New Guy Question, Longer wheel base?

abr10dr · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 05:51 PM

Hi, New member here, I've got the Cobra bug. I'm 6'5" , 250lbs., 55 years old & not as flexible as I once was. I sat in a ERA the other day & didn't fit, feet too big (with small shoes), knees hit underside of dash, head over the windsheild, & so on. I was heart broken!! Had my heart set on a 289FIA. So I've started on plan B, longer wheelbase. Any comments or opinions on the following, Everett-Morrison (93"wb), Backdraft (92"wb), Emerson (94.5"wb), Classic Rodsters (94.5"wb), JBL (95"wb), Lone Star (94"wb), Cobray (98"wb), Shamrock (92"wb). Did I miss any? Tall drivers and or owners please let me know what you think.

Thanks, Rick

Richard Hudgins · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:30 PM

Rick,

The wheelbase is only a small part of the equation.

You need to look at the cockpit dimensions for three things.

1. H-point to heel point. (This the hip joint location to heel point in the car.) The JBL Comp Chassis is 40.50 inches as standard with 3 inches more available in pedal adjustment.

2. Foot-well width. The JBL Comp Chassis is 17.5 inches.

3. Seat bottom to top of cowling. JBL Comp Chassis is 27 inches.

I think that there are many others that are this large inside as well.

By the way, the JBL Comp Chassis wheelbase is actually 2395mm. (94.29in)

Aren't we are just great at false advertising.

niles · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:43 PM

Hunter cobra cars has a 95in chassis that will easily fit a 6-8 type. big block config tunnel is tight for my size 11's
gn

rblong · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 07:51 PM

I have a lone star, 6'1" 280lbs. I fit very well even with thick seats. Feet have plenty of room with tennis shoes (size 12), but not with dress shoes (lone star as dropped floor boards). Line of site about 2/3 up windshield and that is with adjustment rails in place so seats are higher than they would have to be. You need to go sit in each one. Find you local club and go visit. Too much money to spend to not be comfortable enough to drive!

Bruce

Tongue Pirate · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2006, 09:19 PM

6'1" & fit in My ERA. has a lot to do with the length of your legs. At 6'5" with average to long legs you may be pushing the limit. Now that you have sat in one though, you can compare to dimentions of other makes
Taken from the ERA website

mj_duell · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 04:47 AM

We can custom build you foot boxes and a rear passenger wall that will allow for your tall size without changing the wheel base. The chassis uses Tilton Floor mounted pedals so you do not have to worry about your foot size. We are able to make jig changes to do custom work for different clients and we have done this before. You would have to use a small block engine for this mod to work. We do not have an FIA body yet, but we do have a supplier for the bodies, so it is not out of the question.

www.turntenracing.com

--Mike / Turn Ten Racing, Inc.

abr10dr · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 05:29 PM

Thanks for the replies, seems like I still have hope. Sorry for the slow response, I'm trying to get a new restaurant open. Is it O.K. to e-mail with
questions, I'm new at this? The more input I get the better off I will be.

Thanks, Rick

mj_duell · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abr10dr

Is it O.K. to e-mail with
questions, I'm new at this? The more input I get the better off I will be.

Thanks, Rick

Absolutely.

mj_duell@turntenracing.com

--Mike / Turn Ten Racing, Inc.

Fred Z · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-2006, 06:16 PM

Rick.......I have a Johnex "EQ" hi quality cobra that has a 94" wheelbase, but most importantly, has adjustable seats on both sides.... especially due to the requests just like yours. It has 351W stroked to 418cid, w/504 HP and 528 lbs of torque! New suspension, tremac 3550 trans, fuel cell, and more. I am going to be putting it on the market next week and it has been detailed out pretty well. If youare at all interested, email or private messge me.....and I can provide details........just have too much business going on and entering into more.........just no time for the fun times .......but I wil again down the road......
Fred

Rubberhead · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 11:26 AM

Rick what did you decide ?I'm 6'4 want a Cobra and confused !!!

Poolw · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 12:04 PM

You may want to look for a 4" dropped floor in what ever model you select. You'll find this will get your legs off the dash and help to provide the room your looking for.

wtm442 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 02:57 PM

Rick

You missed a couple of streched wheelbase Cobras. See my list (zipped Excel spreadsheet).

List of Manufacturers

timhorr · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 01:33 PM

i'm 6'4" have size 13 shoe...i either drive with skinny shoes or barefoot (when i have sandels on)...i fit very well...(my eyeline is below the top of the windshield)..lots of leg room...

thunder1 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 03:45 PM

Look at a backdraft with a 92" wheel base and has a 7" wider wheel base than a superperformance I am a big guy to, but I wanted the look of a standard cobra the backdraft does this at a great price with lot of good people backing you up if there is a problem, check them out befor you buy.
ED

rlholdridge · #15 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 01:40 PM

I used to subcontract to Johnex. I made the wire harness. I know that they had a car for tall people. The wire harness was longer as well. I'm not sure if they still make it or not.

1bad66 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 02:32 PM

aw yes, and nobody said anything about the streetbeast. LOL... mine is a 98" wb, my 6'8" buddy sat in it last night...no problem at all.

Excaliber · #17 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 02:36 PM

Wasn't Shelby around 6'4" in his prime? Wonder how he managed in those tiny FIA 289's?