kit car ratings - Page 2

patrickt · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACERAL

SO, Patrick... go ahead and do your little rant about how bad FFR's are , it seems you are just busting at the seams to start the discussion.

No, I'm going to take the "high road" this evening and instead simply compliment the two fine cars in this thread.

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, I'm going to take the "high road" this evening and instead simply compliment the two fine cars in this thread.

You mean you're not getting an eye twitch or nervous tick over the fact that Maricopa's car has zero roll bars vs. two.

I know, I know, those crazy SOBs who go street trim.

ENTDOC · #3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 05:37 PM

I personally feel that the top 6 cars are all good, no bad apples in the bunch, in fact there are more than 6 that fit that description these days, but my choices would be.. CSX (aluminum), Kirkham, CSX (fiberglass), ERA, SPF, Unique, FFR

jmimac351 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 05:52 PM

I'm a Kirkham owner trapped inside an FFR body. I'm hoping maybe Kirkham will come out with a $20k coupon. As much I would love to have a Kirkham, knowing the look I can achieve with the FFR makes it tough to rationalize. And I am pretty good at rationalizing spending money on cars. I like "authentic" but not quite that much. I think those differences become more of a conversation between fellow cobra owners anyway. I'm not sure I would enjoy the ownership experience any more. In fact, it's sort of fun to park my car next to "better" (read: more expensive) cobras. It's fun in much the same way as passing Corvettes with my 225hp Panoz. "You spent how much on that?"

patrickt · #5 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENTDOC

...but my choices would be.. CSX (aluminum), Kirkham, CSX (fiberglass), ERA, SPF, Unique, FFR

In the spirit of the Holidays, and in the spirit of this thread, we'll read from right to left....

CowtownCobra · #6 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 05:31 AM

I think anytime this topic comes up the thread should automatically self destruct

Russ Dickey · #7 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowtownCobra

I think anytime this topic comes up the thread should automatically self destruct

Amen - always seems to get everybody's gravy boiling. Didn't the discussion come up on here once about creating a really good un-biased FAQ response for this question?

Oh yeah, and moderators, can I get my last name uncensored in my signature? I am sorry if it offends folks, but I'm getting tired of people calling me Russ "Astersikey"

Jamo · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ ****ey

Amen - always seems to get everybody's gravy boiling. Didn't the discussion come up on here once about creating a really good un-biased FAQ response for this question?

Oh yeah, and moderators, can I get my last name uncensored in my signature? I am sorry if it offends folks, but I'm getting tired of people calling me Russ "Astersikey"

No...we have standards.

Jamo · #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowtownCobra

I think anytime this topic comes up the thread should automatically self destruct

Praise be to Allah.

jackmi · #10 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 07:50 AM

I'd like to say I'm sorry for asking, but I'm not. I appreciate all of the input. I am looking for a used car...one that I can buy and enjoy driving on the street. I like big block cars (I've had 10 big block Mustangs), a good old toploader, independant rear, throw in some original knock-offs, instruments, and steering wheel, all at a hell of a good deal. Also, a car wth good resale down the road. I haven't found my Easter basket yet, but I really doubt the bunny left me a Cobra, so the search continues. Cheers...Jack

Scufty · #11 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 10:09 AM

I think that one of the reasons that FFR gets a bad rap sometimes is that there are alot of guys going out and builing a FFR with all donor parts...I dont know how many times I have read a add for a FFR for sale that says ...mustang this mustang that ... mustang blah ....If I wanted a mustang disguised as a Cobra I wouldn't buy a Cobra. Now a Hand made done right FFR can be a beauty. They just get a little off the mark sometimes I find.

twin turbo · #12 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 12:37 PM

That chart is funny, I'll leave it at that.
Jackmi, if you have the cash there are some incredible deals out there for a used car. Make sure and sit/ride in as many cars as you can to get an idea of what feels good to you. Just based on your last comments, an ERA with a big block would likely be a good choice. Cheers.

RACERAL · #13 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 12:52 PM

Patrick, Patrick, my dear sir.. go back and read your post leading up to what I hath said. If thats your high road, I'd hate to see your low road.
I can show you a ERA right now that I wouldn't give you 20 k for and I bet he has 100k invested in it.. but why?

patrickt · #14 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACERAL

Patrick, Patrick, my dear sir.. If thats your high road, I'd hate to see your low road.

The high road was yesterday. Today, the two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by. Clearly, that has made all the difference.

