Superformance or Backdraft and why!

[sparks]

Maybe some of the BD guys can chime in but ask them if they were equaly priced, which would they have bought..SPF also has SCOF which has a tremendous amount of owner resources and lots of expert advice.

[NHVANA]

Both come with knock off wheels, the detailing is far superior in the SPF product with the correct steering wheel, guages, better seats etc. I don't like the "over the top" rivet detail or the side pipe heat sheild on the BDR.

[CobraDan]

The BDR has only been around for a 1/3 of the years as the SPF and in the 800 unit range for sales. The reason there will always be a lot of used BDR or SPF is you can’t really afford an expensive toy until you retire and then most find out this is a much more powerful toy than expected and sell their Cobra, which makes used a great buy. I only wish you lived in Florida and had Reg Dodd to deal with personally as he really bends over backwards to keep his customers happy even though he just sold them a race car. I think both cars are in the upper area of Cobra replicas.

[jhv48]

Keep em coming.

Would like to hear from BDR owners as well as SPF owners that had problems with the car during the first year and how they were handled by the dealer.

[Bartruff1]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Keep em coming.

Would like to hear from BDR owners as well as SPF owners that had problems with the car during the first year and how they were handled by the dealer.

SPF2811....months of delay on delivery ....leaks...squeaks.....rattles.....failed ball joint.....improper installation of vacuum pump needed to be replaced...tire out of round ... vibration in stearing wheel....needed carb tune...fan thermo has to be replaced..no help from dealer... had a hell of a time getting MSO eventually ....I would never ever order a new car again...in addition to risking your deposit in case of a bankruptcy you will have to go thru the "teething problems" not found in a production car...I think the nearest dealer is 350 miles away... BUT...the car is a blast to drive....if I were to do it again, I would buy a existing sorted used car with a clear title and registration....it had to be the worst buying experience in my life...

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Bartruff1

SPF2811....months of delay on delivery ....leaks...squeaks.....rattles.....failed ball joint.....improper installation of vacuum pump needed to be replaced...tire out of round ... vibration in stearing wheel....needed carb tune...fan thermo has to be replaced..no help from dealer... had a hell of a time getting MSO eventually had to forge bills of sale and mileage statement to get licence ....I would never ever order a new car again...in addition to risking your deposit in case of a bankruptcy you will have to go thru the "teething problems" not found in a production car...I think the nearest dealer is 350 miles away... BUT...the car is a blast to drive....if I were to do it again, I would buy a existing sorted used car with a clear title and registration....it had to be the worst buying experience in my life...

Just to be fair, over half the stuff you listed wasn't the factory's fault; it was either the dealer's responsibility or another manufacturer's product (i.e. out of round tire, vacuum pump (not factory on any SPF), carb tune, to name a few).

You guys that can't turn a wrench crack me up some times. Not picking on you personally, so don't take it wrong. These cars are not like going to your local Chevy dealer and buying a Z06. It's not the same experience.

[PJS50]

I have an older Superformance (#131) and they are on number 2900-something now I believe, maybe 3000?... You can't beat that kind of a track record in Cobra replicas...

I don't know what some of the others on this site are talking about "more room", if you own one of the newer Superformances (past chassis #700 I think) it is very common for a 6'4"-6'5" driver to fit just fine in the cockpit of the Superformance... How tall are you?

I almost built a "kit" before I found my Superformance, and I tell you what, those 92" wheelbase cars look funny after only dealing with the correct 90" cars (like the Superformance)... I wouldn't get one of the "off sized" ones for more room, just get the Superformance with the bigger footwells...

I've driven mine in the rain on many occasions with and without the top on... Jim is right, at about 78 MPH the water hits the trunk deck behind you... It's hilarious! Any faster and the wake turbulence brings it into the cockpit behind you. Too much slower and the rain is likely to just fall into your lap... LoL...

Dealers: How many dealers does Backdraft have? Superformance has about 6(?) major dealers well spaced around the country and quite a few smaller-engine installers spaced even closer together... Great availability of parts "in country", excellent product knowledge from anything mechanical to paint codes for the unfortunate figerglass boo-boo...

