Use of BMW suspension ....
 

I've narrowed my choices down to BDR or SPF. Cost is not the determining factor, but rather visual appearance and engineering.

I like the look of the BDR a little better ... absolute authenticity is not that important to me. Having retired as an automotive engineer, and having worked with German engineers, I am drawn to the concept of using well-developed suspension components, WHEN APPROPRIATE. Which leads me to my next question; given that the BMW components are borrowed from vehicles weighing at least 50% more than a Cobra, have the spring rates been changed? How about damper values?

Does the suspension compliance and handling seem appropriate to the mass of the Cobra? Did BDR do a good job of engineering the suspension pick-up points?

I live in Northern California where we have a "rainy season". While the Cobra would be a toy, I'd like to use it often if possible. Any experience with the top (when fitted)? I had a TR3A years ago and found the top and side curtains to be surprisingly effective (although a PITA to install on short notice).

Ken

A soft top came with my Superformance, but it's never been out of the bag. I think you'd have to be a contortionist to get in and out of the car with the top on (while trying not to burn your leg on the sidepipe). Maybe look at a hardtop as an option?

Either way, you're going to get wet if it rains. :D

The suspension is well sorted. Rates are for the vehicle weight (race springs are much better getting the true handling). There are a number of options available for dampers (as with all kits). The BDR uses an OEM VW part, you can go as hard or as soft as you want with the different manufactures. There are other aftermarket options to tune your suspension (because of BMW pick-up points): larger sway bars, urethane bits and pieces, ...

As for a top I concur with Got the Bug save your money. Controlling a high-HP, short wheelbase car in wet conditions is not a sound decision. But BDR does make a soft and hard top.

How about the rain blowing in your hood scoop, cobras are not even splash proof, forget about driving in the rain, besides ruining the car you will be miserable. BDR makes a heck of a Cobra, you could never build yourself for what they charge.

Having my 2nd BDR built right now by Vintage (car) and Blykins (eng/trans)-the suspension on the new car will be upgraded but the suspension in my original car (#1061) was fantastic. It was the deciding factor in my decision to go with the BDR. We are upgrading front C/O's and using alum mounts because of a high HP build-as for the top, I had the soft top on my first car-used it once and put it away. If I need the top I won't drive the car. Plus I hate the anchors all over the body-they kept grabbing my wash mit::D I cannot comment on the hard top though I believe there are several BDR options in that department.

You will love the way the BDR handles without a doubt-the suspension is fully adjustable so you can tweek it how you like it.

Don't have a dog in the hunt between SPF and BDR but I can comment on the top issue.
Depends on how the car will be used. If it's just going to be a local cruiser don't worry about it. If you plan on making multi-day trips, definitely.
I make several long trips every season. Two or three 3 day events an one that lasts 6 days. I leave my top and side curtains in the trunk from the start of our driving season. Being from Oregon we get more than our fair share of wet stuff. Don't worry about using the car in the wet. You know it's a high horsepower car with a short wheel base, just drive appropriately.
It takes me about 5 minutes to put the top on or off, not a problem once you've done it a couple of times in the garage for practice. Getting in and out isn't problematic, again, once you've done it a couple of times.
Can't comment on the BDR top but a couple of our local club members have SPF's and their fit, like everything else on the SPF, is first rate. High quality materials and made as an integral part of the car rather than an add-on.
Also helps if you get a few good days with low temps. I've been out for 5 or 6 hour drives with temps in the mid to upper 30's and been perfectly comfortable. Again, adding consideration for the lack of traction with cold tires and pavement.
Back to the top, if you're going to make excursions beyond your local neighborhood I'd say a top is definitely in order. Going into my 9th season after about 55k on the odometer and getting ready for a 6 day run through the Rockies in a couple of months. I got the car to drive and a few creature comforts, while not absolutely necessary, make the experience more positive.
DonC

Contact Millerspeed.com and discuss the car.................