How To Choose

Nobody · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 08:32 PM

I have had several types of hot rods in the past with all sorts of cool parts / nitrous / blowers/ you name it i have tried it loved every minute of it / my current company i deal with customers from all over the us and many parts of the world i help them decide on what to build / but now it me asking how do i decide on the different cobra kit i have been doing some research , im looking fo 427 i like realy low car that wraps itself around the wheels an tires , im looking for realy stable chassis that can handle hp/ any help would be great im realy lost way to many decisions to be made for an old hippie

Chuck Nickloy · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 08:45 PM

How much money?
How much Originality?
How to drive? Track - Street

Doc · #3 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 10:57 PM

Nobody,
This is a tough question that even though I made a purchase a few months ago I still have no clear answer to which car is best. Things to ask yourself are how much work do you want to do? Would you want a car minus engine and trans or a turn key or build your self? Do you want an indipendent rear suspension or a live axel? Aluminium or fiberglass? 90 inch wheel base or a stretch car? What price range?
In my opinion all the cars I have seen have a strong enough suspension for alot of HP in this light body. Kirkham builds the cool aluminium car But in my case was out of the question due to $. I wanted the reliability of a 9 inch rear end and the availability of parts using Mustang II front suspension so this eliminated Unique & ERA. Classic Roadster builds a nice strong frame and a good body but I did not want the streched door, Lone star is also a stretched car. Midstates, Shell valley, A & C, Team C, Hunter,FFR, & B and B all build cars with a slightly different look to their bodies you can get different rear end packages with some of these cars.
Look at all and decide which appearence you like. I decided non are perfect and all will need some work to make them the way you will want your car to be and look. All will need body work except the A & C gelcoat finish and even with it you will either do body work or accept some flaws. Superperformance all you have to do is put an engine and trans in and you will have a great car but if you want to build the car it is not what you are looking for. I am not an expert and these things are just my opinion but if you want more of my opinion e-mail me at AACDRP@MEGSINET.NET

PSB · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 07:24 AM

There are a lot of choices out there. The only real way to narrow them down is to first make a list of what you want in the car. Could you care less about "originallity", or do you want a car that is original down to the rivit spacing on the hood? Are you planning on taking road trips in the car, or just cruises & car shows? Are you going to race it? Do you want IRS or is a live axle OK? Do you want to build it, or get a turnkey minus where you just have to put in the engine/transmission? What's your price range?

After you've figured that all out, order brochures from the different companies and go to Carsile or Double Venom Spring Fling so you can get a look at many manufacturers cars up close. Sit in them. You'll be amazed at the difference in the legroom in kits from different manufacturers. If road trips are part of your plan, check out the trunks - again there is a HUGE difference in trunk space between manufacturers.

Once you get it narrowed down to a few, talk to people who have built them. Take a tour of each factory if possible. Buy a build manual from each of your leading choices to get an idea of how hard/easy the build is going to be.

Yes, I did all of the above before I chose a kit. Otherwise all you will get is people's opinions. Most guys will tell you that whichever kit they have is "the best". Which is probably true, because everyone picks the one that is best for them. Truth is they they all have their advantages and disadvantages.

I chose a Hunter myself, because I liked the extra legroom of a 96" wheelbase chassis (original was 90"), narrowed Vette suspension, and the price was right.

Good luck with your decision,

Pete

excelguru · #5 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 08:59 AM

How far away is Liberty, SC? I live in Camden, SC. You're more than welcome to swing by and take a look at my car, or I'll drive to you. I have a Unique 427 S/C with a stroked 427 SO underhood (about 530-540 HP). I emailed you my phone number. I'm always happy to drive it and show it to people. I'm very happy with the car.

Keith