1-2yrs later, what would you have installed/added

[Buzz]

With Unique (great choice, by the way) get the factory installed soft top and tonneau cover. I did it myself and it can be a bit of a challenge to get just right. I had no plans to track my car so I decided not to go with a rear sway bar. I did a lot of research on that one and particularly the Jaguar experts advised me to leave it off. In spirited street driving on very twisty roads, the small amount of extra compliance in the rear gave me a beautiful, supple ride and allowed the IRS to stay planted and really do its stuff. Most people here will disagree with me on that and if you are planning to use your Cobra on the track, the extra stiffness (harshness) in the rear is probably a worthwhile compromise.
Other items - cockpit adjustable brake balance bar, Speedbleeders for the calipers, footbox heat shields and knock-off wheels. Most Unique owners also upgraded to a 16" puller fan on the radiator for extra peace of mind. Are you ordering a turn-key build or a roller/pallet kit?

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Those would be items that make routine, or less than seldom, maintenance tasks easier. For example, with a Jag rear changing out the rear pads can be difficult if your particular car does not have an access door. Changing out the rotors even more so.

With my ERA, and having studied it for twenty years before having it built to my specifications, the only customization that I would have added "from the factory" is a trap door on the tunnel, just like some Jags have, that allow for easy servicing of the front driveshaft u-joint.

Great info, I had not considered the maintenance aspect. I'm looking at Unique (ERA is not an option as they are 12-14 to delivery and not really taking new orders) which also as a Jag rear end. Did you Fab a trap door for the breaks and u-joint after the fact, or you just deal with the pain when it comes time to service these parts?

Originally Posted by patrickt

The only exception to that is the big block versus small block. I have never heard anyone say "dang, I really wish I'd gone with a small block." Of course this is only true for 427 style cars, not FIAs. A small block in a 427 car is a catastrophic mistake.

OK first mistake checked-off, I just hope the car will still go with a SB.

Originally Posted by Buzz

With Unique (great choice, by the way) get the factory installed soft top and tonneau cover. I did it myself and it can be a bit of a challenge to get just right.

Are you ordering a turn-key build or a roller/pallet kit?

I'm looking at a deluxe kit but have not decided yet as I want to try and get my 4th point of contact into the other 2 kit builders I have short listed. For the top, yes I'm tracking this. I'm going to get the snaps? installed before I receive the kit but don't plan to buy the covers just yet.

[sgianino]

Without question i would have More Cow Bell...You cant get enough of the cow bell
Maybe a EFI system rather then Carb....Doing EFI can be involved after the fact, or at least for me.

Ricky Bobby for President 2024

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by sgianino

Ricky Bobby for President 2024

I have my eyes set on the California Governor seat!

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by sgianino

Without question i would have More Cow Bell...You cant get enough of the cow bell
Maybe a EFI system rather then Carb....Doing EFI can be involved after the fact, or at least for me.

Ricky Bobby for President 2024

Sal, what's "cow bell" ??

Cheers,
Glen

ps ...I'm Australian. Hence non comprendo

To the original question...ie what would I change/add?
My car is not too far off being on the road (after a long....long gestation period) ....but I did quite a bit of research (no doubt I've annoyed / pestered / bored a lot of CC members along the way), but so far, I've not deviated too far at all from the plan I originally settled on

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Sal, what's "cow bell" ??

This is "cow bell" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVsQLlk-T0s

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Did you Fab a trap door for the breaks and u-joint after the fact, or you just deal with the pain when it comes time to service these parts?

No, I didn't fab up a door. That's actually more trouble than snaking the grease gun adapter up through and to the zerk every couple of thousand miles. Crafting a removable door on the tunnel, and then making the carpeting over it look like it wasn't just sawed out, is higher on the PITA scale.

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

OK first mistake checked-off, I just hope the car will still go with a SB.

Oh it'll go. There are small blocks around here that have a hundred more horsepower in them than my FE. But there is more to these cars than just going fast. A period correct big block gives you a look, smell, sound and feel that simply can't be matched by a small block. 99% of the time you will not be going fast and most of the time you won't be going at all. An FE always thrills -- even when it's just sitting there quietly in your garage. And nothing pleases other people more than an FE in a Cobra. There's just no comparison. Really.