At this point in time I am in the research stage of cobra hunting and I am about 99% sure that I will purchase a backdraft cobra. I have decided that I will Be using a 351 cleveland engine to power the car. think that this will be the best chioce for higher RPMs and a very decent HP output. What do you all think?

How does the BDR compare in fit and finish to the Superformance?

Are the BMW suspension components new, used, or rebuilt?

The cars look great, BTW.

Engineer man, I don't get the reasoning for wanting a 351 over a 302 for higher rpm? Why would a 351 be better? I think you could run the 302 out as much if not higher than the 351.

The valvetrain components are going to be the RPM limiting components in either, assuming similar high quality pistons, crank, and fasteners.

You might find parts are more available for the 351 windsor. And properly modified will give you plenty of horse power.

I'd personally stay away from the Cleveland. Parts availability and all. Remember, I said personally.

I'd also add that 86 & newer 302s are all roller blocks. To rollerize a Winsor, you'll have to find a rare HO or spend extra for a kit.(Not alot, but still extra)

If it'll be a street car, don't bother but if you're ever gonna worry about lap times, the 302 will pinch off the inside better. It's a very minor weight savings but is noticable in the BDR on the track.

Mr. Fixit nailed it for you. Either engine will wring it out with a good valvetrain.

Boudy

The BDR has an excellent fit and finish. Nuke said it well, it has a more refined or gentlemen's look to it than it's competitors. Side by side with its competitors, this car not only holds its own, it makes its own statement.

When you get a chance, notice some of the details:
Check how the fluid lines are run.
Check the connectorization and wire runs.
Check the fan shrouds for fit. Fore and aft of the radiator.
Lift up a carpet edge.
Notice the gap around all openings.
Close a door with just one finger.
Look down the side in the sunlight.

I ramble at times... Thanks for reading.

Boudy

Boudy does bring up some of the little things that make a huge !! difference. People won't notice a 302, 351 or 427 in it when they walk up to it - but they sure as hell will notice a crocked door or a bad reflection from a ripple in the bodywork.

Tangled fluid lines .... messy wiring ... green wire to yellow to blue to black oops red .... gaps where there shouldn't be ..... uneven gaps around doors .... and ripples or waves in the bodywork ....
If there are mistakes or shortcuts in the 'simple' things we can see might there not be shortcuts that the builder may or may not have made elsewhere?

Granted some of these are small details, and in many cars wouldn't happen. They are also the details that can take hours and hours and yet more hours to get right. Not really a problem if you the builder are taking care of these details as you go - either through knowledge and experience or with a very good manual. And that is part of the fun / challenge of building your own car. It's a problem if you have to pay someone to fix them, or pay a builder to not have these issues and they are still there on delivery.

I think FFR's are a great kit. read kit. not car. They are a great car when a good builder has finished the good kit. I read a while back that the biggest pro for a FFR is the fact that you have to build it, and the biggest con is the fact that you have to build it. To me that's about the perfect summary.

For those who do not have the skills or time to build we need to perhaps look elsewhere. To me the BDR isn't really a kit. And as such the things Boudy mentions should be taken care of - and they are. period. Professionals have been paid to do a professional job and it's those very details that show anyone that a professional job has been done. period.

I've built 5 aircraft over the years - only 1 was mine. 1 of the 4 was a club aircraft. I enjoy the details and having everything 'just so' and from what I've seen in photos and heard from owners that's what you get with BDR.

The doors in your Porche go 'click' - the doors in the BDR go 'click'. The engine - well folks - that a WHOLE different ballgame.

ramble finished.

How is the cowl area of the BDR reinforced?From the pictures on the website,the frame appears flat in that area,unlike the SPF which appears to have very strong reinforcement.The cars appear otherwise outstanding,and I definitely like the longer,lower look.Did I read that a 16in. Halibrand style wheel is available also?

THE BDR HAS A SCUTTLE BAR RUNNING BEHIND THE DASH WHICH IS MOUNTED TO BOTH THE FIRE WALL AND THE FRONT DOOR/HINGE POSTS. THESE POSTS ARE IN TURN MOUNTED ONTO THE CHASSIS.

I found a couple links with comparison information on the T-56 vs. the T-5.

I think it could be done. I know a new crossmember, bellhousing, and drive shaft would definately be in store. Probably a couple additional mod's. As far as the transmission tunnel, we'll have to crawl under and see if it's even close.

Here are the links.

http://performanceunlimitedusa.com/T...p%20Camaro.htm

--scroll the bottom. there is comparison drawings and dimensions.

Blake

Boudy's gonna say "ohhh noooo this'll start Doug I up again" - as he pounds forehead on desk LOL

Blake, Blake, Blake. Now you're gonna get Doug started again...

Boudy

Hey Tony glad to have you on this thread. How are things over and down there? Are you going to make it to the Roundup in November? Can't wait for you to drive my car now, I think it will go faster than the last time you took her out.

If anyone has questions, Tony or Reg are the ones to talk to. Listen to them, I did and have a great car in my stable to play with.

Forever Bitten
Frank H

Tony,

Thank you for building an absolutely spectacular car for me!

BDR #23

George Snyder

Hey, I've been off the air for little over a week and this thread is at 9 pages long, WOW!!!
Just to think, a little over a year ago this non-vegetarian guy on a now defunk web-site (even though, I miss it!) gave me hell and high water over my opinions on my BDR. I stood my growns, I knew I was right and only time could prove it. That time has come and rather quickly. I am so glad to be part of the BDR owner's family.
After spending so manny years of research on which Cobra replica to buy and then making my choice to go with BDR, I just knew then as I do now, I had made the right choice. It makes me feel soooo good to here you guys talk about your BDR like this....
Manny, Flanker do you remember when we said that something like this was definitely gonna happen!!! A very good product speaks for itself and to team it up with someone like Reg Dodd and Tony Martin at the controls, who knows how for they can go.....AND now with dealers like Mike Mack and Boudy, WOW!!!

Tony, it is good to hear a couple of words from you. I missed you the last time you were here in South Florida. I understand your coming to the USA in November. I really hope it's to join us at the Reptile Roundup II. I can sure use some helpful hints and racing instrutions so I can beat Flanker. I have more HP and Torque but I guess he's got more balls then I do, because he's always beating me!!! HELP....
Paul (Mestizo), send me a e-mail so I can clue you in on all of the local events.

Hey guys, I almost forgot, check out my gallery, I have a few pics there of my BDR...

Doug I, glad to see your still asking Q's. If you got it down to only two choices all you need now is a test drive. That's the only way to see how they feel and handle the road. Good luck!!!

:cool:

testing the avatar ....

if it shows ....

off to watch the Gumball Rally - I was able to buy a brand new sealed copy and it arrived today :)