Hi, I'm new.

Smokeyr67 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2012, 11:50 PM

G'Day all,

I'm Shane and I like Cobra's

I'm in the very early stages of looking for a kit, so I'm still bewildered by a lot of the options out there, especially when trying to decifer ADR's and the like, but I think I've narrowed the field down to 3 or 4 different manufacturers.

My first silly question is about how much should I budget for Engineering? I know it's a bit of a piece of string argument, especially when I tell you I could be in QLD, NSW or the ACT when I build it, depending on the whims of my masters.

Anyhow, thanks for letting me join in the fun,

Shane

Rog246 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 12:06 AM

Well Shane welcome to circus, you're gonna have some fun, in more ways than one!
You've already made a smart move by joining these blokes, they are a wealth of information and sh#t stirrers as well.
Rog

Zedn · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 01:21 AM

Hi Shane,

Welcome. It's best to talk to engineers in each state. In NSW engineering ranges from $3.5k - $10k depending on who you use. Mind you the guy that wanted 10 from me was a crook and didn't even know common steel section sizes (specified something that didn't exist). He still managed to screw $750 out of me in one initial meeting!

T.L. · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zedn

Hi Shane,

Welcome. It's best to talk to engineers in each state. In NSW engineering ranges from $3.5k - $10k depending on who you use. Mind you the guy that wanted 10 from me was a crook and didn't even know common steel section sizes (specified something that didn't exist). He still managed to screw $750 out of me in one initial meeting!

I live in Vic and was recently charged $800 for an engineers certificate.

Welcome to the forum.

What engine, driveline etc... are you thinking about

Smokeyr67 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 04:59 AM

Thanks for the replies guys, it's nice to feel welcome.

Rog - I've only managed to read about 30 pages, but I have noticed a bit of joking and general smart arsery, I feel at home.

Zedn - I've budgeted 10k for engineering, so thanks for letting me think I may have some change to help pay for the divorce lawyers

T.L. - At the moment I don't even know what kit to buy (I want to talk to/visit a couple of manufacturers first) so I'm probably jumping the gun, but I'm leaning towards a Ford Coyote with a t56 box. I'm actually a bit worried about the wiring, I've never played with something that you tune with a laptop instead of a screwdriver, but hopefully thats the biggest challenge (apart from finances) that I'll face.

Shane

750hp · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 05:09 AM

Welcome aboard Shane. There's never been a more exciting time to build a Cobra, with all of the amazing engine, trans and suspension options.

Smokeyr67 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 07:02 AM

Hi Craig,

All the drivetrain options are great, if a little mind boggling, but also the kits seem so much better than the last time I dipped my toe in the kit car field about 25 years ago. Back then the only option I could afford was a glass Ferrari 308 wanna be body on a lengthened beetle chassis. Looked cheap, handled dangerously and sounded like an asthmatic lawn mower - but she was mine

Fair chance that a modern 5 litre v8 will get better economy than my old 1600 chaff cutter!

boxhead · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 04:24 PM

Welcome along Smokey, enjoy the ride.

Merv and Sharon · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 08:12 PM

Welcome Shane. My engineering costs where (in 2009) about $1,100.

When building a car, for me at least, the most important aspect was the quality of the relationship and communication that I could receive from the 'kit/component" supplier. Most of the ones in Australia are OK in that regard, but as you note - not all. Also, as I am reasonably tall (or at least I used to be ...) the option of an extended chassis was critical.

Jaydee · #10 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 03:40 AM

My engineer estimated $2000 to $2500.
The first report was done by the manufacturer. As long as the engineer is happy with the chassis report. Check the department of transport in your state. it should give you all the requirements. I like my CR. roomy, and easy to build so far.
Good luck.
JD

dadndave · #11 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 05:05 PM

Welcome to the house of fun.
Have you ever considered bypassing the years of torment and buying an existing registered on road car- there's always a selection on the market . Even better if you can get an older one that's 'old school' induction etc that you can then do what you want to bring to any specs you want.

Good luck anyway.

Dimis · #12 (**permalink**) 11-12-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokeyr67

G'Day all,

I'm Shane and I like Cobra's

Hi Shane (proclaim the crowd in unison),
Welcome to cobra-holics anonymous.
Good luck in the hunt for your cobra.

best

Smokeyr67 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-13-2012, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadndave

Welcome to the house of fun.
Have you ever considered bypassing the years of torment and buying an existing registered on road car- there's always a selection on the market . Even better if you can get an older one that's 'old school' induction etc that you can then do what you want to bring to any specs you want.

Good luck anyway.

I have considered purchasing a complete car, but I really want the challange of building, and the satisfaction of completing it.