CSX 4000 Series vs. SPF

[maxom]

Hi everyone,
I just joined and I'm looking at buying Superfromance Cobra or CSX 4000 series for about two months now and it's time for meto make up my mind!!
Dynamic in Ohio is giving a good deal on a CSX 4000 series with a 427 Genesis engine. I don't know that much about the engine and live 10 hours away from them. Performance engeneering will be doing the install.
Is the Genesis engine reliable and is Performance engineering very reputable.
On the other hand I have two Superfornance dealers that giving me great deals on Cobras with Rough engine (402 or 427).
Looking forward any feedback.

[Power Surge]

Both are great cars of equal quality. Both will start off costing about the same, but the CSX will hold it's value better, especially with an FE motor in it. The SPF cars you are being offered have stroked 351s in them. They are great motors, and some people consider that the best all around balanced motor for the Cobra. The big 427 FE won't dissapoint either, and IMO looks more impressive under the hood.

You will be just as happy with either of those two cars. If they are priced within 10k of each other, than I'd say the CSX is a no brainer.

Just my 2 cents.

[maxom]

Thanks for the feedback, what about my concern about the genesis engine installed by Performance Engineering?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

but the CSX will hold it's value better, especially with an FE motor in it.
Just my 2 cents.

But Evan ALREADY has a car so your potential market has been cut in half!!

Buy what you like, what you get a "good deal" on (a "good deal" is a state of mind and has NOTHING to do with what you pay for the car, are you happy with the car? You got a good deal!!!)

Really, you won't go wrong with either car......perhaps dealer support or such should be the deciding factor.

[Slither]

I agree with Power Surge!!!

[bnewell]

PE did the build/install in my SPF.......it was an awesome car and motor.

[maxom]

Thanks, but again I'm concern about not knowing a lot about the 427 genesis engine that would be in the CSX.... Can anyone give feedback on this engine?

[Stentor]

Genesis refers to the engine block; Genesis is one of the main manufacturers of modern-day 427 blocks (along with Pond and Shelby).

You can do a search on this site to see what's been said about Genesis blocks (I've got a Genesis 427 and a Shelby 427, and had no problems with either).

The engine components and builder are probably more important than the manufacturer of the block. In that regard, do a search on Performance Engineering (PE).

I believe Dynamic is still the largest SPF dealer in the US, and I suspect Performance Engineering does a lot of their engine builds/installations (as PE is located right behind Dynamic).

What's the difference in finished prices between the SPF and CSXs at which you are looking?

[RedBarchetta]

If you can afford the $15K diff, then go with the CSX. I really like my SPF, but everyone else is right in that the CSX with an FE will hold its resale value better than the comparably prepared SPF. It's just a fact of the Cobra hobby/marketplace. If you don't care about that level of authenticity (i.e. Shelby tie-in), then save some coin and enjoy the SPF. 99.9% of the people on the road won't be able to tell the difference anyway.

-Dean #747

[Roger Vincent]

Performance Engineering did the engine build (427W - Dart block, AFR Heads) and install on my SPF, 2080, two years ago and I have 7k miles on it. I have had no problems. I believe Eric did and does a fine install. However, if the 15K is not a problem for you, then I would have to go with Power Surge's recommendation for the same reasons he gave. And yes, I am 100 percent satisfied with the SPF.

I am just thinking about resale later on, and of course with the CSX4000 you can say when asked if it's a Cobra, "Why yes it's a Cobra, not original, but a continuation," instead of "Why no it's not a kit car, but it is a factory built replica sold by Superformance, and made by Hi-Tech in South Africa....the SAME company that makes some of Shelby's continuation Cobras....BUT it IS licensed by Shelby....pause, take a breadth...God am I tired of saying that. It might be worth 15K just not to have to tell the same story time after time. Anyway, both Hi-Tech cars are great, and you can't go wrong either way, depends on your purpose, and your bank account. Can't help with the engine, looks like that info has been posted anyway. Good luck!

Roger SPF 2080

[Archrms]

Maxom,
You didn't mention what state you are located in. I too looked at the Genesis 427 motor. It is marketed as a reproduction block with a vintage date stamp. However, the registration in my state is very strict, and I could find no precedence for someone getiing one of these blocks through inspection. I didn't want to spend the big bucks for an engine I could not get through inspection, so I opted for an original block with authentic stamps and codes.

I would definitely check with your state DMV to see what you have to do to get both engines through inspection. It may make your choice easier if you find a problem with getting one or the other through inspection.

