Backdraft or EM

[1badsho]

Hi all


Starting to do some preliminary searching on a company to get my ac cobra replica car.

I'm 6' 3" and prefer the extended chassis that EM makes but I have heard of some troubles with them in the past few years after they moved to Texas under new ownership.

In talking to one of the owners just recently it seems they are doing better ... just moved into a new facility and a turn key car is about $70000

Now there is backdraft ... in Florida ... where I live and only a few hours away. I don't know if they make a extended length car but I put a call into them and am getting the into.

Lastly I spoke to ERA and it sounds they accommodate those in the 6' 3" frame category quite comfortably. But they are the furthest from my location (CT).

Pricing is about the same for all three ... that said .... who is the better manufacturer ....

Would like to get some opinions please


don

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1badsho

I'm 6' 3" and prefer the extended chassis that EM makes but...

I'm 6' 4" and fit perfectly in my ERA, but you're not going to get a turnkey for $70k. There's a shot of me in the car about half way down this page: 427 Frequently Asked Questions

[Winchester67]

I am 5 5 so I don't suffer from your hardships, but before you spend the money try one on. As a Backdraft owner I understand they are built for the taller gents...come on up to MO and try mine on if they don't have one in stock in your area.

[*13*]

Every mfg makes a "Different" car. Better comes down to the details that suit you. For reference, my car has plenty of adjustment left & I'm 6'. I've tried to get in cars that were too small for me. Really depends on design of the cockpit. & many offer "fixes" if you aren't going to fit the std car.

[Dimis]

Hey Don,

My humble thoughts are:

If I wanted a racetrack ready car that I was planning to hoon around in, I'd go for the BDR.
If I wanted a street going car that I was planning to cruize around in, I'd go for the EM.
If I wanted the best of both worlds, I wouldn't hesitate on the ERA!

That all said - at 6'4" I'd try them on for size first, to see how I'd fit (or be made to fit) in the car. Then settle for the one that suits YOU best.

Best wishes

[BADSN8K]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Hey Don,

My humble thoughts are:

If I wanted a racetrack ready car that I was planning to hoon around in, I'd go for the BDR.
If I wanted a street going car that I was planning to cruize around in, I'd go for the EM.
If I wanted the best of both worlds, I wouldn't hesitate on the ERA!

That all said - at 6'4" I'd try them on for size first, to see how I'd fit (or be made to fit) in the car. Then settle for the one that suits YOU best.

Best wishes

BDR are great for cruising too... I have had my car for 3 weeks and thus far have driving 800 miles 2 400 mile cruises... my set up can be seen here...

I went with Coyote Motor... Shine Start and Drive..... The reliability of the modular motor is impressive... yes you don't here the thump thump thump bump hands down step on the pedal and it is earth shattering...

Higher RPM motor is great for the track as well..

Just my opinion.... not biased either.... from research and owning and Everette Morrison with SB and over 550hp...

Good luck. any questions feel free to PM me..

https://youtu.be/rgyOCmeAJ-0

[BADSN8K]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Hey Don,

My humble thoughts are:

If I wanted a racetrack ready car that I was planning to hoon around in, I'd go for the BDR.
If I wanted a street going car that I was planning to cruize around in, I'd go for the EM.
If I wanted the best of both worlds, I wouldn't hesitate on the ERA!

That all said - at 6'4" I'd try them on for size first, to see how I'd fit (or be made to fit) in the car. Then settle for the one that suits YOU best.

Best wishes

Not sure about hooning... most of us BDR owners are very respectable and and quite frankly the quote obviously came from a Elitist.... or as MOST ERA owners are... remember you put your pants on JUST like them and their CARS aren't REAL either!!!! it even says so on their webpage> Era Replica Automobiles - Makers of the 427, 289FIA, and GT40 replicas

BDR are great for cruising and provide for the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS too as well. I have had my car for 3 weeks and thus far have driving 800 miles 2 400 mile cruises... my set up can be seen here... very comfortable for both the wife and myself.

I went with Coyote Motor... Shine Start and Drive..... The reliability of the modular motor is impressive... yes you don't here the thump thump thump bump hands down step on the pedal and it is earth shattering...

Higher RPM motor is great for the track as well..

Just my opinion.... not biased either.... from research and owning and Everette Morrison with SB motor and over 550hp...

