triton,
Welcome to the board.
I can't help you with all your inquiries, but I may be able to with a couple.
EMBLEMS
There is specific location and placement instructions on the ERA website. As for drilling to attach...piece of cake.
Cover the area that needs to be drilled with masking tape and drill a little undersize from the actuall size of the pins in the back of the emblems.You can always go to the next size drill bit to enlarge the holes.
If it will make you feel better and safer, cover the entire area with masking tape. That way incase the dril bit travels it won't scratch the car.
HEAT SHIELDS
I would guess 95% of the cars do NOT have them. Probably mostly cosmetic reasons., or that they are NOT as effective. So most of us opt for the dangers of burning our flesh.
Don't worry about the passengers. My bet is you will be the fisrt casualty. At least twice!!
MAINTANENCE
Check your
oil, check the steering colum, and always make sure the wheels are in place tightly. rest is common sense.
NOT TO GET KILLED
Always get advice from people who have owned their cars for a while and still alive.
As long as you respect the performance and the capabilities of 90" wheel base car and what it can do unannounced you will be OK. Driver schools are great. Go to one that is Cobra specific. Such as Cobra University.
Enjoy the forum.
TURK