FFR opinions

FSAEracer03 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-18-2003, 10:44 PM

Not much talk of Factory Five replicas in here. Do you guys frown on the donor-car based cobras?

What is everyone's opinions of FFR??

Also, do any of the FFR guys post on here? Do any of the other companies post?

Thanks
Kevin

CRZN427 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-18-2003, 11:01 PM

On the worlds largest Cobra Discussion Forum you will find topics on all of the kits out there.

Several of us FFR owners do post here.

Most of the FFR chatter is on the FFCobra Forum since that site is dedicated to that particular manufacturer.

There are posts, on FFCobra, about the other Cobra kits available, just not as many as you find here.

In addition, several of the manufacturers offer a discussion page from this Forum, but not on the FFCobra Forum.

There are lots of friendly knowledgable folks at both places.

Turk · #3 (**permalink**) 11-18-2003, 11:06 PM

Kevin,
Welcome to the forum. We don't frown on anyone manufacturer in here. At times we get going real good, and by the time someone throws a cold bucket of water on us, we can't even remember what we had disagreement about.
You can call us Equal Opportunity Abusers.

You will find a lot of helpful people in here, and we even have specific area just for FFR.
http://www.clubcobra.com/f50.html

Don't take us too serious, enjoy the forum that is for everyone.

TURK
Club Cobra Moderator.

mrmustang · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 05:46 AM

Kevin,

Having owned FFR's and Contemporary Cobras, what would you like to know? They all have the strong points and weak points about them. Ask the questions, and we'll give you the answers. beware of anyone who gives you the "mine is better than theirs attitude", as those are the people that will never be objective. Personally, I like the FFR for it's simplicity to work on, and the ease in which I can find parts for it. Dislikes, are far and few between these days in regards to the newer kits and bodies leaving the factory. Some of the older kits were plagued with bad fit of the body sections right out of the mold, but again, those have been addressed. The FFR family (Smith, Weber, etc) are really nice guys, and if you decide to purchase one of their kits, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.....Your budget will play a major roll in what you decide.........

Sincerely,

Bill S.

bwana50 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 05:57 AM

Kevin -

As mentioned earlier, check out www.ffcobra.com for more FFR-specific information.

Personally, I like my FFR. It allowed me to drive a Cobra replica at a price I could afford, and to say "I built it myself". Is it perfect? Naw, but I don't think any of the replicas are; each have pros and cons.

larryar · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 06:19 AM

Since you live in Front Royal, I suggest you contact the Capital Area Cobra Club...www.capitalareacobraclub.com. I know that there are a lot of FF cobras in the club and lots of guys you can talk to. I personnaly do not have a FF cobra, but I've seen quite a few that looked and drove really well.
Larry

cobrakit66 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 06:54 AM

i never saw one i didnt like

foothills gary · #8 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 06:59 AM

The tech folks at FFR are great too.I pestered poor Joe for about 6 mo while I was considering an FFR.Time restraints led to the decision to buy an ERA,But I would like to build an FFR with my daughter when she graduates college .Again,they will answer any questions you may have in regard to selection of components(the cars are very flexible in that regard),and tailor delivery to meet your needs.

decooney · #9 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 08:20 AM

Hello Kevin,
I think FFR cars are an incredible value and a great experience. As others have pointed out, the FFRs have such a strong following they've inspired their own website dedicated just to FFR cars and their owners... Pretty respectable. You will see all sorts of threads about this vs. that on ClubCobra. That's what makes horse races too! A wealth of information from lots of helpful people that you might not otherwise have access to.

My observations about ClubCobra is you are equally welcomed here and encouraged to participate. It seems the key is to have fun, join in, and don't take anyone too seriously.

Take advantage of what you can from ClubCobra members, we have fun here... and good luck on your future Cobra. Duane

Tongue Pirate · #10 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 08:28 AM

I think just about everybody starts with FF5 when they begin researching because they are a great value & a great product. The fact is that they are a great car, why else would so many people own & speak so highly of them.

bill32 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 11:50 AM

FFRs are great in my opinion. However, first you need to determine if you want to build your Cobra yourself, or do you want to buy either a completed one or a turn-key minus engine and trans kit. Next you have to decide how big you budget is.

If you want to build it yourself (I did), then you will want an FFR. If you want either a completed or turn-key minus, you can choose from several good manufacturers, including FFR (they have builders who will complete it to any level with your selected options). Options as to engine, smog and related are important considerations and are controlled by the State in which you are going to first register the car. Don't over look this factor.

Regardless of which of the top manufacturers you choose, the resulting car, its quality, finish and looks will be dependent only on your budget. Once completed, the top cars look and perform (with similar options) about the same.

I recommend that you stick to looking at FFR, Superformance, ERA, Kirkham, and maybe a couple of others. These offer a wide variety of base prices and levels of completion to choose from. Recommend you stay away from any of the smaller manufacturers and ones who have not been in business a long time, or whose sales are declining. Replacement body and chassis parts could be a problem. Street Beasts seems to have problems, you can check the posts about them on the various forums.

If you plan on racing it, FFRs are lighter than the rest due to its aluminum interbody panel construction, their frame is also very strong. FFR also has a Spec Racer kit, which is pure race version with some different construction features.

Take your time, 3 to 6 months of research, ask lots of questions and go look at the shows, and only talk to people who actually own one. For good specific information about FFRs, go over to www.ffcobra.com

Good luck and welcome to the family.

FSAEracer03 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 11:53 AM

Wow, thank you for all the info.

I'm actually not planning on buying a cobra in the near future. Probably nothing would make me happier, but I'm a bit too still-in-college and broke for that as of yet

But in the future I plan to have my own.

I agree with the ease of mechanics on the car. I work at BDM in Manassas, VA so I work on a bunch of FFR and a few other cobras out there. FFR has the simplest working package I've had my hands on yet. I love how they drive too, the spec racers are 100% pure fun on four wheels.

I also don't think I've seen such an unbiased forum in my life! Wow, I really have to commend you guys on that. I guess I'm used to immaturity from pre-peub posters, but still, bravo!

As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to school down here at Florida Tech right now (hopefully transfering to VA Tech). I'm on my way to earning a bachelors in mechanical engineering, and have been involved with Formula SAE since the get-go. And again, I work at BDM so I'm gaining valuable hands-on information on cobras and other high performance cars and racecars as the years go by. Now, having said this, does anyone know how I would go about talking to any cobra manufacturers about the possibility of a future job??

Ok, well, once again, you guys are great. I'm going to check out the FFR forum soon and see what I can't find.

Thanks
Kevin