Good luck. any questions feel free to PM me..

https://youtu.be/rgyOCmeAJ-0

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by BADSN8K

Not sure about hooning... most of us BDR owners are very respectable and[b] and quite frankly the quote obviously came from a Elitist.... or as MOST ERA owners are...

Whoohoo! Thanks - that's the first time I've been called that.
But sorry, I don't own an ERA... Not sure why you take aim at them
They have a great product... no need to hold it against them.

Originally Posted by BADSN8K

remember you put your pants on JUST like them and their CARS aren't REAL either!!!! it even says so on their webpage> Era Replica Automobiles - Makers of the 427, 289FIA, and GT40 replicas

Couldn't agree more... have you read any of my previous posts...

[Dimis]

Ok. Clearly I gave the wrong impression when I said "hoon".
Not sure if it's cos people have guilty consciouses or what?
Apologies for giving the wrong impression.

But my point remains. If I'm track biased with some cruising then bdr.
Cos it's less geared to being original spec. And more mod. And that's my opinion.

If I'm cruise biased with the odd track blast EM bc it's a little more retro in its approach. And that's my opinion.

ERA - gets my pref for best of both worlds. And again that's just my opinion.

Enjoy

[BADSN8K]

The Question was BDR or EM!

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by BADSN8K

The Question was BDR or EM!

Huh? You may have missed something

Originally Posted by 1badsho

Lastly I spoke to ERA and it sounds they accommodate those in the 6' 3" frame category quite comfortably. But they are the furthest from my location (CT).

Pricing is about the same for all three ... that said .... who is the better manufacturer ....

Would like to get some opinions please


don

Hey... Don't worry about it.
Could've happened to anyone.
Take care.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by BADSN8K

The Question was BDR or EM!

Re-read the original post - It clearly includes ERA in the title and comparison question. No need for folks to get all upset and defensive of their chosen brands - the truth is the truth. They all have their appeal and strong points that warrant different people making choices based upon their own particular needs and preferences.

Bottom line is this:

Of the three, ERA is widely considered the blue chip, top of the line product among fiberglass bodied Cobra Replicas. This is due to a widely accepted reputation for quality of components and engineering, longevity of the company, customer support and a beautifully accurate rendition of the look, stance and dimensions of the original Cobras.

Everett Morrison offers a less accurate appearance and stance - particularly in the stretched version but they have a stout, well engineered chassis and a variety of suspension packages and customization options.

Backdraft is a relative newcomer in this group, but they are selling a lot of cars. They offer a factory-finished "turnkey minus" product only and use BMW suspension components under a longer body with a higher stance and a more bulging look to the fenders, particularly in the rear.

Both EM and BDR produce a more modern, "Cobra-like" custom car while ERA produces a more accurate appearing, faithful replication of the lower, sleeker appearance of the original Cobras. The vast majority of ERA owners install big block FE engines while a larger percentage of BDR owners - less concerned about originality - use stroked small block Windsors or Coyote modular motors.

A finished ERA will set you back a fair bit more than the others but that increase in entry price is well supported and reflected in used car resale values.

All can accommodate taller drivers - EM and BDR do so by taking liberties with the original shape and look while ERA does so within the original envelope. Choose which one suits you best. Happy hunting.

[patrickt]

Don, a turnkey ERA is in a different class from the EM or BDR. Not to take anything away from those two cars, but they're just not comparable. If you're seriously going to look at a turnkey ERA, then you need to fly up to New Britain and talk with Peter about 1) How much it will really cost to get it just the way you want it, and 2) How long you will have to wait. HINT: It will take longer than you think and cost more than you expect, but the result will be better than you can possibly imagine.

[Tim7139]

You might as well throw SPF in the equation. Any number of low miles, premium, SORTED, cars for sale. You will fit comfortably and come in at or below budget.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Tim7139

You might as well throw SPF in the equation. Any number of low miles, premium, SORTED, cars for sale. You will fit comfortably and come in at or below budget.

I would have to agree with both claims in this response:

If you are considering anything other than BDR and EM (ie, add ERA) then you should also add SPF. Both ERA and SPF cars, are a cut above the other two but you pay for that quality.


Open the door to an already completed car. Check the current listings on Cobra Country and the forum here. You may find something already done that is what you are looking for without the wait and frustration.

Additionally, looking at resales will also give you the opportunity to "try on" the car. I always encourage new Cobra owners to be sure they will "fit" in the car they buy. That means sitting in the car you are looking to buy, or at least one from the same manufacturer if you are going to order one. They are all different in seat, pedal and steering wheel placement and for a tall driver, that can mean alot.

