Potential new owner - but questions/concerns!

[jordanm]

Hello all! Been lurking and reading all the older posts here for a month or so. I've always loved the classic 289 Cobra style, and have started researching a potential new build using a Superformance kit. Here are some of my thoughts/questions/concerns so far, and I would appreciate any input possible.


1. I am just over 6'4", with pretty long legs and size 14 feet. From speaking with a Superformance dealer, it sounds like the car can be adjusted to accomodate me. They recommended the larger MKIII 427 Roadster body, and during the build feel that I can get enough room with minor changes (I am assuming a larger footbox, seat modifications, etc.). I actually prefer the MKII Slab Side (cleaner look to me), but again space is a concern...

2. I am trying to achieve more of a touring car for around town, short trips up the coast with the wife, etc. I live in an area where the weather is typically good for 300+ days a year. Car will not really be raced and driveability/useability is my main goal....I'd even love to be able to talk her into driving it. A friend has a FF 427 build, and it tends to sit because the family doesn't enjoy the ride + smell of the carbs, gas, etc. I had briefly looked at a used 427 Roadster, but it had a bored & stroked racing engine that would run pretty rich. Not my goal - useability is key, to make sure it gets driven.

3. My thoughts on the powertrain would be a fuel injected Coyote 5.0 crate engine + something easy to shift like a TKO 600. Would love any advice possible on all part selections. Honestly, at 2800 pounds or whatever....the 400+hp on the crate engine is plenty. I've driven fast overpowered cars most of my adult life and am not trying to get into a horsepower war with anyone :-)

4. I see the Coyote crate engines going for about 6-8k on most sites. However, in early conversations with a couple SoCal shops that do Superformance Cobra builds, they are quoting Coyote crate engine prices at the same as a Roush racing engine (14-15k). Am I missing something here? I realize there will be a ton of other costs for the fuel injection, potential custom headers, etc. But it seems like I should be saving a decent amount of money and time going this route. I don't mind paying for labor and expertise, but I do have a limit when it comes to a massive markup on a generic part.


Thanks for reading my book...I figure that's enough for a first post :-)