Venom 427 - What do you think about this car?

KillerBox · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 04:46 PM

Since, I have never seen a Venom 427 in person, I wanted to know what everyone thinks about them. From what I am told they are built in South Africa and have BMW suspension. If anyone knows more than that, I would appreciate the help.

I am trying to buy a used Cobra Replica but, there are not any in my area. I do not know which ones are the best and lowest maintance in the lower price range. Will just be used for street cruising with a 5.0.

Thanks,

Ryan Box

SkipB · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 04:50 PM

Before you buy a Venom, check out Backdraft replicas. They have what I consider a better looking flared rear wheel opening. Other than that, they are very much the same and I had heard were the same company at one time. Also, the Backdraft people are great to work with and very accomodating. Check out their website, backdraftracing.com

Cobra4Me · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 09:37 PM

Ryan

listen to Skip ! (I know him )

I drove a Backdraft just the other day, beautiful Car ! this one had a 302, nicely done. Blue with White Stripes, Skip's Backdraft is Black (ready for a ride Skip?)
You get to install (or have someone install it for you) the engine and tranny of your choice. the BMW suspension makes this one of the easiest and comfortable Cobras around. You have a dealer nearby in Florida but if you are ever in San Diego make sure to give me or Skip a call and I'll take you on a ride in one... who knows, even drive it ?

If you want pics let me know, my friend right now has a couple of Backdrafts available.

SkipB · #4 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 09:08 AM

Hey Sergio!

So you finally decided to at least ride in a Backdraft! How about that red one you were looking at? I'm sure Armond might give it up for you! What would you do with your car? It is one of the finest FFVs I've ever seen, especially that stereo!

I'll go for a ride soon. My car is at Armonds trying to solve that famous Backdraft backfire! I should have it next week, but I am not sure about next weekend for a ride.

Doug I · #5 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 11:29 AM

KillerBox ...... listen to SkipB and Cobra4Me

Great car and better people !!

Cobra4Me · #6 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SkipB

Hey Sergio!

So you finally decided to at least ride in a Backdraft! How about that red one you were looking at? I'm sure Armond might give it up for you! What would you do with your car? It is one of the finest FFVs I've ever seen, especially that stereo!

I'll go for a ride soon. My car is at Armonds trying to solve that famous Backdraft backfire! I should have it next week, but I am not sure about next weekend for a ride.

Armond already installed an engine in the Red one, so it's not an option to me anymore, remember I have a 2003 SVT Cobra waiting to be revived in another snake. I'm still gathering more money, so a Backdraft could be in my future!

I'll keep my FFR as well.

weather is better now, a run is in the near future, besides here come the Car Show season around San Diego...also, our good friend Forrest has been autoXing his Cobra and I'll be there as well.... maybe we should go and at least watch him run !

later

Sergio

MrMagoo · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-2004, 12:44 PM

I own a 2003 Venom 427. I like the car, but it's not a Kirkham or ERA, or even a Superformance as far as fit & finish goes, especially the interior. Then again, it's almost half the price. The concept of "BMW Suspension" works well, but I think you want at the minimum the upgraded differential, because lets face it this car is not going to be driven like a 323 sedan would be. The standard steering and suspension seem more than adequate though. My beefs so far are:
* Steering column installation has up/down play at the firewall.
* Cheesy windshield visor hardware snapped.
* Electric Fuel Pump gone after 700 miles on ODO.
* Drivetrain thunk when starting off in 1st gear... this may be that I adjusted the rear ride height to pass inspection though, or someother non-frame problem.
* Play in the differential/ CV joints. Not clear if this was the case when car rolled off assembly line.

If you go this route you probably wont be sorry as long as your expectations are in line with reality. You can also go Backdraft, it's basically the same car.

Texas-Saluki · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2004, 03:26 PM

Ryan,

I agree with some of the others... Backdraft would be the way to go.

I have taken a very hard and serious look at the Backdraft and the cars are well built. The customer support organization is also very good which to me is very important.

They have a number of local distributors here in the US... One here in the DFW area Hi-Per Rods. Robert is great and can help you out! www.hi-perrods.com

I do like the BMW suspension, but it depends what you want to do. The M3 package I think would make it handle awesome, the one I drove had the standard package. The nice thing is parts... you need a part, alignment, etc. The BMW dealer is a lot easier to get a hold of

To bad you did not make it to Austin, TX last week with 75 to 80 cars you would have had a few to look over (I sure had a blast)

Good luck in your quest for the ultimate ride