Superformance or Backdraft and why!

jhv48 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 06:57 PM

All right you guys. Hit me with all the reasons one is a better buy than the other.

I have a FFR roadster right now and want to upgrade to either a SPF or Backdraft. This will be a street car only so don't hit me with any racing benefits. Will probably put a nice calm 450 HP small block in it with a nice level torque curve and a TKO tranny with .82 fifth gear and a 3.09 rear end.

I have read all the bits and pieces on this forum but want a blow by blow fight between the SPF OWNERS and the Backdraft OWNERS.

Why is your car better than the other one. Opinions and facts will be appreciated.

And maybe you can also tell me why so many SPF cars are for sale on Cobra Country as opposed to only a handful of Backdraft cars. Does SPF sell that many more cars than Backdraft to warrant the 10-1 for sale ratio?

sparks · #2 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 07:30 PM

SPF's have been around for sometime now. I would guess over 2500 made to date. Do a search on spf vs. backdraft...Looks like a few nice used one's for sale on this site rite now.

lovehamr · #3 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 07:49 PM

I chose BDR because I don't fit in an SPF. Hey, you asked! LOL Both seem to be great cars.

Steve

Got the Bug · #4 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

All right you guys. Hit me with all the reasons one is a better buy than the other.

I have a FFR roadster right now and want to upgrade to either a SPF or Backdraft. This will be a street car only so don't hit me with any racing benefits. Will probably put a nice calm 450 HP small block in it with a nice level torque curve and a TKO tranny with .82 fifth gear and a 3.09 rear end.

I have read all the bits and pieces on this forum but want a blow by blow fight between the SPF OWNERS and the Backdraft OWNERS.

Why is your car better than the other one. Opinions and facts will be appreciated.

And maybe you can also tell me why so many SPF cars are for sale on Cobra Country as opposed to only a handful of Backdraft cars. Does SPF sell that many more cars than Backdraft to warrant the 10-1 for sale ratio?

Superformance. Just because.

D-CEL · #5 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 08:23 PM

Money no object:
SPF
looks better, better chassis, looks better, better brakes, looks better, knock off wheels, looks better, comes with a top.

jason

efnfast · #6 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-CEL

Money no object:
SPF
looks better, better chassis, looks better, better brakes, looks better, knock off wheels, looks better, comes with a top.

jason

better chassis? gimmie a break.

One of these frames looks like a nicely engineered chassis, the other looks like it's 2 home depot ladders glued together. (i have no idea what the bd frame looks like though)

greg schroeder · #7 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efnfast

better chassis? gimmie a break.

One of these frames looks like a nicely engineered chassis, the other looks like it's 2 home depot ladders glued together. (i have no idea what the bd frame looks like though)

I'm far from an expert on chassis desing, but the Home Depot ladder unit looks quite a bit like a Tony Kart frame with suspension.

Here's a frame of one that looks a bit like the Home Depot type too, but it has some safety stuff.

I guess if one wanted a real track performer they would just go and buy a Subaru STi or something of the like.

Jim Kellogg · #8 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 05:29 PM

Each replica has it's own "quirks" just as the originals have their unique "quirks".

I have driven and worked on both BDF and SPF cars. Very different cars indeed, and a drive in each (sorted out) car will make your decision much easier to make.

The basic cars (without any options) hit 2 different price points. Standard equipment on the SPF gives you everything you need to drive year-around, but the cost is more.

Is the extra cost of a SPF worth it? I strongly believe so. That's why I own an SPF.

There is also a very big difference in paint quality between the 2 cars. I have not yet seen a BDF with paint quality at the level of the SPF.
If you can, put each car up in the air and take a close look at the welds and construction of the frame. There is a difference.
The SPF interior more closely replicates the original "look" with gauges, instrument placement, and upholstry.

I am not knocking the BDF. It is a decent car for the price, and they have a couple of very customer focused dealerships. Others are not so customer friendly. Don, do you have anything to say?

I am sure that if you can drive the cars side by side, and inspect them top to bottom side by side, you will know which one you want. Then the question may come to what works with the budget on hand.

Am I biased towards SPF? Yup. I own one :-)

Oh, and maybe some day I can tell you a story about the big hearts of my friends on SCOF (the Superformance owners group)....
Jim Kellogg
Breesport, NY

jagxjr5012 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 08:18 PM

Why just SPF or Backdraft ?

