Newbie Here.....

[mrracer]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I know the car you are talking about! I've looked at it many times!(pictures) It is still marked sold on their website. I will say, you traveled a long ways for the car that you wanted. Very nice!

I too keep coming back to Backdraft as they have some newer features that I more like more than others. I like the BDR 2" larger interior, type of seats, 18" wheel selection and the chassis/brakes/suspension. To me its built just as solid as the Superformance or others costing more. Last week I told Andrew that I would want a Indigo Blue Cobra with the 427R Roush(with 5 speed) with the high polished wheels!

There were a couple of things that I guess I didn't like, it seems as though the windshield of the Cobra (passenger side)that I rode in wasn't very solid. It seemed a little flimsy. Maybe its just me, but when I first got into the car Andrew directed me to put my left hand on the back of the seat, then step over the side pipe. He also told me to not put down pressure on the door as well. He did say that they offer a 3M (mylar) protection to help protect that beautiful clear coat finish. Does your windshield and door seem flimsy? Maybe its just me but it was a little awkward getting in this way. The driver side was a different story, as you have the steering wheel and roll bar to grab ahold of. Thoughts? Other than that the car was flawless!

I'm a noob and starting to do my research as well, I agree I really like the features offered with the BDR. My only concern are some of the posts I read from other members regarding rubbing of the tires, shaking of the body/frame, having to slow down when going over railroad tracks. Granted most of the posts I've read thus far go back as far as 2008 and don't really know when they bought the car. I'm hoping most if not all of these have been addressed and the car is built solid or more solid now a day's. Does any one have any input regarding these "issues" or concerns?

I'm also curious if the wheel well is still open, or closed like on the SPF or ERA chassis? I really like the look of the BDR and definitely the options you can get with them as you can "modernize" them somewhat.

Hopefully someone can also answer your question re the windshield and passenger door as I would like to know as well, thank you guys in advance!

[itstock]

Originally Posted by mrracer

My only concern are some of the posts I read from other members regarding rubbing of the tires, shaking of the body/frame, having to slow down when going over railroad tracks.

I believe rubbing of the tires was only with certain tire use. I don't have that problem with my 17"/NT05 tire package.

Shaking of the body/frame is a new one. I do not have that with 1109/approx. 2012 build.

As far as railroad tracks are concerned, I think you are looking more towards a Lexus.

[mrracer]

As far as railroad tracks are concerned, I think you are looking more towards a Lexus.[/quote]

Well the comparison was made to a SuperFormance where he didn't have to slow down on the railroad track but had to with the Backdraft because of the suspension. Based on your comment it appears that is still the case? You didn't comment on the windshield question, door or wheelwell can you add to that as well or are the comments accurate? Thanks.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by mrracer

Well the comparison was made to a SuperFormance where he didn't have to slow down on the railroad track but had to with the Backdraft because of the suspension. Based on your comment it appears that is still the case? You didn't comment on the windshield question, door or wheelwell can you add to that as well or are the comments accurate? Thanks.

Superformance AND Backdraft both have stiff suspension, but the backdraft feels a TINY bit stiffer. It is also known to handle better. I think the ride in the car is actually quite smooth for what it is, when compared to other cars that are set up for road racing. Back to the rail road crossings, I slow down because if I speed up, do to ground clearance, there is a good chance something scrapes the ground. I would slow down going over rail road tracks in most any car so I guess I just don't quite understand the question/comparison. I'm sure that with the infinite amount of suspension adjustments that you can make on the car, you could make it ride quite smooth while giving up handling characteristics. Is there a direct post that I should be looking for to understand your question?

The wheel well is "open" in the sense that rocks can be flung at the fiberglass. I live in SEPA where roads are pretty damn crappy, and I have yet to have any problems with the fiberglass cracking or starring. I think a simple fix for that would be spraying on a thick liner if it's a concern, and I have thought about doing this even though I haven't read any recent problems.

The windshield on my car is perfectly stable with no noticeable movement at speeds approaching 150mph. Other than the upright position being a concern for rocks breaking it, which is a noticeable problem across brands, I have never heard that complaint before.

As far as the door question, I'm not sure why anybody would put downwards pressure, as in your body weight, on any door. Especially on older cars, the hinges weren't quite what they are today. A little common sense goes a long way. You will find that on any fiberglass car, and I wouldn't want to be the fool that hangs off an aluminum door either. When/if YOU end up with any of the replicas, you will come up with your own list of rules to tell passengers. I think most of us have a short list, whether the concerns are real or simply perceived.

I researched different replicas for 2 years before joining this site and pulling the trigger almost immediately after talking to Jay. Hopefully you aren't taking my replies the wrong way as I surely do appreciate the amount of research that goes in to dumping stupid amounts of money on a practically useless car. It's better to ask now than buy and sell at a marginal loss.

[Cashburn]

We developed a spring kit just for railroad tracks... I'm not kidding! Our shop is actually near some tracks, and I basically drive over atleast 1 set of tracks on EVERY test drive. Sometimes 2!

So if that's your concern, we have a solution. It also helps for any road conditions outside the flats of Florida. You know, potholes, inclines, frost heaves, state budget deficits...

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by itstock

Superformance AND Backdraft both have stiff suspension, but the backdraft feels a TINY bit stiffer. It is also known to handle better. I think the ride in the car is actually quite smooth for what it is, when compared to other cars that are set up for road racing. Back to the rail road crossings, I slow down because if I speed up, do to ground clearance, there is a good chance something scrapes the ground. I would slow down going over rail road tracks in most any car so I guess I just don't quite understand the question/comparison. I'm sure that with the infinite amount of suspension adjustments that you can make on the car, you could make it ride quite smooth while giving up handling characteristics. Is there a direct post that I should be looking for to understand your question?

The wheel well is "open" in the sense that rocks can be flung at the fiberglass. I live in SEPA where roads are pretty damn crappy, and I have yet to have any problems with the fiberglass cracking or starring. I think a simple fix for that would be spraying on a thick liner if it's a concern, and I have thought about doing this even though I haven't read any recent problems.

The windshield on my car is perfectly stable with no noticeable movement at speeds approaching 150mph. Other than the upright position being a concern for rocks breaking it, which is a noticeable problem across brands, I have never heard that complaint before.

As far as the door question, I'm not sure why anybody would put downwards pressure, as in your body weight, on any door. Especially on older cars, the hinges weren't quite what they are today. A little common sense goes a long way. You will find that on any fiberglass car, and I wouldn't want to be the fool that hangs off an aluminum door either. When/if YOU end up with any of the replicas, you will come up with your own list of rules to tell passengers. I think most of us have a short list, whether the concerns are real or simply perceived.

I researched different replicas for 2 years before joining this site and pulling the trigger almost immediately after talking to Jay. Hopefully you aren't taking my replies the wrong way as I surely do appreciate the amount of research that goes in to dumping stupid amounts of money on a practically useless car. It's better to ask now than buy and sell at a marginal loss.

First off... I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I can tell you are an experienced BDR owner.

As far as the door question, what I was referring to was, @ Jonathon Motorcars(my 1st ride) before climbing in, the owner instructed me to not use the door for support or grab the windshield for support. He told me to put my left hand on the back of the passenger seat for support when climbing in. I guess I felt a little awkward doing this. It wasn't a big deal, but the door was very small/light weight and after I got out I kind of wiggled the windshield a little. There was a little flex to it. Kind of made me wonder if he has had problems with these issues before as to why he would instruct me to climb in this way.

FWIW...Over all the ride was cool and I quickly forgot about this and was simply amazed at the way the car performed/sounded.