Superformance or Backdraft and why!

[Bartruff1]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Thanks for all the info, both good and bad.

I am going to go to my local SPF dealer, Hillbank Motorcars in Irvine, this weekend and take a drive in one.

I got to crawl all over a BDR at the Knotts show and want to compare it to the SPF (which had a display 50 feet away but I was so into crawling all over the BDR's that I failed to compare to their cars).

As an aside, if I end up with a SPF, can I then thumb my nose at the FFR cars?

Just kidding FFR owners (of which I am one).

I would have to give very serious consideration to their cars. I should also add that the "dealer" who I bought from is no longer in business and I suspect that Lance is doing everything practical to improve the quality of the product and the dealerships. I hear nothing but good things about Gear Six in Boise (Wayne) and Hillbank and others. BUT I will say again, if I was in the market, I would buy a used sorted car. It was my intention to get a SPF GT40 this spring, but largely because of my problems I will likely only consider a Ford GT....a production car with a dealer every 50 miles...Just my 2 cents... ps... I get no satisfaction from thumming my nose at anyone, that doesn't validate my choices...

[Big Oil]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Thanks for all the info, both good and bad.

I am going to go to my local SPF dealer, Hillbank Motorcars in Irvine, this weekend and take a drive in one.

I got to crawl all over a BDR at the Knotts show and want to compare it to the SPF (which had a display 50 feet away but I was so into crawling all over the BDR's that I failed to compare to their cars).

As an aside, if I end up with a SPF, can I then thumb my nose at the FFR cars?

Just kidding FFR owners (of which I am one).

Jim - During your visit to Hillbank make sure you mention how much you admire Nelson Mandela. And when you leave it's customary to say "Jou ma se poes" which is Afrikaner for have a nice day.

Good luck!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Big Oil

Jim - During your visit to Hillbank make sure you mention how much you admire Nelson Mandela. And when you leave it's customary to say "Jou ma se poes" which is Afrikaner for have a nice day.

I like a Cobra that's built in America. You don't see that posted much around here, but it does matter to me.

[efnfast]

Originally Posted by jhv48

As an aside, if I end up with a SPF, can I then thumb my nose at the FFR cars?

Just kidding FFR owners (of which I am one).

Pretty hard to do that though if your frame is built out of 2



and a whole lot of





Notice that I also used the special South African glittery glue to be genuine

[dont]

I believe it is closer to 5% if you add the options to the roller that are standard on the SPF.

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Constant comparison to a product that costs 35% more is a good thing.

[PJS50]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Constant comparison to a product that costs 35% more is a good thing.

But is that cost differential a fair "apples to apples" comparison Cash?

Does a Backdraft come with a tonneau cover?
Soft Top?
Oil cooler?
Aren't side mirrors even an added cost?
Limited slip differential standard?
Heater?
Glovebox?
Real knockoffs?

These standard SPF features have to make an apples to apples price comparison pretty close, if not maybe even in favor of the SPF...?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by PJS50

But is that cost differential a fair "apples to apples" comparison Cash?

Does a Backdraft come with a tonneau cover?
Soft Top?
Oil cooler?
Aren't side mirrors even an added cost?
Limited slip differential standard?
Heater?
Glovebox?
Real knockoffs?

These standard SPF features have to make an apples to apples price comparison pretty close, if not maybe even in favor of the SPF...?

At the end of the day it will only matter what options or equipment you want on the car. The BDR is STANDARD with KNOCKOFFS, I will type that again... the BDR is STANDARD with KNOCKOFFS. You can also get several colored interiors at no charge as well as the stripes do not add any cost to the price. The quick jacks are standard in SS as are the sidepipes with the heatshields included. The side mirror is included and you can get the tonneau cover included as well. The LS vs. BMW unit is up for debate, I'd prefer a new driver in one of these to have the give. It will all boil down to what you want on your car.

[Poolw]

Jim,
After reading your post I think you have answered your own question when you stated – “I have a FFR roadster right now and want to upgrade”. So now the only question is do you want to upgrade half way or all the way. Buy the Superformance and you will be so very glad you did. If you buy the backdraft you will you will still be wanting a Superformance.

[Slick61]

Originally Posted by Poolw

If you buy the backdraft you will you will still be wanting a Superformance.

... perhaps you would be... it sounds like you had your heart set on a Superformance to begin with. I looked at a Superformance & then bought a Backdraft... and I'm glad that I did. No regrets whatsoever. I'd do it again.

I'm the 3rd owner, yet Backdraft has always taken care of me when I called with questions. There's a great group of owners in the area, and I love the added comfort, stability, & performance of the 92" chassis. I love the look too.

If you're looking for a car that comes fully loaded & more authentic, I agree Superformance is probably the way to go. It's a great car, no doubt about it.

For me personally, I couldn't justify the premium for options I didn't want. I was completely indifferent to the heater/defroster. Most people I've talked to almost NEVER put their top & sidecurtains on... and the snaps/ferrules do clutter-up the clean look of the car.

In the end, it's a personal decision... and the decision is yours alone. Buy what makes you happy, and enjoy it.

