Absolute Pace

Go Back   Club Cobra > Club Forums > Australian Cobra Club

Welcome to Club Cobra!  The World's largest non biased Shelby Cobra related site!

  •  » Representation from nearly all Cobra/Daytona/GT40 manufacturers
  •  » Help from all over the world for your questions
  •  » Build logs for you and all members
  •  » Blogs
  •  » Image Gallery
  •  » Many thousands of members and nearly 1 million posts! 

YES! I want to register an account for free right now!  p.s.: For registered members this ad will NOT show

MMG Superformance
Nevada Classics
Main Menu
Nevada Classics
Nevada Classics
MMG Superformance
Keith Craft Racing
Advertise at CC
Banner Ad Rates
Keith Craft Racing
MMG Superformance
March 2024
S M T W T F S
          1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31            
View Poll Results: Best Australian Kit? or FFR?
Classic Revival 13 20.00%
DRB 18 27.69%
G Force 4 6.15%
Harrison 20 30.77%
Python 5 7.69%
Race Car Replica 2 3.08%
or - Factory Five Racing 3 4.62%
Voters: 65. You may not vote on this poll

Kirkham Motorsports

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 04:36 AM
Tonus72's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hobart, TAS
Cobra Make, Engine: ?????
Posts: 494
Not Ranked     
Default Best Oz Kit Poll

Hi all

I am new to the forum and I am researching my dream of one day building a Cobra kit. I want a car that is classic in style (close to original without being a fanatic), a good weekend car, fun to build from mostly non-donor parts, and not too expensive.

I have never started a poll either - let's see how this goes...

Please vote for your favourite Australian kit.
My other consideration is a Factory Five Racing kit imported from the US.
Arguments for (or against if you are game! maybe PM me...) the nominated kits are welcome too.

Any advice is also appreciated.

Last edited by Tonus72; 05-19-2010 at 04:42 AM.. Reason: format
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 04:54 AM
sambo's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Cobra Make, Engine: Harrison, 6.0L Chev
Posts: 2,513
Not Ranked     
Default

Hi Tonus and welcome to the forum. Please define "best".

Best price? Best instruction manual? Best support? Most options?

Most people I imagine will vote for the kit they purchased.
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:00 AM
Tonus72's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hobart, TAS
Cobra Make, Engine: ?????
Posts: 494
Not Ranked     
Default

Hi Sambo

I suppose I mean best for my purposes - but best replica, plus best chassis, plus best drive, plus best body, plus easiest to build - it is hard to define I know

so maybe 'most popular' would be just as good - and that will cover the people who vote for what they own

if they have it and are happy to vote for it - maybe that answers my question..???

maybe?

Tone



Quote:
Originally Posted by sambo View Post
Hi Tonus and welcome to the forum. Please define "best".

Best price? Best instruction manual? Best support? Most options?

Most people I imagine will vote for the kit they purchased.
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:17 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: melbourne, vic
Cobra Make, Engine: kenmer
Posts: 88
Not Ranked     
Default

It would appear that you have left out some kit builders.
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:21 AM
PCC's Avatar
PCC PCC is offline
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Brisbane - sort of, QLD
Cobra Make, Engine: DRB 2000 - FORD Powered 302EFI
Posts: 1,431
Not Ranked     
Default

Tonus,

I would be careful with your Poll results as it is likely to be outweighed by the locality of the builder.

In QLD my preference would be a Harrison even though I have a DRB.

The Harrison body sits well and appears in proportion. Whether it's a better build than a DRB (which I have) I don't know, but aesthetically it just looks better.

Just my view
__________________
PCC (Peter Craig)
Keep the sun shining
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:22 AM
Tonus72's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hobart, TAS
Cobra Make, Engine: ?????
Posts: 494
Not Ranked     
Default

Hi

yeah, sorry - the list is not exhaustive.

I have listed the ones that came up on this the most, and the ones I could find info on.

I notice you have a Kenmer - I could not find much info on them on the net - are you happy with it?

Cheers,

Tone

Quote:
Originally Posted by benny s View Post
It would appear that you have left out some kit builders.
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:27 AM
Tonus72's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hobart, TAS
Cobra Make, Engine: ?????
Posts: 494
Not Ranked     
Default

Hi PCC

thanks for that info - an unbiased opinion too which is good !

I thought I might even get some US voters to stack the books !!

I am trying to do a fair bit of research - it was really a way to get some comments from people who own these cars too - what they like and do not like

like you have done - thanks

Harrison looks like a good Cobra.

Ta

Tone

Quote:
Originally Posted by PCC View Post
Tonus,

I would be careful with your Poll results as it is likely to be outweighed by the locality of the builder.

In QLD my preference would be a Harrison even though I have a DRB.

The Harrison body sits well and appears in proportion. Whether it's a better build than a DRB (which I have) I don't know, but aesthetically it just looks better.