Better to do your reseach now, then to be caught trying to make your engine legal after you purchase it.

[Don]

Having experienced the emissions, inspection and registration process in CT, Archrms has an excellent point. In addition to the emissions test, if there is one, also look at the entire inspection/registration procedure specifically for kit cars and replicas, i.e. no surprises.

Fortunately, for the approx 325 kit cars/replicas and future registrations, CT has exempted as of July 1 the emissions test, but all other requirments remain. Had this not happened, more than likely the new emission standards for kit cars/replicas would have prevented many new registrations, especially for highly modified engines and the block date would not have applied.

[Tony Ripepi]

Hello Max,

I've owned both.......I drove and sold an SPF and currently own CSX4264. They are different cars from the inside out and each has a close and vocal set of owners/fans/etc.

First pay close attention the comments above on the registration issues in your state.....all of the comments above are very valid and relevant. If you are here in California we ned to talk in specific about the details of registration.

The SPF and CSX have different chassis, body attachments, ride and handling characteristics. My SPF had a 460 with the Tremec 5-speed, the CSX has a 427SO with a 4-speed top loader but, they both fell into the Big block definition. Both cars when you were on the rode had the instant on torque that you would expect, the transmissions were different and the 5-speed on the highway was great with the engine turning at 2300- 2500 RPM and the 4-speed keeps it at 3000 - 3200 at cruise. I will keep the 4-speed for the sake of originality but you need to decide what you want.

Fit and finish in both cars are great but, there are differences in the bodies, interior and ride comfort. The SPF wins out for interior comfort and the Shelby gets points for overall ride and handling comfort. For the size of the car the SPF has a very wide turning radius and with the big block you want to change the standard 3:73 rear end gears to a lower ratio for real use of the lower gears from a standing start.

The Shelby, as expected has a body shape closer to the original CSX3xxx cars but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you need to decide if this is important to you. And the value to you to own a Shelby vs. SPF. They are both replicas and you need to decide which you want to own.

Engines/transmission combination in cars that are built and ready to go and the quality, longevity and long term use are real isssues. If you are considering an existing car, have it surveyed by a trusted (BY YOU) third party, leak test the engine, in depth written appraisal that you pay for.

To really determine what you want take the time to drive both cars, decide on the engine/transmission combination that works for you and then the intrisic value of which replica meets your overall desires.....this is a recreational toy, most of us only drive them weekends and to fun stuff with our significant others.

Back to your original question ------ Drive them both and decide for yourself what is important to you ---- there will always be a deal out there for an existing car. Write down what is important to you and let that be your guide. If you are looking at fibreglass cars the pricing will close but and Aluminum CSX will be a lot more expensive. This time of year is a buyers market and you have leverage ----- use it the 15k delta between them can be made a smaller number.

Have fun, Don't make it a garage queen and enjoy the driving ----- either car will be a joy to have in the garage.

Best Regards,

Tony R.

[maxom]

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. it was very helpfull, I will let you know what I decide.

[cdog]

Whether I was getting a Shelby OR installing a motor in an SPF, I would use Gessford Machine (George Anderson) in Hastings, NE.

He is an authorized Shelby dealer if you decide to do that. For the SPF, he can arrange to have the car shipped to him, building and install a custom Ford motor, and ship it to you.

I have about 10K on one of his motors (a 520 cid) and couldn't be happier.

[REAL 1]

The additional money you need for the Shelby is a small percentage of the total purchase monies your are paying.

Don't get me wrong. The SPF is a nice car and nice replica of a Shelby Cobra.

The additional money gets you the Shelby Cobra.

Enough said.

[Tony Ripepi]

Good Point...

Right here on the CC manufacturers for sale forum.

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...duct=753&cat=3

A CSX ready for engine and transmission for $56K.

There is also a Dark Blue one in stock or so says the ad......

TR

[Stentor]

Originally Posted by Tony Ripepi

Good Point...

Right here on the CC manufacturers for sale forum.

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...duct=753&cat=3

A CSX ready for engine and transmission for $56K.

There is also a Dark Blue one in stock or so says the ad......

TR

The same guys at Dynamic that Maxom is talking to regarding the CSX 4000...

they are also running the cars on e-bay.

[Tony Ripepi]

Maxom,

Have you talked to Gary Patterson and the guys at Shelby American in Las Vegas?

TR

[Larry N Johnson]

Here is another way to look at the original question:

If you get the SPF at $15k less out the door drivable, then you can toss in a Serpent Express and take your new ride with you on a vacation to Florida with the change!


Just a thought.