SPF chassis is simple and yet stiff as a priest with a pocket full of Viagra at a summer camp for boys... That's all I'm going to say about that

I don't know about the backdraft, but a 385 series Ford engine fit very nicely under the hood of a Superformance... The newer SPF chassis can also fit a new Ford Modular engine! I know you were looking at a sb, but there is no replacement for displacement (that's another arguement all in itself)!

Finally, the BEST thing about a Superformance- The OTHER Superformance owners and that secret society called SCOF! I have never met so many genuinely "good" people as I have since owning a Superformance! Helpful to a fault. Kind, giving, like an extended family that has to be experienced to be believed, and it's WORLD WIDE!. SCOF... Well, I am sure you've heard the rumors that we control the weather, lets just leave it at that

[Bartruff1]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Just to be fair, over half the stuff you listed wasn't the factory's fault; it was either the dealer's responsibility or another manufacturer's product (i.e. out of round tire, vacuum pump (not factory on any SPF), carb tune, to name a few).

You guys that can't turn a wrench crack me up some times. Not picking on you personally, so don't take it wrong. These cars are not like going to your local Chevy dealer and buying a Z06. It's not the same experience.

None of it was the factory's fault...he asked for comments on dealer support. Lance has always been quick to respond. I don't turn wrenches, I put gas in them and drive..

[madmaxx]

A man spends $50K plus how much should he have to turn a wrench. The factory was responsible for everything but the MSO fuk up.

Factory issues
Leaks, Squeaks, rattles, failed ball joint, fan thermo
Dealer issues
vacuum pump, tire out of round carb tune Mso

Make no mistake SPF and BDR leave some serious quality control issues and I agree 100% with bartruff, buy a sorted used one. My first BDR I had 18 issues, my SPF 14 issues. I have spent countless hours chasing bugs and other factory issues. In the end however the spf is a much better car than a bdr. It is funny it would cost the factories no more to do it right than wrong. I have to admit mine never had rattles, never drove it in the rain so don't know about leaks but I am 100% in agreement with Bartruff you buy a new one get ready to spend 8 months sorting.

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Just to be fair, over half the stuff you listed wasn't the factory's fault; it was either the dealer's responsibility or another manufacturer's product (i.e. out of round tire, vacuum pump (not factory on any SPF), carb tune, to name a few).

You guys that can't turn a wrench crack me up some times. Not picking on you personally, so don't take it wrong. These cars are not like going to your local Chevy dealer and buying a Z06. It's not the same experience.

[jhwalker]

SPF #2117
me -- 65 years old.

Bought my SPF Cobra almost 5 years ago.

The car is fast enough to get me kicked off every drag strip that I have gone to. Under 11.5, over 125 mph. I drive it to the track (up to 100 miles away) -- run -- get tossed -- and drive home.
The car, stock, is fine for running Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Buttonwillow. The current set of mods (new sway bars, better shock mounts, etc) will make it even more fun.

The other owners -- represented by scof and its leader, rt -- are a collection of gear-heads, waxers, hard-core racers, show only folks. A diverse group with the common denominator being a love for their cars and care for their fellow SPF owners. I have several other interesting cars, and belong to several other car "associations", but if I could only keep one -- it would be the SPF.

I know and respect the current SPF ownership -- Lance Stander.
I admire the Jimmy Price and the Hi-Tech group in South Africa.
Our cars are under constant scrutiny and development -- by all of the parties involved.

When I ordered the car in 2004, I was scratching an itch that developed while watching the Cobras run at Sebring when I was in college. I never expected to get the pleasure that I have received from owning it, or to have met the great group of owners, and to have established as many friendships with fellow car nuts as I have.
JamesW #2117

[madmaxx]

SPF
Fit, finish, wheelbase, solid, no rattles, panel rubs, more room in foot well, dana rear end which is almost indestructible and associated half shafts. Hit any bump in the world and the car just is as solid as a rock. authetic gauges down to the lucas amp meter, windshield frame and once again wheel base.

