Need advice, point me in the right direction . . .

[Cobra#1]

(Just joined the forum) Think I got the wife on board this weekend to get the car I have wanted since I was about 16 (not close to that now ). I have read a few posts, but was hoping that you guys could give me the quick "Cliff Notes" on what to avoid/look for when buying a Cobra. I will use this car to drive to work once a week or so (15 miles), and occasionally on the weekend. I do not plan to race it, etc. Here is what I am considering:

1) Either a Superformance or Backdraft chassis (or maybe Factory Five)
2) 351 Windsor (or possibly a 302)
3) thinking I would like A/C, but not sure how well that works on these cars
4) of course 17" wheels, and side pipes
5) want a manual (of course), but don't know anything about TREMEC T-5 vs. T-56, etc.
6) would like a top (not sure about a hard top)

I don't even know what I don't know. I'm hoping to have a budget of around $35-$45K. I'm fine with buying used with low miles. I also live in the Raleigh NC area in case there is any dealer or cars I should be looking at around here. ANY advice you can give would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[RodKnock]

Here's a good place to start to look for used Cobras:

www.cobracountry.com

The top end of your budget should allow you to purchase a used BDR or SPF.

[computerworks]

Welcome to the Forum...have fun

Advice? ...you'll get plenty!

[Got the Bug]

Welcome to CC!!

Best advice that I was given and would give to you is to try and link up with other Cobra owners in you area and compare the different manufacturers. Then the tough part...beg, plead, finagle, bribe, your way into to driving several different cars so you can compare.

Good luck on the search!

[glassdriver72]

Welcome to the madness, I recently purchased my first Cobra and faced many of the same questions you have.

My personal choice was a Backdraft, and I love it. If at all possible, you need to look at the different cars and see what suits you best. Price wise normally it will be a FFR, then a Backdraft then a Superformance.

Engines, mine is a 302 with 340 HP. For now it is enough for me. A lot of folks will tell you to get as much engine as possible. It ends up being a personal issue.

Pricing, I looked for about 6 months, if you are dilligent, you can find a nice Backdraft for between $30,000 and $35,000.

A member on this site contacted me on 7/5/09 regarding his Backdraft, which is for sale. He needs $30,000 for it. I don't know anything about the car or the member, but it may be worth contacting him. You should be able to do a member search for him, he is uncltodd. A link to him is also under the Backdraft Forum under new vs old.

Good luck!

[elmariachi]

Welcome to CC. Its a buyer's market out there and $35-45k will get you a nice car. My advice would be to look at all the cars you can and decide what your priorities are as each replica maker or kit is different. With all the cars for sale and given your budget range, don't settle for a poorly finished car or a car that needs apologies. And don't buy anything sight unseen, there are too many interpretations of "like new" or "nice." Get one that's been built right and documented. And A/C is not really practical or useful in a Cobra without a top.

I'd devote a lot of time reading here too.

[sdfletch]

This a good place to start.

[Karen Wells]

the cobras are great. And yes, you should go to cobracountry.com and visit with Curt Scott.He will help alot with your decision on a good manufacturer.
The 351W is a good engine and the tremec manual trans is good too.
AC in a cobra is only good if you put a hardtop or softtop on it.
Hardtop will not go in the trunk but a softtop will.
Alot of guys are going with 17" wheels, its a good look if you like the lots of wheel look.
You need to do your research before doing the jump.
Enjoy whatever you get.

[sdfletch]

Haven't seen you here much, Karen. Thanks for the input.

[rustyBob]

Karen is 100% correct, do your researsh, I spent 3 years on research and i think i made the right choice for myself (time @budget) so dig in and see what you can find that will be right for you.....and enjoy.

[Cobra#1]

Thanks everyone for your input, please keep it coming. What about resale value. What should I be considering now so I get the best resale if/when I decide to sel it?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cobra#1

What should I be considering now so I get the best resale if/when I decide to sel it?

Quality components, document the build as best you can, put an FE under the hood.

[LoBelly]

Cobra#1
If I weren't half a world away and if the AUD hadn't just fallen through the floor then I taking a good look at some of the stock available through members on this forum.

Particularly a green car just a little to the north of you - looks like a good time to buy (from a distance )

Good luck with your search

LoBelly

[Brian F.]

A top can be added, especially a soft top. By not limiting yourself to cars for sale with tops will open up your options. A 351W is a great engine as it doesn't need add-ons (turbo, stroked, etc) to produce good horsepower and they are easy to work on.

Professionaly built versus garage/home built. If garage/home built, be sure there is good documentation of the build to help verify the quality.

If possible, get to know someone locally who has built their cobra and have them look at potential buys with you as they will know things to look at.

If car has a 351w, be sure it doesn't have a T5, I would recommend a TKO or a tranny capable of handling more HP.

When looking at a car, make notes of the things you may want to change down the road, then be sure they aren't too expensive or can't be changed without significant work. Try to get it right by buying the right car for you.

[SP01715]

Go look at the different cars you are considering in person. That should make the decision for you.

[Cobra#1]

Originally Posted by Brian F.

A top can be added, especially a soft top. By not limiting yourself to cars for sale with tops will open up your options. A 351W is a great engine as it doesn't need add-ons (turbo, stroked, etc) to produce good horsepower and they are easy to work on.

Professionaly built versus garage/home built. If garage/home built, be sure there is good documentation of the build to help verify the quality.

If possible, get to know someone locally who has built their cobra and have them look at potential buys with you as they will know things to look at.

If car has a 351w, be sure it doesn't have a T5, I would recommend a TKO or a tranny capable of handling more HP.

When looking at a car, make notes of the things you may want to change down the road, then be sure they aren't too expensive or can't be changed without significant work. Try to get it right by buying the right car for you.

What is the difference between the TKO500 and TKO600? Also, how do the cloth soft tops hold up vs. the vinyl? Is the 3M full paint protection worth it, or just on the rear? Thanks.

[rustyBob]

Cobra#1 you asked about resale value before........thats a tuff question,i could never sell my car for what i have into it by time you add up the cost of the Kit,motor/trans,tires/wheels,body work/paint and unforseen small parts and countless trips to the parts store and labor...................wow what a pain in the a$$ these things can be, BUT i love it there is nothing like it .......resale value ...who cares?

[FUNFER2]

I agree, don't think about resale value, just enjoy the hell out of it !
Although, if your selling(or buying) a "FE" would be best.

[Pete Wolff]

Kevin,

Please excuse the shameless self serving plug but I have my Unique for sale on ebay. Auction #250461394467. It is FE powered and completely sorted out. Have a look.

Pete

[Pete Wolff]

Sorry, the above post should have been addressed to Cobra#1

Pete