[jhv48]

Ok, now, if I go with either car, what engine would you recommend. And keep in mind I want a well mannered street engine with lots of torque.

Not interested in racing or frying the tires in fourth gear. Just want to be able to accellerate away from just about anything on the street.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Ok, now, if I go with either car, what engine would you recommend. And keep in mind I want a well mannered street engine with lots of torque.

Not interested in racing or frying the tires in fourth gear. Just want to be able to accellerate away from just about anything on the street.

A Roush 427 SB (Windsor based) will most definitely fill your need and keep your hands full. You can always go more authentic with an FE (helps the resale value a bit as well, if built right, i.e. Keith Craft). These cars are light...it doesn't take much motor to lose grip on acceleration.

I love the ERAs and Kirkhams, but I bought as much Cobra as I could afford when I did.That's what led me to a sorted out "pre-owned" SPF model that had all of the latest upgrades (dropped foot box, chrome rollbar, air vents, Wilwood discs). My car is 9 (nine!) years old but it looks, acts and drives like it's 2. 'Nuff said.

-Dean #747

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

A Roush 427 SB (Windsor based) will most definitely fill your need and keep your hands full. You can always go more authentic with an FE (helps the resale value a bit as well, if built right, i.e. Keith Craft).

Small blocks are for pussies. You need to go with an FE.

[Doug I]

I don't often wander into these sort of threads as they can deviate from the original intent rather easily and then big sticks are needed ...

anyway ........

BDR or SPF - that is the question

I've chosen the BDR after looking at, and riding in both. Now why?

Core quality: The examples I have seen of each have been pretty much equal when looking at paint quality and general fitment of panels. Some were better 'here' while others were better 'there' and even within each marque there were differences in the 'heres' and 'theres' so in the end it was pretty much a wash in looking at the core cars from each.

General stance and proportions: I just like the look of the BDR when it's sitting there over the SPF. Sure there are some dimensional differences but that doesn't matter to me. To my eye the BDR looks better. I also felt I had more room in the BDR.

Options: Here we go ....... The SPF costs more because you get more. When you 'option up' the BDR to the same level as the SPF then the $'s are about the same. That was the key point for me - you can or you can not option the BDR to a SPF. The choice is yours. If you don't want knock-off wheels then you say 'no thanks' and you won't get knock-offs and you won't pay for knock-offs. Down here in La the last thing you want is a heater - so again 'no thanks' and you won't be paying for something you don't want or will ever use.

The rest of it is all personalities and that's to subjective to given any valid comment on

[RodKnock]

My apologies to everyone. I wasn't trying to derail the thread from a BDR versus SPF discussion or start any turf wars, but I thought that with a CSX roller price right around that $40K +/- range, that a CSX could be a viable option for the gentleman who started the thread.

Personally, I've seen all three and all three are very nice. I have my favorite of the three, but I'm not an owner of any, so I won't comment since I have no first-hand/ownership experience. There are A LOT of happy SPF, BDR and CSX owners on this forum.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

My apologies to everyone. I wasn't trying to derail the thread from a BDR versus SPF discussion or start any turf wars, but I thought that with a CSX roller price right around that $40K +/- range, that a CSX could be a viable option for the gentleman who started the thread.

Personally, I've seen all three and all three are very nice. I have my favorite of the three, but I'm not an owner of any, so I won't comment since I have no first-hand/ownership experience. There are A LOT of happy SPF, BDR and CSX owners on this forum.

Rodney - No big deal...this thread was already derailed.

[MEATMASTER]

Here's a dood that lived out of his trunk for darn near 15,000 miles driving right out from the dealer's door. And his wife was with him, and they was still married after the trip! Pretty interesting read;

http://superformance.org/supernews/15000miletrip.html


MEATMASTER "... Hey, NOW we're cookin, baby!... pass the charcoal..."

[jhv48]

I hate to say it, but I have also found the SPF and BDR to be better quality than the Shelby continuation series cars.

I have visited the factory in Las Vegas and was not impressed enough to make the leap to a "REAL SHELBY".

For now, SPF or BDR will probably be my limit.

Any other good/bad experiences?

How about Vintage or Dynamic East or West as a dealer of choice?

[Doug I]

Sorry Jay - I forgot they'd gone standard equipment on the knock-offs.

[jhv48]

Good points.

I do like the fact that I can order only the extras that I want with the BDR. SPF includes everything, so I would be paying extra for a few things I don't want or need (a soft top and tonneau cover with their annoying snaps, and an oil cooler to mention three).

Vintage is having a nice special with a Roush 427R polished engine, TKO600 Trans and all installation for around $52.4k. Much less ($44.4k) if I chose a 402 from PE.

Thoughts?

[RodKnock]

Jim,

The Vintage guys seem great, but check out the KC website too, since they have some SPF and BDR specials as well. You're in a great position to swing a nice deal right now. Always compare apples to apples. BTW, I have not purchased anything from Vintage or KC, but know their reputations are sterling.

Please forgive me again, but here's another derailing of the BDR versus SPF discussion for you, but what about that almost new ERA just listed for $62,900 here on CC. You could always try to swing a deal on what appears to be a very nice newer ERA with an original sideoiler.