Enthusiastic Novice Needs Help

[rdorman]

Ever concider the coupe?

One of the longer wheelbase cars will be a little easier to live with on a daily basis. Some, like CR, border on "roomy" if there is such a thing in a Cobra. You may want to consider a hardtop and A/C. I don't think I have ever seen a Cobra that stays completely dry inside but you can come close. Keep the horsepower down and the technology up (computer engine management, fuel injection) so a new 5.0 would be a good choice. Don't go wild with the tire widths. Some mirrors that you can actually use is a good idea. Don't spend a fortune on a show car paint job, it will just create stress! Fitting ABS to it wouldn't be a bad idea (it can be done, so can traction control). Dump the original style seats for a good modern seat perhaps even retractable belts just for ease of use. Tilt and collaspable column. Tone down the exhaust and sheild it (better to go under car and out the back, try the slabside look maybe) and thoroughly insulate the cockpit for sound and heat (won't help much with the noise). Full width roll bar a must as is a good fuel cell that has one way check valves in the vent and filler (upside down the roller cap will rip right off). Build in some of the basic idiot lights. You could place right next to the gauge to draw your attention. Crash switch for fuel/power cut off.

Everyone here is right, living with one daily is a challenge. But some of the items I and others have suggested will make a big difference in daily drivability.

The question really is, how bad do you want it?

Rick