very well. It's very solid - much more so than the English roadsters I rode in years ago. Much more so than the pre-1963 Corvettes I've ridden in. I'm one of the 2% with undercar exhaust and it makes for a bit tamer ride, but I have a 427 side pipe Corvette with a big cam for when I want to be rowdy. Obviously, most people on here rely on their Cobra replica when they feel like being a bit rowdy.

Reliability on a fairly well sorted car shouldn't be much different from you Mustang. Most of the technology is pretty much the same unless you install fuel injection. It helps if you are able and willing to do some of your own work on the car.

Your best bet is to find a club or attend a show and see if you can manage to get a ride in one to see how you like it.

[BOBOCobra]

I don't post much on here as I am enjoying my Cobra but 2BJSHELBYS has it right. The first 2 guys...I don't think they even own a cobra based on what they said so I would discount that feedback. I like these threads because we were all "new" at some time. I would not trade it for the world. I love driving it. I can go all day with the 250-300 mile stops for gas, stretch and go again. It is different than a modern car, that's the whole point. Don't show off, respect the power, learn how to drive the one you get, learn how to do some basic repairs, get a AAA unlimited tow plan just in case and go have some fun. It is loud, it is windy, it is dangerous and you wont be able to wipe the smile off your face and get the bugs out of your hair.

[BOBOCobra]

Sorry, I was talking about New York Guy and Madmaxx feedback, not genolan

[Large Arbor]

Q:Here is my initial over arching question, and I realize the question is too general to nail down but....generally speaking, what is it like to own/drive one of these cars?

A: I just bought my ERA from a gent a little over a year ago and it has been awesome. I never had a convertible before and its just amazing when the sun is shining.

Q: Can there be a reasonable expectation of reliability, comfort, performance, practicality, etc?

A: Yes, but depends somewhat on what you build. I have a 427 pushed to 468 CID and have had no engine issues except for a starter.

Q: Is it terrible once the trip goes past 100 miles, or is it a cross country type ride? In between?

A: I have not had any discomfort except for the sweat on my back with the leather black seats. I like to get in at least 50-100 miles when I have been out. I will take some longer trips this summer.

If its sunny and above freezing, I often go out.

Phil

[Dwight]

go to the London Cobra Show

and ride in one

London Cobra Show June 26 - 27th 2015 | Ohio Cobra Club