Newbie Post... SPF's (general)

Scoot · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 06:34 AM

All...
How goes it? Not quite sure where to start, but as the subject line states- I'm a newbie to the Cobra realm. Being new to this forum, I have MANY questions... many more than time allows.
For starters... Superformance replica's = "SPF" (?). The reason for the inquiry- this seems to be the company I'm leaning towards purchasing from. To my surprise, however, there are quite a few replica companies as seen on various threads throughout this site.
I've been researching Cobra Replica's for a 'near future' purchase and want to make sure I do my homework FIRST! I plan on dropping $40 - $50 for a turn-key vehicle (delivered to my garage). So, I figured I need to go to the source, hence this post.

Can anyone direct me to a specific forum, or thread, that details SPF specific's? Most of my questions are general in nature- such as: diff's between 'early' model vs. 'late' model, common upgrades/modifications (excluding engine/drivetrain), cautions or problems, titling/registration issues, etc...?

I know these answers could be lengthy, so any direction would be appreciated

. Also, I'm open to critic's... any other manufacturer recommendations (?)... and if so - why?
Thanks much.
Scoot

rdorman · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 06:43 AM

Do a search here. Many, if not all, of your questions have already been addressed. There is also a Superformance owners forum. I do not know the web address but I am sure a search in google will find it for you.

Best of luck with your upcoming purchase!

Rick

Stan Mitchell · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 06:45 AM

There are quite a few SPF owners on the board, and I'm sure that you'll get quite a few responses here.

Check out this site, as it has a link to join a list on yahoo dealing with "Superformance Buyers Resource" :

http://performanceunlimited.com/superformance/

Good luck...They're great cars....Wish I still had mine..

Stan

The Dreamer · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2003, 07:06 PM

Do a search on "spf vs" or "superformance vs" and you should pull up several lengthy threads on the subject. Just about any Shelby tread will have a battle section between the SPF faction and the CSX faction. This topic has definitely been done, so enjoy the read.

Dreamer

P.S. The Shelby ones are not only informative, they are entertaining as well.

Bill Wells · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 04:37 AM

Scoot. you show you are from Motown....there is a very active Cobra club in Detroit area ( Great Lakes Cobra Club/GLCC ), with montly meetings , many events with or without cars. About 125 members with at least 30 of those owning Superformance's. The rest of the members own a rainbow overview of the many other fine products on the market today.

I would suggest you come to a meeting, join the club, and get familiar first hand. the members are mostly not driving their cars now, but would welcome an opportunity to discuss their brand with you and why they chose what they did vs others...and most would likely still have access to their cars and welcome an opportunity to show them to you. remember, lots of folks store their cars offsite so cars are not readily accessible.

also Dynamic will have a Superformance display at Autorama at Cobo Hall , Detroit, in Feb (i think it is ) 2004

check out the GLCC website, and come join the fun . not too often you can find so many different brands in your own back door to look at and discuss with owners, see :

http://www.greatlakescobra.com/

also, check out the Performance Unlimited site that Scott posted earlier. Good luck in your search, Bill, Motown, SPF 156

RACERAL · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 08:22 AM

You should be able to find a pre-owned spf in your price range, but to get a "driveable" spf.. you will most likely go in or over the 50k range...for a new one.. I could be wrong

SPF604 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 08:49 AM

Stan,

Glad to see you are still in the Cobra loop! I have really enjoyed my car and thanks for info you provided me prior to my purchase of Superformance back in 1999!

Stan Mitchell · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 12:58 PM

Bill,

Good to hear from you. About to start a new company here as a side (data recovery & analysis). Hope to be in the hunt for a new Superformance if all goes well..

Stan

thorconstr · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 01:30 PM

Look at www.cobracountry.com. The last time I looked there were 11 Superperformance cars for sale, most in the 47k to 63K range with one at 75K. Take a look at the Cobra manufacturers map thread. There's a Cobra out there for everybody!

Scoot · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 05:55 AM

Thanks to all for the input... I've been busy searching this site and others for information detailing the pro's and con's of each manufacturer, etc...
A special 'Thanks' to the local's over at GLCC... (thanks Bill) - I've been to the site and considered sitting in a meeting or two (would rather wait to until Spring for visual comparo's). I'll definitely be visiting the booth at Autorama in Feb... and just received a call the other day from Dynamic Motorsports informing that prices are going to be increasing within the near future.
This isn't going to be easy... if only all my problems were as 'bad' as this (life would be grand!)

BMK · #11 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 07:35 AM

Hi Scoot,

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Superformance in LA.

After a one hour or so visit with Dennis and Lance there I left impressed with their product. Particularly if you want a turn key car.

Our agent in Victoria Australia recently had a display at a local Cobra day and this gave prospective customers an opportunity to look at a finished car next to a crate/shipped car.

As I said the product is really good. I am not sure on prices there for a car this way. But I do know you guys in Ill. can get some pretty cheap wheel and engine combinations.

Having built two Cobras I am starting to see the logic in buying and completing a car this way. The only negative I see with SPF is you are locked into 8 or 10 colours.

Tthey may have changed this?

Good luck with your hunting.

Cheers

Bernie

Bernie Knight
Mt. Gambier South Australia.

OneFastRide · #12 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 09:07 AM

Bernie -
Superformance offers 8 or 10 "stock colors". They will paint a new car any color you want. I belieive the purchaser merely needs to provide the PPG number.
Happy motoring.
Steve

TerrysSPF · #13 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 09:34 AM

Bernie: You can put just about any color you want on a SPF, you just need to tell them the paint code. They have a nice selection of colors to choose from, but you can also go the "custom" route too. I know someone that's having one built now and they are having a BMW color put on.

Scoot: SPF is a great car, and the paint job they do is stunning. As was stated earlier, you may want to check out cobracountry.com for some used ones.......it's a buyers market right now. Also check out Dynamic Motorsports wedsite as well as Superformance.com or call 1-800-29-snake. If you can get down to Ross Ohio, or if you call Dynamic, ask for Dean Rosen. Great guy, and he'll treat you right. -No pushy salesmen tactics with this company. Then, speak to Eric @ Performance Engineering about an engine. You won't be disappointed.

Carroll DeWeese · #14 (**permalink**) 12-12-2003, 11:34 AM

As Bill Wells indicated, the GLCC has many members with SPF cars. Joint the Club. You do not need to own a Cobra to join. You can get the membership list with phone numbers and addresses. You can then call Club members with SPF cars and other cars as well. When the weather gets better around here many will not only take you for a ride but may let you drive as well. You can make up your own mind. They can also tell you of options for engine install, etc.

I have an SPF and have only praise for it. If you buy new it will be through Dynamic in Ross, OH. They are first-rate.

grumpy · #15 (**permalink**) 12-12-2003, 11:57 AM

Scoot,
Join a local club of COBRA Owners, and get their answers also, albeit, one of them will tend to outsale the others in their cars.
That's the fun in ownership along with a lot of other perks.
grumpy