LA Exotics Weight

GreenSnakeDoc · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 10:26 AM

I plan on looking at a nice LA Exotics with the 351 W, top loader and 9 inch. Any idea how much this combination weighs? I believe B&B is a continuation of LA Exotics and have read that their cars are in the 2500-2600 pound range.

Michael P. Wole · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 01:13 PM

I have an LA Exotics...weighed in at 2640...full of fuel and me out of it..same combo you are looking at i.e: 351w, BW t-5 and 9" rear

GreenSnakeDoc · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 12:18 PM

Thanks for a good answer Michael. It seems like the FFR Cobras are the lightest, maybe 2150 lbs. with a 302 which should mean 2250 with a 351W. That means that the LA Exotics and B&B's are approximately 400 lbs. heavier.
I bet your Cobra has quite a bit frame reinforcing, expecially for the door hinge area and their fiberglass bodies would be thicker and heavier also. Would the 40 year-old design 4 speed top loader be heavier than a modern 5 speed that can handle the same power? I bet the 9 inch weighs more than the 8.8. It seems that every thing done to improove and strengthen most replicas over the originals adds weight. This is probably good for protection if you get hit by another vehicle, but slightly bad for performance. Of course performance compared to original street Cobras can be made up for these days with a 408W that can make more power than the original 427's, improved tires that will corner better and larger brakes that will stop better. Does anyone have any modern replica 0 to 100 to 0 times? Whatdayathink?

Paul F · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 07:35 PM

I have the same setup. 1300lbs on each axle. Weight is split exactly even on the axles. That's without a driver.

Yes, the sturdy build was one of LA Exotics talking points. They had a picture of one of their car's driver side door slamming into a pole with minor damage.

Definitely a heavier car. For example, floor panel is 3/16" plate.

Michael P. Wole · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 01:14 PM

Very stought frame...when I nail the loud pedal, left front jumps up and stays up...great transfer of weight. I have QT-1'a on all four corners and set for good ride...handling is excellent also. I am very pleased with my decision to buy a built LAE...already sorted out and no problems with it. People at B&B are great to work with(they were the original owners of LAE) can answer most questions and provide info for you..I just had them fab me a new set of headers(went to 1-3/4" vs the 1-1/2" on it now) for 351W I am building for it as it will need to breath a lot better with Dart II ported heads on it. As far as the 0-100, I dont know, wife starts elbowing me on the 2-3 shift.

AFM19Doherty · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 01:46 PM

Anyone have information on how to contact B & B now? I once thought they
moved back to the midwest or back east somewhere.

thank you

Michael P. Wole · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 02:43 PM

I just knocked 85# off my LAE..new aluminum Team III wheel. Plus great looking wheels.
contact: B&B Mfg
9940 Racoon Rd
Granby, Mo 64844
www.bandbroadster.com
email: bbmfg@jscomm.net
I toured thier facility this summer...was impressed with them. Went down to pu my new 1-1/2" headers for my new engine build...great people to deal with. They will help you with your LAE as Bryan and his dad were the original LAE people.
Hope this helps you.

GreenSnakeDoc · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 06:16 AM

When I peak in and around my LAE frame I see a few secondary support brackets made of welded in flat steel or angle iron and think I could save a little weight by cutting these out and bolting in aluminum bar. Then, I think about getting hit in that part of the vehicle and realize that the steel is much stronger. Safety does have some cost.