767Jockey · #15 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm always equally puzzled and amused by guys who either fiercely proclaim to all asking for advice that their make car is the "best", or who get their panties in a wad when someone suggests that they may not like the make car that they own. I guess maybe I have a somewhat limited perspective on this since my car is a Contemporary and they're not made anymore, so unless someone was to buy one used, no one is running out and getting one anyway. Regardless, I like my Contemporary, I really do like it. I'm the type that likes an original look, round tube frame, correct body, IRS, etc. The Contemporary isn't perfect, but it's a really good looking car, very accurate in the body and frame shape. It comes up way short on originality as far as suspension goes, but all in all it's a very nice car as far as I'm concerned. However, my priorities in what makes a car nice may be way different from someone elses. Does that mean that another car that I personally would not care to own is bad, or garbage? No! If Contemporary was the perfect car for everyone, we'd all own one and they'd still be in business! The fact is, as my father used to so eloquently say, there's an ass for every seat. There are some Cobras out there that I have zero interest in owning. None. I'd rather have a 'vette or something before I owned one of these cars. Yet there are thousands of happy owners of these cars driving them proudly every day. I guess my point is, there is no right or wrong here, guys. These cars are meant for us and others to enjoy. Lighten up, relax, go drive you car more and drive your keyboard less. Don't take this all so personally. Just enjoy the cars, get out in the weather, drive them, and try to respect and appreciate them all. These cars are just a part of life, they aren't life itself. Lighten up and enjoy.

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

These cars are just a part of life, they aren't life itself.

You mean my Cobra doesn't love me back?!?

RICK LAKE · #17 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 03:54 PM

767JOCKEY Doug you have flow million miles plus, maybe there was one plane of all the ones you flew that saved your ass. Failure in a system and yet that plane got you on the ground safety. I can't speak for others here but that ERA in the garage will not be sold. I have all my toys but 1. Your car will be as close to perfect as you can get it. You have more time with your mistress in the garage than your wife in the house.

I find it hard to believe that you have not fallen asleep yet under the car. When you get your motor in it and fire it up for the first time, I beat you will say "IT'S ALIVE".

The funny thing will be getting that silly grin off your face.

Mechanical things have soul and they are alive, I have a CJ5 jeep in the back yard to prove that it saved my live. I only have a steering wheel and dash panel from it. I should have been killed. 10+ years of racing, spin outs and have not hit the wall. Been lucky or blessed, not sure.

Cobras live and breathe. BE nice to your other mistress.

Rick L.

767Jockey · #18 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

767JOCKEY Doug you have flow million miles plus, maybe there was one plane of all the ones you flew that saved your ass. Failure in a system and yet that plane got you on the ground safety. I can't speak for others here but that ERA in the garage will not be sold. I have all my toys but 1. Your car will be as close to perfect as you can get it. You have more time with your mistress in the garage than your wife in the house.

I find it hard to believe that you have not fallen asleep yet under the car. When you get your motor in it and fire it up for the first time, I beat you will say "IT'S ALIVE".

The funny thing will be getting that silly grin off your face.

Mechanical things have soul and they are alive, I have a CJ5 jeep in the back yard to prove that it saved my live. I only have a steering wheel and dash panel from it. I should have been killed. 10+ years of racing, spin outs and have not hit the wall. Been lucky or blessed, not sure.

Cobras live and breathe. BE nice to your other mistress.

Rick L.

I agree with everything you say, Rick - I am VERY fond of this car and very attached to it, and enjoy it tremendously. However, if someone were to walk up to me and say "I like Factory Fives better than Contemporary" I'm sure not going to get all stressed out about it, in fact I couldn't care less. Obviously I don't agree with that statement,, or I would own a FFR. The fact is it's just not that important. I like Contemporary, and I own one. You like ERA, and you own one. Some of these guys like FFR, and they own them. No one is right, and no one is wrong. Different strokes for different folks, that's all. The "my car is best, my car is better than yours" type of stuff gets very old to me very quickly.

767Jockey · #19 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

You mean my Cobra doesn't love me back?!?

Only when you spend LOT'S of money on it - that's why so many of us call our cars "she".....

Igofastr · #20 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009, 03:50 PM

Having been at this for a few years now, I have to laugh every time this age-old question is asked. And "here we go again" imediately comes to mind.

That said, the table presented by Dinobyte is a pretty/really good start. I would qualify everything with "how much do you want to spend...both in $$ and in sweat equity." The next questions are...how important is originality to you, and what do you want to do with it? Throw enough cash or effort at any project, and you can get pretty good results.

While I have a Kirkham, and think it's a fantastic car, my second choice would have been a FF5. Might seem odd, but for me it came down to perceived value and my intended use. I may yet add a FF5 Spec Racer (DO NOT LET MY WIFE EVER HEAR THAT I SAID THIS).