Just my view
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:33 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: melbourne, vic
Cobra Make, Engine: kenmer
Posts: 88
Not Ranked     
Default

I have seen most of the kits you have listed, they all have good and bad points in my opion.I'm happy very happy with mine ,the build has had its highs and lows but most of the kit bolted together without to much fuss.
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 06:10 AM
750hp's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Brisbane, Australia, Q
Cobra Make, Engine: Contemporary CCX3117 427FE
Posts: 4,381
Not Ranked     
Default

As I'm also in Qld, I'd follow PCC's lead and get a Harrison - built by Ozvenom

If I was a Mexican, I'd probably get a Classic Revival - built by Aussie Mike
__________________
Craig
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 06:56 AM
boxhead's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Alice Springs, central Australia, NT
Cobra Make, Engine: Classic revival kit (CR3181), gen III engine, T56 6 speed box, AU XR8 lsd diff
Posts: 5,699
Send a message via Yahoo to boxhead
Not Ranked     
Default

Tone, a big consideration is support, so depending on where your located may influence your decision, but saying that you will find the support from this site is very good. (and if there are any B-Club Builders groups floating around on your brand you choose)

As I have said to others asking what kit to get, you really need to write up a list of things you want in a kit, then write them down in order of how high on the list they are.
Items to list are body shape, wheel base size, IRS or Live axle, seperate chassis or bonded/riveted body to chassis, size of footwells, required donor parts, a local engineer who can work with you will also be beneficial if he is looking at a kit he has approved in the past, then there is also wheel options and offsets, what type of IRS (Jag with inboard brakes or Nissan/Holden/Falcon), do you want a car that is a pure street car, or are you looking for a circuit racer, or is your preferance drag strip?
There is plenty of things to consider.
So spend a week or 2 thinking about the above items, talk to an engineer (the one your likely to use), and write up a list in order of requirements, then if you still dont know what you want then throw your list on here and I am sure you will get some recomendations.
Then once you have narrowed it down, spend some time and fly/drive walk to the suppliers you have chosen and talk to them face to face, check out there shop, look at cars, kits in teh build process and generally "feel out" the supply, some of them are real abrupt and I have even heard of one who after talking to potential buyers says "go and look at a different supplier - you cant afford to build one of my kits".
Then also once you have narrowed it down pm some of the guys in here who have the kits you like and chat to them, a phone call could save you alot of heartache.

And then at the end of the day remember it is just an expensive toy so enjoy it
__________________

Cruising in 5th


---------------------------------------------
Never be afraid to do something new, Remember, Amateurs built the Ark: Professionals built the Titanic.

Last edited by boxhead; 05-19-2010 at 07:06 PM.. Reason: Spelling
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 06:59 AM
sambo's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Cobra Make, Engine: Harrison, 6.0L Chev
Posts: 2,513
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 750hp View Post
As I'm also in Qld, I'd follow PCC's lead and get a Harrison - built by Ozvenom
If I was a Mexican, I'd probably get a Classic Revival - built by Aussie Mike
Well I'm a Mexican with a Harrison part built by Kenmer - just to confuse things!
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 05:55 PM
Merv and Sharon's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast Qld, QLD
Cobra Make, Engine: Harrison # 80; Ford 5.0L HO Trickflow heads, cam and rockers and MassFlow EFI
Posts: 3,482
Send a message via Skype™ to Merv and Sharon
Not Ranked     
Default

I agree with David (Boxhead) as I made my final decision largely on the issue of experience and support - that is, the kind of person I was dealing with and how available they were.
__________________
Merv

Ford Cobra
Harrison #80.
Peregian Beach
Sunshine Coast Qld.
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 07:04 PM
Zedn's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sydney, NSW
Cobra Make, Engine: RCM, Jag front and rear, LS3
Posts: 1,640
Not Ranked     
Default

I have an RCM kit (not to be confused with RMC). They are made by a gentleman in Melbourne. They use shortened Jag IRS suspension front and rear.

My feedback on the kit would be.
- Needs heaps of work
- Well designed chassis that is easily strong enough for the most powerful V8 you will find.
- Great looking body but has more waves than Botany Bay
- No instructions
- No test results
- Inner guards were bonded in the wrong location
- some air bubbles between the fibreglass and the gelcoat around the edge of the guards.

I bought my kit second hand, but the guy had basically just painted the chassis and installed the door frames. Both of which shouldnt be done before it is rolling.

The kit requires a lot of work, but is cheap. I picked up my body and Chassis for $6k second hand and then another 1500 got me the front and rear end. I think they are under $10k new.

I havent ever spoken to the manufacturer so cant comment on support. I am basically fabricating everything or using parts from hot rod suppliers.

This kit suits me perfectly because i wanted to do the work all myself (not pay for half the body work to be done and doors fitted). Also i have a budget of $40k which i couldnt achieve with most other kits.

