New Member...now starting the research
 

Long time, part-time lurker, but now I've decided to really start doing some research for "the one". All inputs are valued and I appreciate them!

I'm 6'3", so I have to fit in whatever I buy! I've had my eye on the SPF for sometime, as I've decided to involve myself far less in the actual build (I consider myself an excellent shade tree mechanic, but time constraints and family quality time will limit my "build time" considerably).

The budget will be somewhat flexible, but I'm trying to keep a $50K cap on the whole thing. Power will be small block oriented with a target of 450HP (for ease of maintenance, power/weight ratio, etc.), but it doesn't necessarily have to be a Ford (okay, I'm sure I've made friends with that statement!). Sorry, I was schooled on Chevys, but I'm willing to learn to work on Fords, too (if necessary). Looking at a Tremec 5 or 6 speed for a tranny, but not sure which way to go for the rearend (Corvette/Jag IRS or solid)? I could handle a TKL option and drop the drivetrain in myself, but if I have wiggle room on the cap, I might go full turn key.

I've waivered for a while on buying new vs. used. After lots of thought, I've decided that potentially buying someone else's problem might not be worth the expense. If this is the one dream car that I've longed to own (and can afford), I might as well go the distance and buy a new one.

One question I do have is regarding registration in California. I really don't want to hassle with "The Man" during the smog certification/ritual. I'd just as well pay more up front for a '65 registration, if you know what I mean.

As my username implies, the Cobra will be red w/white stripes. Oh yeah, will probably want to run 17"s and low profile rubber, though my budget could limit me there.

Again, I really could use some inputs as to whether the budget is realistic and what else besides SPF is something I should really look at (i.e. E-M, ERA, etc.).

And FWIW, my current daily driver is a '93 Corvette (LT1 - 6 speed coupe). THANKS!

-Deano

I should have added one more detail to the above.....usage. I really don't see myself autocrossing this car very heavily. I'm sure eventually I'll get it out on a track, but 99% of the driving will be on local byways and highways. I like the stoplight to stoplight action and cruising PCH.

Deano - LOTS of reading on this site for you to do!!! The ONLY way to accomplish what you plan is to test-sit, then test-drive, any Cobra you would be in the position to buy! I also am 6'3", and fit OK in my 90" Cobra. Where in SoCal are you located? I can come by some weekend and let you sit in the car, etc...

Edley, I'm in Yorba Linda (15 minutes northeast of Anaheim Stadium). I would DEFINITELY take you up on a sit-in!

This weekend is the Cobras running at Willow Springs...wont go BOTH days, but hope to go to one! What's YOUR schedule?

Tough weekend for me.....I manage/coach a travel baseball team (12 year olds) and we have a tournament in Chino Hills. The following weekend (Nov 1-2) is better. Another tourney on Nov 8-9, then we don't have any other commitments until either the 1st or 2nd weekend in December. You're in Sunland, right? That's the San Fernando Valley. What model (make) do you own/drive?

NAF, 351W/5 speed, blue w/white stripes......first weekend in NOV is good,,so far!

I'm not familiar with this term/manufacturer. Would like to learn more, thanks. BTW, the area SPF dealer is in nearby Costa Mesa, and House of Cobras is also probably within 30 minutes of my office. I just need to take a really long lunch hour one of these afternoons and check some out.

NAF was an early builder, known for good quality, high levels of fit and finish, and a nearly "correct" shape of the car in general. Out of Tempe, Arizona. Had a big fire in his shop, lost a lot of molds and equipment, which basically put him out of business. Recently started making Coupes on a much smaller basis. Had House of Cobras do some bodywork/paint on my Cobra a year ago...very happy with their work. The guys there are great!