Backdraft
stainless steel sidepipes.

[Don Wareham]

Definitely an SPF. I have had one for 10 years now and never regretted it. No cracks, fractures or spider cracks. The fit and finish is flawless. The paint is flawless and does not fade. Another reason is that the SPF is a more complete car. Just compare the two in the wheel wells. The SPF has enclosed wheel wells. The BDR does not, it's open to the rear. If you want a Cobra that looks like the original Carroll Shelby Cobra, SPF is the answer. The BDR interior is not authentic by any comparison. The lines of the trunk area are not authentic either.

If you're looking for a used SPF, mine is up for sale here on Club Cobra. Give me a call and I'll help you make up your mind. You don't need to buy mine, but it is a good deal. Call me if you wish to discuss, I'll try to help.

[Got the Bug]

Here's a couple of threads with some comments by some SPF and BDR owners. The real key is going to be to drive both cars. One might look good on paper, but doesn't feel right to you on the road. Your budget will also be a deciding factor. Lots of good deals right now.

SPF Owners- Time to Nitpick!
BDR Owners- Time to nitpick!


BDR Owners- Time to nitpick!
BDR Owners- Time to nitpick!

Here's another one:

SPF vs. BDR
SPFvsBDF

[jhv48]

Good info, thanks.

[Archrms]

Beating a dead horse again - check the archives.

[misfit41]

I think it all depends on what your goals are. I am thinking BDR is an extended wheel base which bugs me,I just like the stock 90" look but I'm just 5'9.
SPF has a great rep for quality and they are the leaders in the field. The spf is essentially a street rod with a body that sort of looks like a cobra,great cars but I hate the humped up and skinny look . Again they are well engineered cars.
If your after originality I think the ERA or heaven forbid a shelby is much closer to an original car experience.

[jhv48]

How about cockpit fit?

I found the BDR to be roomy but awkward. Seats too low and stiff, and the steering wheel a bit high for my liking.

The SPF seemed to be more natural regarding the seating and steering wheel placement.

Comments?

[CBattaglia]

I have only come across 3 bdr owners. All 3 had suspension problems. One i test drove and it would bottom out on bumps, the other 2 had alignment problems. I am sure the problems are fixable, but I found it strange. The body is also a bit bubbly in the rear. As mentioned earlier, BDR is relatively new. May still be working out the minor issues. I own a SPF and it has surpassed my expectations. No squeaks, rattles, paint is beyond incredible and most impressive is the way it handles.

[madmaxx]

You may be able to drive a cobra year around within boundries, like light rain, but make no mistake they are not dailey drivers unless you live in arizona or nevada and if you drive them in even light rain they will deteriorate. You have a massive air scoop as the driving rain blows on top of your enigne I would imagine the ignition would crap out. It would be generous to say the top and side windows are splash proof. Tonneau is nice if you do get caught out in the weather. I have never driven one in the rain but have washed mine twice.

I have owned both. The difference between a spf and backdraft is the difference between a F250 and a Ford Ranger. They both get the job done what is just a little stouter.

[CWizard]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

You may be able to drive a cobra year around within boundries, like light rain, but make no mistake they are not dailey drivers unless you live in arizona or nevada and if you drive them in even light rain they will deteriorate. You have a massive air scoop as the driving rain blows on top of your enigne I would imagine the ignition would crap out. It would be generous to say the top and side windows are splash proof. Tonneau is nice if you do get caught out in the weather. I have never driven one in the rain but have washed mine twice.

SPF as a daily driver? I believe Mr. Kellogg has some experience with that, should he care to comment again.

As for driving in the rain, I have all the experience with that I want. I have driven my SPF in a couple of really heavy rains, once without the top on. Had 2 inches of water in the footwells. While it was no fun, I can confirm that the car is waterproof. There were no ignition or instrument problems.

As others have said, search the archives, drive both and your answer will come clear. I obviously like the SPF. Dealer support has been outstanding, and SCOF is a major asset.
Jerry