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Newbie Question
Hi everyone,
My brother and I are both interested in buying a replica Cobra within the next year. We are overwhelmed with the numerous manufactuers and wanted to know what most Cobra enthusiasts believe is the best Cobra replica and why. We have seen a lot about Superformance and Shelby American...what others would you recommend? I'm looking for a 289 FIA while my brother likes the 427. Thanks for you time! ps...I hope I'm starting a debate over whos car is better:eek: |
Welcome to the club. Shelby and Kirkham are about the top of the line. ERA and Superformance are at or near the top of the rest, but you can make any of them into fantastic cars by doing away with some of the cheap stuff the factories put into the kits. Shopping around is fun, buying and paying is painful, but once you are driving all that is forgotten. Enjoy the club.
Ron :) |
For a 289FIA your choices are pretty mucj limited to ERA, Unique, Kirkham, or Shelby continuation. Unique probably costs the least, Kirkham or Shelby the most and ERA in between. ERA, Unique, and Kirkham are all high quality kits. I've heard considerable negative comments regarding the Shelby cars both in quality and service in the past. Don't know if there has been any improvement or not.
You can't go wrong with either the ERA, Unique, or Kirkham cars just depends on how much you want to spend and how long you can wait for it. |
Hey Warren and Ron,
Thanks so much for your responses. This definately will give us a headstart in the right direction. Follow up question...What motor do most guys drop into their Replicas? I've seen a lot of Roush, but also heard it wasn't very reliable? I don't know??? Also, I live in California and just started reading a thread about smog and emissions...am I going to have a problem registering a ERA or Superformance Cobra with a new engine or do I need to look for an older 1960's block? |
Find one that already has an SB100 registration number and save yourself the headache!
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If you use a Roush engine you'll have to go with the SB-100 for sure. My personal preference was to pickup a 1965 289 block and have it built up. According to the DMV person that I talked to (2 years ago), by going with the 1965 block, I wouldn't have to deal with the SB-100 issue, but still would have to register as a specially constructed vehicle. In the end, I ended up moving to MD before the car was built so didn't have to deal with CA at all.
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For the 427 choice, don't count out The Backdraft Racing cobra. Its a roller like the superformance. You truely get a good bang for your buck. Check out Vintage Motor sports they have a BDR in there showroom with a big block 427 side oiler. Sterling grey with grey interior. nice combo. I almost wanted to tradein my BDR for it. Any way - the BDR's are well worth a look and consideration.
I purchased mine in 10/06, and have been very pleased with the car and of vintage's service. Take a look. I just love this thing, my kids love riding in it, and its just a lot of fun. But with all the different manufacturers mentioned above just having any one of these is just too fun. Heads turn at you at all ages no matter what other exotic or muscle car is around. Its just too cool. http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...ip_2_small.jpg |
If anyone need a mid 60's 289 long block I have one for $100.00.
Terry |
Flyingboss,
If you live in Calif., then you have two choices. Register by year of the engine and meet whatever smog emissions applied to that year and engine, or get in line and get a SB-100 number and you don't have to worry about that. Depending on whether you want a BB or SB, will help a lot in determining the years you can still find blocks for. And if you do go by year of block and meet the smog requirements, you will have to go back every year if this new bill passes and have it done just like any car. If the bill fails it will be every other year. For a BB a 1962 or 1963 is a great engine as they had no emission equipment and the 1964 427s had none. Also in this messed up state a lot depends on which DMV and Smog Referee you have to go to. The SB-100 is really the only way to go if you can get one. Ron :) |
Can't tell from your profile where in CA you live, but the Tri-Counties Cobra Club will be meeting on 04 August for lunch I believe in Camarillo. There should be at least two ERA 289FIA's there that day and probably one ERA 427. Typically, there is at least one Backdraft, an Autocraft, along with a several examples of Superformance and several other mfg's including Autocraft. Let me know if you are interested and I can get you contact info for the club.
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Just to add to what WarrenG told you, if you are anywhere near the Bay Area they have a big turn out of Cobras of all kinds almost every weekend I think it is at a breakfast they go to. Sometimes they even have some originals show up. You can check on their site by going to the Local Clubs link at the top right of the page and then selecting Bay Area Cobra Club.
Ron :) |
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I highly recommend that you order the following video tapes from G&K Classics. In this 2 tape set, you get too see close up, with narrative, the complete reassembly of an original 427 Cobra. After studying these tapes, you will have a good base line from which to judge the accuracy of those replicas you are considering. Link: http://www.cobracountry.com/gk/ Steven |
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