Thinking about building one ...

[syphonn]

Hi, like many others, I've spent many hours browsing the site and once my interest grew past curiosity into a feasible project I registered.

I've wanted a cobra for as long as I can remember and now I'm in the very early planning stages of getting one. I've spent some time looking at different replica kits and ended up deciding on the Factory Five with an independent rear suspension for reasons of aesthetics and price point. I haven't gotten down to all the specifics such as an engine size or transmission but somewhere around 350 - 400HP naturally aspirated and a manual transmission.

I've attached a picture of the look that I'm going for, black with grey, very little or no chrome. More than likely I'll get the kit, save up again and get the motor, transmission etc until it is complete. I would more than appreciate any tips and advice on what to do, what not to do etc.

[dcdoug]

Have you looked at buying a used one? Lots of good deals out there right now and you could drive it immediately. Look at http://www.cobracountry.com/# if you haven't already. There will be PLENTY to tinker with over time regardless of what you do. Just a thought.

[PFSlim]

I just posted on a similiar thread (Cobra Dreaming) on this site. I have some pictures and specifics posted there. As well, check out my member gallery on this site under PFSlim. My car is Black with dark charcoal stripes and matching team stripes. Might be the color combo you are looking for.

Paul

[rustyBob]

I agree with Doug,if you can swing buying a running car now then you can make changes later..........
a fairly mild 351w with a 5spd would be a fun and reliable car that you could enjoy
for a long time with regular maintaince........
you may want to put in a call to Hurricane and see what they have to offer they
might surprise you........

[jwd]

Originally Posted by rustyBob

you may want to put in a call to Hurricane and see what they have to offer they
might surprise you........

I agree. Do a side by side comparison if you can.

Jim

[mrmustang]

Welcome to Club Cobra.



Bill S.

[Cashburn]

Welcome to the big leagues...

[Dwight]

buy now,
cheaper,
drive now,
change later,
save a lot of money!
Late model Cobra qualify for low interest car loans.

Dwight

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by syphonn

More than likely I'll get the kit, save up again and get the motor, transmission etc until it is complete. I would more than appreciate any tips and advice on what to do, what not to do etc.

Don't do that -- it's a really dumb idea. Do one of two things: 1) Buy a used car that is already built, or 2) Save your money until you have enough squirrelled away to buy all the major parts. Do not buy a kit and then "save up" for the drive train -- you will quickly learn that building these cars costs way more than just buying them used.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Nothing in the world like building and driving your own car. To each his own.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Nothing in the world like building and driving your own car. To each his own.

Yes, I believe about the only way you can get a Cobra exactly the way you want it is to have it custom made to your specs (or do all the work yourself). But, Syphonn should heed the Cobra rule, which I eloquently laid out in an earlier thread. New (and especially young) prospective Cobra buyers should be hit over the head with it until it sinks in.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Your 'rule' may be good for you but cannot be attached to everyone. Everybody has their own situation (both financial and their mechanical ability). You absolutely cannot place a tag on everyone based on your own observations. This guy may know something you don't.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Your 'rule' may be good for you but cannot be attached to everyone. Everybody has their own situation (both financial and their mechanical ability). You absolutely cannot place a tag on everyone based on your own observations. This guy may know something you don't.

Give me an example of when it would be good to break that rule.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

The guy wants to build a car. Why should he do it your way when he could do it his way? The FFR cars are high quality and are inexpensive. Let him decide for himself, I think he deserves his dream.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

The guy wants to build a car. Why should he do it your way when he could do it his way? The FFR cars are high quality and are inexpensive. Let him decide for himself, I think he deserves his dream.

Did you not read the rule?? The rule is car independent. The rule is: "I will only buy this car if I could take the purchase money and throw it off a cliff and still suffer no ill effects in taking care of the people who I am responsible for." To ignore the rule is, simply put, to act selfishly and irresponsibly.

[patrickt]

Zo, you realize in order to argue against the rule, you must embrace the negative corollary, which is "I'm going to buy this car, even though those for whom I am responsible will suffer, but that's ok." Surely you don't want to box yourself in to that, do you?

[syphonn]

Thanks for all the great advice. I've been contemplating this from two schools of thought ... on the one hand it does seem like a good idea and a lot easier to buy a used car and then modify it as necessary to make it my own. But On the other hand I would like to build it from scratch to exactly the way I want it, knowing exactly what's been done to it, how its been treated and just the pride of having built it myself. Now with the latter approach I know it will definitely be more expensive, and will take a lot more time but in the end I think I would be happier with the build. I'm approaching this as a five year project and I'm fiscally responsible enough to do it 'cash' and not divert funds from other more essential expenditures.

PFSlim, I looked at your gallery and that is exactly the paint scheme I had in mind. I also like your wheels, what size are they?

[Ralphy]

New or used? First, know what your state regulations are.

[rustyBob]

A 5 year project..............are you in for a surprise...........they are NEVER done.......
theres always something that you want to change or repaint or "i should have done..."
and thats what makes this hobby so much fun........
build it, drive it, change it,drive it, change it, drive it, change it,drive it.............

[syphonn]

Oh I know, that's how my brother is with his Camaro. I meant five years to get all the major components like the kit, the engine etc.