Potential new owner - but questions/concerns!

[twobjshelbys]

There are differences between manufacturers of pedal style (suspended, floor) and seats that greatly affect the size and shape of the driver/passenger compartments.

The first advice I always give to a person who is concerned about fit is to sit in the car you plan on buying. In some cases of volume rollers like Superformance and Shelby they are similar enough that you should be able to tell if you can be comfortable in it. But I would be cautious of others, and most especially any true "kit" that was built by someone as the variations can be great.

I found that the steering wheel on a SPF rested on my lap when the seat was adjusted for comfortable pedal position. The Shelby had plenty of clearance.

Bottom line, don't buy a car sight unseen assuming you will be comfortable in it.


Second on engines: The mindset of most of the people here is that they want a power train that is of the same era as the car. That means a 60s style engine. In small block cars the 289/302 is fine. In the 427 styles, lots still want a FE style (original rebuilt or newer generation aluminum blocks) or a stroked Windsor. In either of these displacements go from 427 and (way) up. For that reason I would suggest that a Cobra with a Coyote will limit your customer base when it comes time to sell it.

My opinion, having owned a 427 style with a Windsor 427, is that the car is fine on the street but I never felt the engine was happy. Those big displacement cammy engines are very happy running all day at high RPMs, but I felt I could feel the cobwebs just growing when it was in city driving. Also some experience overheating of the bigger engines. And finally, the horsepower on the street cars is simply underutilized. I'm considering another Cobra and it would definitely be a small block car.

Good luck! They are a handful but you'll smile every time you get behind the seat. They are so much fun to drive, and if you can master the fact that they want to kill you, you'll be a better driver!