There is a guy that has been selling kits on ebay for about 6months. His kit is almost identical to the RCM, is a good price and he has had all chassis testing completed. I communicated with him by email a few times and he appears to be quite helpful.

cheers

Last edited by Zedn; 12-22-2010 at 03:37 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 07:20 PM
OZCOBRA's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: MELBOURNE,AUSTRALIA, Vic
Cobra Make, Engine: Homebush,B2 Windsor 445
Posts: 1,189
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zedn View Post
I have an RCM kit (not to be confused with RMC). They are made by a gentleman in Melbourne.

My feedback on the kit would be.
- Needs heaps of work (i had to cut out and reweld part of the frame because it was out by 20mm.
- Well designed chassis that is easily strong enough for the most powerful V8 you will find.
- Great looking body but has more waves than Botany Bay
- No instructions
- No test results
- Inner guards were bonded in the wrong locationmad:
- some air bubbles between the fibreglass and the gelcoat around the edge of the guards.

I havent ever spoken to the manufacturer so cant comment on support.

cheers
IMHO..The fact that it didn't appear on the poll list after his research says alot about it and its manufacturer!!!

OZ
__________________
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them ....


And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years- Abraham Lincoln
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 08:21 PM
Tenrocca's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Sydney, NSW
Cobra Make, Engine: Classic Revival #3199. 366ci L76, T56 6 speed, Blue circle custom paint, Australias most original cobra 2009-2010
Posts: 2,396
Not Ranked     
Default

I miss venom0427 - always good for a laugh.
__________________
Proudly registered since 2013.
Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 08:29 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pattaya,
Posts: 479
Not Ranked     
Default

Well I am an American
Resident who works in
Mexcio
and I would personally vote for a
Harrison
as they look damn good and appear really easy to build
just bloody hard to drive from WAAAAAAY over here.
Bugger

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 08:35 PM
OZCOBRA's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: MELBOURNE,AUSTRALIA, Vic
Cobra Make, Engine: Homebush,B2 Windsor 445
Posts: 1,189
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by macloft View Post
Well I am an American
Resident who works in
Mexcio
and I would personally vote for a
Harrison
as they look damn good and appear really easy to build
just bloody hard to drive from WAAAAAAY over here.
Bugger

Bruce
Only bloody hard to drive because you guys over there insist on putting the steering wheel on the damn wrong side!!..
__________________
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them ....


And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years- Abraham Lincoln
Reply With Quote
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 08:38 PM
boxhead's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Alice Springs, central Australia, NT
Cobra Make, Engine: Classic revival kit (CR3181), gen III engine, T56 6 speed box, AU XR8 lsd diff
Posts: 5,699
Send a message via Yahoo to boxhead
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tenrocca View Post
I miss venom0427 - always good for a laugh.
Yep, if that is the eBay guy then I would steer clear.
__________________

Cruising in 5th


---------------------------------------------
Never be afraid to do something new, Remember, Amateurs built the Ark: Professionals built the Titanic.
Reply With Quote
  #19 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 09:52 PM
400TT's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Gold Coast, AUS
Cobra Make, Engine: Wish I had my own PACE 427
Posts: 2,145
Not Ranked     
Default

We don't do Cobra kits, but I certainly appreciate being included in the poll. Well I do own a Cobra and have owned quite a few different brands.

Great advice here already.

Certainly worth asking the question as it is invaluable to get owners opinions.

Look around at the different kits yourself and pick the kit that suits you the best. You can't build a cobra kit that can cater for everyones requirements and tastes. And as said previously, make sure the manufacturer is easy to deal with, provides the amount of support you require and has the documentation(both build manual & compliance) to get you to a completed vehicle.

Good luck with it.
__________________
www.absolutepace.com
Reply With Quote
  #20 (permalink)  
Old 05-19-2010, 10:01 PM
Zedn's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sydney, NSW
Cobra Make, Engine: RCM, Jag front and rear, LS3
Posts: 1,640
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zedn
I have an RCM kit (not to be confused with RMC). They are made by a gentleman in Melbourne.

My feedback on the kit would be.
- Needs heaps of work (i had to cut out and reweld part of the frame because it was out by 20mm.
- Well designed chassis that is easily strong enough for the most powerful V8 you will find.
- Great looking body but has more waves than Botany Bay
- No instructions
- No test results
- Inner guards were bonded in the wrong locationmad:
- some air bubbles between the fibreglass and the gelcoat around the edge of the guards.

I havent ever spoken to the manufacturer so cant comment on support.

cheers

IMHO..The fact that it didn't appear on the poll list after his research says alot about it and its manufacturer!!!
Yes and i forgot to mention the manufacturer has rubbed a lot of people up the wrong way. Funny OZ, Homebush, and RMC arent on there either yet both are decent kits.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: CC Policy