If you do end up getting a SPF car, Blas’ wiring diagrams and owners manual with service bulletins should be the first thing you buy IMO. They are a necessity for any SPF owner. He is also the go-to guy for any electrical questions about your car. Thanks again for all your help during my project, Blas.

Actually some do. We supply the straps on all cars we deliver. We also have pins that go in the door ferrules and secure with a hair clip with a "Lift-the-Dot" pin on them so you can secure the tonneau cover on the door as well as the body. Just some of the many items we have to improve and fettle these cars.

I'm doing quite well, Jeff...so far. The ERA and I thank you for the nice compliment! I certainly do enjoy that thing. I hope you and your family and
your stable of fine cars weather this storm without incident!

Kit, I collected some excellent pictures of your FIA back in 2014. You were selling it, but looks like you kept it? You would have regretted selling it, I'm sure ;)

Cheers,
Glen

Kit

Not to highjack the SPF 289 thread, all are good here.
We all need to shelter in, this thing is bad. Best to all.....

Hello,

I came here searching for SS owners and came upon this thread.

Recently I have got the itch to own one of these. I am hoping I can get some info and then get things going and put all the pieces together.

Budget, trying to keep it under $80.

Need it for: Just street riding, no interest in spinning tires.

Height: 5'11" 200lbs

Not going to build it myself. Will have a roller and drivetrain installed.

Questions:

1- What's the hp sweet spot on these?

2- Engine? Seems like the 302 is the more popular among these. Are you satisfied with the lower end torque? What you got?

3- Have to have the 8 stack EFI look. Suggestions?

4- Which roller / kit ?

Thanks much!

Your height and weight are no problem for a 289 street or FIA cobra. If you do not go overboard on the engine you can do it with a roller and $80K, give or take a few thousand dollars and how much you can do yourself.

#1 Engines, regardless of size make more HP as the rpms go up within the limits of the cam and overall build. Typically, 3,000 rpms on up will have sufficient HP for these cars.

#2 302's are easier to find than 289's, but they are both available. some people put 351's in, which have a little taller deck height. Any SB will make more power than you need. Remember, the originals were racing with 289's and kicking ass.

#3 Can't hep you there, have only run 4 barrels and Webers.

#4 SPF makes a real nice roller that is period correct, you might be able to get into an ERA at that price, but I am not sure.. A Kirkham or CSX continuation car is out of the question.

Do not get caught up in HP numbers. 350 HP will sit you back in your seat and get you into more trouble than you can imagine in a hurry. These are light weight cars. Most of the modern cars that are running 400-600 HP out weigh these cars by 1,000-2,000 lbs. They do not drive like modern cars. They are a blast, but go slow and be reasonable. You can spend $30K on an engine, but do you really have to? No. Remember, the transmission and differential gearing have a huge influence on performance. A tractor with 35 HP will tow one of these cars with 600 HP all day long in a pull. Take your time and do the research.

Good luck.

Jim

I agree with Jim...

The power required for 289 car is only 271 to 350. As Jim said the 302 is easy to find there are 289’s I would suggest staying with a six bolt (vs 5 bolt) as that does change things as far as parts availability for some of the accessories.

EFI??? What is that ��

Might be best to look at either spending a little more to get into an SPF or look for a great correct ERA in that price range.
Forget KMS or CSX, not even close.

You could get into an SPF roller for $80K, couldn't you? I don't watch the prices much, so I'm not sure.
Would give you an accurate chassis and pretty correct body!

Larry

While mine is not a SPF. I think that the 289 is the most beautiful of the Cobras and the best handling. My only regret is I didn't build with an IRS. But it handles beautifully.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albu...psb56d2ff5.jpg[/url]
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albu...ps0d58fec3.jpg
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albu...ps2e7ad9e8.jpg
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds

John O

Thanks everyone for your inputs.

I am not concerned about hp much...seems like around $350 +- 50 works fine.

John O, nice car. What's IRS you referring to?

1- Which 302? made by who? if you were to custom make it, what parts would you go for? Again , I have to have the 8 stacks.

2- Rear gearing... what fits best for street driving on these cars?

3- Would Superformance install heat resistant carpets?

4- Which Tranny to mate with the 302?

Thank you Mark,

Is it really possible to keep it under $80? The SPF rollers alone I see at dealers are over $100K

Anything is possible but figure $95k and up

260 small block
 

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...=13452&thumb=1 http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...=13456&thumb=1


Mine runs great with a hopped up 260.

Yes.

Send me your email and I will forward the options/price sheet. rick@timemachinesauto.com

An ERA 289 street model (sorry don't like the slabside nickname) sold for $76K on BaT a while back. While ERA uses an in-house frame design (though stiffer with better geometry), the body is more accurate than Superformance/Shelby 289s.

Huh, how so?

Attachment 35934

Superformance Mk2

Attachment 35936

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra

Attachment 35935

ERA 289 Street

Superformance adds more of a "belly" to the lower bodywork.

I’d say your photo comparo shows the opposite. ERA is the odd man out, in a few ways.