FFR/Backdraft/SPF???? - Page 2

RodKnock · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Craig,

Sit back, mix/pour/blend/brew your favorite beverage and read every post by LudicrousSpeed. The most documented research project in CC history, that almost ended in a car purchase.

Who ended up buying the Copperhead Viper? Wasn't it Ludicrous?

Ah yes, Rob Simones. The most famous non Cobra buyer. Seemed like a nice guy though.

We all have our reasons for buying the Cobras we have, tell us some of your reasons. There's a general perceived pecking order when it comes to these cars, so read as much as you can by searching threads on this site.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

We all have our reasons for buying the Cobras we have, tell us some of your reasons.

And tell us how long you've wanted a Cobra. 95% of the newbie posts saying they want to buy a Cobra, blah, blah fall by the wayside and the guy never ends up getting it. Another percentage ends up regretting it. Personally, I think there ought to be a mandatory waiting period or "cooling off" time that is required before you can get a Cobra (if you have an ERA built that waiting period is "forced upon you"). The waiting period can be waived if you will honestly swear to the fact that you've wanted a Cobra for decades.

Another piece of advice -- spend as much on your build as you can comfortably afford to spend. If you don't do it now, you'll wish you had and it's a PITA to go back and make changes. Truth be told, it's a PITA to do anything on these cars, there's no room for anything, you can't get your hands in there to get to the bolts, you slice up your skin on the aluminum, you burn the skin off because you forget and touch the primaries, everything leaks, the fiberglass doesn't ground well, a big FE shakes every damn bolt loose that isn't safety tied or red-Loctited, the cars always break down when you are at the farthest point from your house, these cars basically suck.

I think you should give up now and buy a Viper or Corvette.

bigstew · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 11:07 AM

Craig, I have a BDR that is three years old and would highly recommend it for the money. I am running a 393 stroker with TKO 600. It rides good and performs very well on the road and track. A couple minor problems I had were taken care of by BDR immediately. I built my car for what I would have spent on just the SPF roller. If you want me to email some pics send me a note to: bigstew817@verizon.net

m5extc · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 10:14 PM

Craig,

That all sounds great. It took me about 6 months to digest the SPF price, but I decided it was worth it in the long run for me. If you find yourself in the Bay Area, drop me a line if you want to go for a ride or drive. I also assembled it myself at my shop, so I can answer any technical questions you may have.

Andrei

snakebittexan · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 01:32 PM

Craig,

It seems as if you've asked the $64,000 question. I was bit by the snake almost a year ago when my bride opened the door for "anything with four wheels" if I would sell my Harley. I looked, studied, read, discussed, rode with a local group, and searched some more until "the" car popped up totally unexpeditally and I immediatelly knew this was "my" car. My snake is a Rossa Red Backdraft with 17" knockoffs, a 351W and a 5-speed Tremac but more importantly is the incredable support Frank Dodd and the guys at Backdraft Racing in Florida have given me since I purchased the car. No matter which way you go you will need the support at some point and I can't say enough about the BDR guys.

My suggestion to you from someone who's only been part of this community for 60 days, is to follow the same path "Grasshopper," read, discuss, look, ride and look some more---you'll find "your" snake then you too will find yourself standing in the garage and just staring at it before you turn in dreaming of long empty stretches of back country roads.

Richard

PCW · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakebittexan

Craig,

It seems as if you've asked the $64,000 question. I was bit by the snake almost a year ago when my bride opened the door for "anything with four wheels" if I would sell my Harley. I looked, studied, read, discussed, rode with a local group, and searched some more until "the" car popped up totally unexpeditally and I immediatelly knew this was "my" car. My snake is a Rossa Red Backdraft with 17" knockoffs, a 351W and a 5-speed Tremac but more importantly is the incredable support Frank Dodd and the guys at Backdraft Racing in Florida have given me since I purchased the car. No matter which way you go you will need the support at some point and I can't say enough about the BDR guys.

My suggestion to you from someone who's only been part of this community for 60 days, is to follow the same path "Grasshopper," read, discuss, look, ride and look some more---you'll find "your" snake then you too will find yourself standing in the garage and just staring at it before you turn in dreaming of long empty stretches of back country roads.

Richard

Richard,

I have for sure run the gauntlet of the different manufactures, from FFR to Kirkham. The more I research the more I learn and form my opinions, likes and dislikes. Everyone wants to get the most for their money, and wants to fell like they got the "DEAL" now is the time for deals. Right now I'm wide open and really not leaning one way or another. Your right, go look, talk, and look some more and you will find it, it may not be in the time frame you think it will be, that's how it usually works for me most of the time

.

Craig

RodKnock · #7 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 10:33 AM

Craig, I don't care which car or what engine you buy, but a $17,000 difference sounds too big to me. I'm not suggesting you buy from Keith Craft, although you may want to talk them, but he has a complete BDR special @ $48,900 and a complete SPF special @ $57,900. I didn't do a side-by-side comparison, but I would think they would be close in specs coming from the same company. Obviously, there are other good dealers (e.g., Jay at Vintage Motorsport) on this website and I would talk to them as well.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Craig, I don't care which car or what engine you buy, but a $17,000 difference sounds too big to me. I'm not suggesting you buy from Keith Craft, although you may want to talk them, but he has a complete BDR special @ $48,900 and a complete SPF special @ $57,900. I didn't do a side-by-side comparison, but I would think they would be close in specs coming from the same company. Obviously, there are other good dealers (e.g., Jay at Vintage Motorsport) on this website and I would talk to them as well.

RK -- he wants to buy the cheaper car; he just wants to make sure he's not making a horrible mistake in doing so... which he isn't.

RodKnock · #9 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 11:11 AM

No really, buy my BMW...please. Hey, I'm allowed to fall off the wagon on a rare occasion.

Eh, my point may not have come across.

There's a price difference with virtually everything we buy. Look closely at the details. I'm not too familiar with either car, but you may find that the more expensive item has been built with better quality parts. I don't know if that's the case here, because both are fine products, and both are offered by fine dealers, but I almost always subscribe to the theory that you get what you paid for.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Hey, I'm allowed to fall off the wagon on a rare occasion.

Of course you are. And I'll be there for you with my GOOJFC, if needed. I'm advised that it contains no restraints on alienation.

RodKnock · #11 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Of course you are. And I'll be there for you with my GOOJFC, if needed. I'm advised that it contains no restraints on alienation.

Hopefully, I'll never need it, but thank you for the offer anyway.

BTW, my BMW has the upgraded 17" M3 wheels AND the sport suspension.

Got the Bug · #12 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 11:24 AM

Craig,

My two cents....don't buy either one until you drive both. You may not like either, although I think you're going to want to buy the SPF.

PCW · #13 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Craig,

My two cents....don't buy either one until you drive both. You may not like either, although I think you're going to want to buy the SPF.

Doug, good point and I will be going to Dynamic in Redwood City in a couple of weeks to drive one. BDR may be a different story, need to find an owner around Nor Cal.

Thanks Craig

xracerbob · #14 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 12:17 PM

Can we get back on topic here- How many miles on the BMW?

RodKnock · #15 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 01:00 PM

My greater point was missed here. There may be a difference in price because of many varied factors. There is at least a thread maybe two on the quality of the paint jobs of both cars as well as the underpinnings. Parts aren't always parts. You must look underneath the glossy exteriors and investigate.

Surely, the authorization of the SPF by Mr. Shelby adds some value...to some, not all.

BTW, 59,000 miles.