Good luck!

[1badsho]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Don, a turnkey ERA is in a different class from the EM or BDR. Not to take anything away from those two cars, but they're just not comparable. If you're seriously going to look at a turnkey ERA, then you need to fly up to New Britain and talk with Peter about 1) How much it will really cost to get it just the way you want it, and 2) How long you will have to wait. HINT: It will take longer than you think and cost more than you expect, but the result will be better than you can possibly imagine.

Patrick

Spoke to Peter yesterday and was very impressed with his honesty.

He flat told me if I am 6' 3" and i want comfort their car isnt for me. He didnt want to sell me out of the idea of a ERA car but he also wanted to be as forthcoming as possible. Very impressed nonetheless

Since I live South of Tampa the logical choice is backdraft. Locality and its generally considered a bigger car that will better accomodate my frame.

I plan to drive over to the east coast and sit in a few just to see how I physically fit.

EM requires 50 percent down which concerns me once I get close to building my car. Backdraft requires $5000 ....


don

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1badsho

Patrick

Spoke to Peter yesterday and was very impressed with his honesty.

He flat told me if I am 6' 3" and i want comfort their car isnt for me. He didnt want to sell me out of the idea of a ERA car but he also wanted to be as forthcoming as possible. Very impressed nonetheless

Since I live South of Tampa the logical choice is backdraft. Locality and its generally considered a bigger car that will better accomodate my frame.

I plan to drive over to the east coast and sit in a few just to see how I physically fit.

EM requires 50 percent down which concerns me once I get close to building my car. Backdraft requires $5000 ....


don

Yep, he told me the same thing a decade ago. I think Peter is only about 5' 4" because when I sat in his car my chin was over the top of the windshield, well, almost. The trick, if you are over 6' 3" or so, is exactly where that extra height is (from the floor to your knees, your knees to your hips, your hips to your head, how much padding you have on your butt, and what not). They customized my build a bit for me after I flew up to be measured. But I would tend to agree that without modifications, 6' 3" would be the outermost limit. If you find yourself getting really serious about an ERA, then fly up there and have Doug measure you. He'll tell you whether or not he can build the car to make you comfy or not. I remember like it was yesterday, being up there and Peter seeing me and saying "I don't think we can do this..." and Doug saying "Yes, we can." And, btw, we did the entire deal on a handshake.

[lippy]

Go see each of them and you'll know which you like best. They all are different. To me it came down to ERA and Kirkham (which by the way cost much less then vs now), but I wanted to built it myself so I went with ERA. Very happy with the choice.

[DanEC]

I used to be 6' 2-1/2" but I guess I've shrunk a little over the years. Fitting in my ERA is no issue - far more leg room than my 66 Corvette. If I were so inclined I could still move the seat mounting back another inch to the rear bulkhead and I have the pedals moved up from the firewall quite a bit. Now getting in and out of the thing is another matter but that applies to all of these. ERA is top notch and enjoyable to deal with but they are a lot of money to have built turn key. Used ones are still pricey but can be a comparable bargain. ERA is where you go for a quality engineered car that outwardly looks dead on like an original. About the only place to go up from there is Kirkham or the Shelby continuation cars at even greater costs.

If looking nearly dead-on original is not a top priority then there are several other options for quality, nearly turn key cars and I would definately look at Unique - they have been in the Cobra business just about longer than anyone. Also, Hurricane is an excellent car - although I'm not sure what their current status is on producing completed rollers. And of course BDR and Superformance as discussed above which are all quality cars. All of these cars come with IRS except it's an option on the Hurricane.

[66gtk]

Are you prepared to deal with registering and titling a NEW or untitled Cobra in your local area? If not, it's easier to buy a used one and you can test fit it as well. I am 6'2.5" and I fit fine in all the ERA's I've driven. Better than I did in a Superformance with a dropped foot box. It's all about where you put your length. I have a friend who is barely a tick over 6'0 and he can't get his legs comfortably under the dash in my ERA. He carries his height all in his long legs!! You can do things with all these cars such as bolting the seats directly to the floor, removing padding in the seat, adjusting the pedals, etc. I will also say that if you are overweight and lack flexibility, most of the Cobras will be challenging for anybody to enjoy. I also wouldn't put much faith in the roll bar helping out a taller driver, either.

If you find yourself in Minneapolis, I'd be glad to give you a test fit in my ERA.