ERA makes the closest thing to the street version one can buy.....
http://www.erareplicas.com/cars/669/index.htm

RedBarchetta · #10 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 08:46 PM

Because, in the end, you get what you pay for.

jhv48 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 08:50 PM

So far, just opinions. Looking for some facts too.

And yes, I like the extra room even though I don't need it. The 92 inch wheelbase helps a bit too.

Don't care if it is an exact replica or not. Looking for the ride, quality of build, reliability, etc.

Big Oil · #12 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 09:14 PM

Is there a Backdraft dealer in California? Support after the sale probably counts for something and SPF offers a huge convenience factor for SoCal residents.

Slick61 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 09:49 PM

Can't go wrong with either car... and I'm not going to start the flame-war.

I like my Backdraft because it's easier to get in & out of. Sit in a FFR or SPF, then sit in a BDR with the seat all the way back. There's less contortioning to be done. The 2" in the cockpit is really noticeable on the ingress/egress. The heat shields on the sidepipes are an option.

As for gauges, I've got Vintage Autometers in mine. I know of a few others that have the Smith's electronic gauges. Others have the VDO.

I'm running a leather-wrapped steering wheel which is identical to the FFR leather wheel, tho I also have the wood Moto-Lita.

I also think Backdraft has the prettiest engine compartment... all that polished stainless really sets off a nice engine. Does a nice job of keeping heat out of the cockpit as well.

And their customer service is dynamite.

jagxjr5012 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Because, in the end, you get what you pay for.

what? huh?

Jim Kellogg · #15 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 05:27 PM

There are a few replica owners that use their Cobra as a "Daily Driver". I have driven my SPF rain/sun/snow year around in upstate NY for several years. I haven't racked up the miles of some drivers on this forum - I seem to remember a FF owner with LOTS of miles in a previous thread, but my SPF has seen several years of rain and snow.

Don't want to clutter the thread with photos, but here is a link to a photo of my SPF "daily driver"
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...6&ppuser=14970

My friend Don Morse has a beautiful BDR in a one of a kind color. My SPF is a traditional Blue/White. When his car is in the shop, I always hear great comments about his car. The BDR and SPF look very different from each other when parked side by side. Some prefer the looks of the BDR. Others like the look of the SPF. It is simply a matter of preference. Neither is an "exact" copy of the orginal.

When it comes to engine choices, I recommend getting more horsepower than you think you need. You can always add a throttle stop if you have too much horsepower, but it's much harder to go the other way

Another thought...
It is a little known fact that Lance, the CEO of SPF, works very hard to maintain the ownership experience AFTER the sale. He and his staff particpate in ownership discussions and get-togethers, working hard to support the current owner base, and support and improve the product. I'm not sure, but he may even have a photo of my SPF hanging somewhere....

Your dealer can make or break your Cobra experience if you buy new. There are good dealers out there for both brands. I have very limited experience with BDR, but highly recommend Olthoff as an East Coast SPF dealer. Don't just talk to the dealer - ask for the names of a couple of customers - perhaps a recent customer and one that has owned their replica for a couple of years, and ask THEM what they think of the dealer you are considering.

Spend some quality time researching your purchase, and you will be sure to enjoy your replica for years to come.
Enjoy the hunt!
Jim Kellogg
Breesport, NY

jhv48 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 05:44 PM

I'm in trouble now.

The guys over at the FFR Forum got wind that I'm thinking about changing teams.

Not happy!

And there is a heck of a lot of them!

lovehamr · #17 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

I'm in trouble now.

The guys over at the FFR Forum got wind that I'm thinking about changing teams.

Not happy!

And there is a heck of a lot of them!

Jim, stay away from the koolaid!

Steve

RodKnock · #18 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

I'm in trouble now.

The guys over at the FFR Forum got wind that I'm thinking about changing teams.

Not happy!

And there is a heck of a lot of them!

Uh, Patrick must not be feeling well today. No comment? Maybe he's mellowing in his old age.

Great Asp · #19 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 05:44 PM

I am on my 3rd Superformance.

Each car I have owned (992, 1380, and now 2715) has never disappointed me.

I have nothing to say about Backdraft since I have never driven nor owned one.

Eric

Got the Bug · #20 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Asp

I am on my 3rd Superformance.

Each car I have owned (992, 1380, and now 2715) has never disappointed me.

I have nothing to say about Backdraft since I have never driven nor owned one.

Eric

Eric,

You've probably mentioned it before, but what's the "Cliff Notes" story regarding the three SPFs that you've owned? Did you purchase all three new?