New Backdraft

[Ronaldl128]

Purchaser a Backdraft Cobra several weeks ago. After just 220 miles, here a few issues that have come up so far:

1. Engine experiencing severe "dieseling" / run on when engine shuts down. Entire engine rattles VIOLENTLY making a loud banging sound.

2. Startup is getting more and more difficult to initiate and keep a stable idle...after as many as three attempts and engine shuts down .Since it is a carbureted vehicle, when cold, I have followed the recommended procedure of pumping the gas 3-4 times before staring, as I was told. This is still an issue

3. Vibration continues at both screen deflectors once car is in motion. I have tightened both connecting screws. But situation continues. When wind screen is folded slightly either way , you can see the screws do NOT fit correctly and come out of placement area.....extremely annoying

4. Rattling also areas to be coming from the side exhaust pipes.....hard to tell when driving

4. First time windshield wipers turned on , wipers ceased to work

5. Orange light comes on all the time. I was under the impression that the switch next to it was to turn on auxiliary fan to provide additional cooling. Why does the light come on when the ambient temperature outside is mid 50 degrees Fahrenheit?

6. Red & .Blue wires from bottom of engine block to front fan appear to have a ground clearance that is dangerously low

7. Fuel gauge is shill showing erratic levels of petrol. Gauge appears to be not operating as it should

8. Braking not progressive; need to press brake pedal ALL THE WAY DOWN to initiate stopping vehicle

9. Seat adjustment is stuck; will not move forward or backward

10. Parking brake weak at best

[bobcowan]

I'v been driving #1642 for only a few months. There are a couple of issues I'm working on.

Brake power booster was dead. Had to replace that immediately, before I could really drive it. Not overly expensive. But a real PITA to do.

Brakes are still not that great. With the booster working, they are OK. But I want better. I'm going to upgrade the pads this winter. Probably should have skipped the power brakes and went straight to Wilwoods.

The fuel level gauge is pretty erratic.

Some of the lights under the dash were not plugged in.

Steering shaft is weak. At first I thought something was loose. But if you turn the wheel and watch the shaft, you'll see the shaft and joints flex. The only answer is to replace the shaft and joints with something stronger.

People report engine and transmission problems. That's not a BDR problem. That's an installer problem.

[bubela]

#663 Here

Have about 500 miles under my ownership as of two weeks ago. Totaling just over 15,000 on the car. Car has a Smeding "427" (351w block). 540hp/540tq at the crank.

It's a fun little car. Not a ton of power, but enough for a smile on your face. (I have a turbo e46 m3 on e85 with 870hp at the tires)

Looks like the fuel gauge on these cars is a very common problem. Can confirm the issue on mine as well.

Previous owner(s) did a great job maintaining this car. I've never had a carbureted engine start/idle/drive/decelerate better than this car. Phenomenal job there.

[ERA 626]

agreed engine and drivetrain issues are not the problem of BDR