Backdraft or EM

[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!

[Buzz]

In that case, it should also be noted that ERA's are also more accurate in appearance and stance than SPF's which are great cars in their own right with a consistent factory finish and a large, dedicated following of happy customers.

I've heard conflicting accounts of how well they fit taller drivers though, which is central to the OP's original question about EM, BDR and ERA.

If we're taking it upon ourselves to add other brands to the initial comparo, then I strongly suggest having a good look at Unique Motorcars - beautiful cars, original dimensions and one famous owner was close to 7 feet tall! Hurricane makes a nice replica as well.

[patrickt]

... correctamundo buzz. And if the OP can't tell the difference, or just likes the difference, between an ERA and Factory Five, then he ought to go with a FF. He'll save a boat load of cash and I've seen FF cars that will outperform my FE equipped ERA, easily. Dang, if he went with a nice used FF over a new, turnkey ERA, he could probably save close to fifty grand.

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by Buzz

In that case, it should also be noted that ERA's are also more accurate in appearance and stance than SPF's which are great cars in their own right with a consistent factory finish and a large, dedicated following of happy customers.

I've heard conflicting accounts of how well they fit taller drivers though, which is central to the OP's original question about EM, BDR and ERA.

If we're taking it upon ourselves to add other brands to the initial comparo, then I strongly suggest having a good look at Unique Motorcars - beautiful cars, original dimensions and one famous owner was close to 7 feet tall! Hurricane makes a nice replica as well.

Got no idea what could be a "conflicting" report unless somebody is trying to get in the trunk. I'm 6'2" and fit well, another 1" is not gonna change much. Only issue common to most of these cars is learning what to do with your left foot, not a huge issue.

[1badsho]

Originally Posted by Buzz

In that case, it should also be noted that ERA's are also more accurate in appearance and stance than SPF's which are great cars in their own right with a consistent factory finish and a large, dedicated following of happy customers.

I've heard conflicting accounts of how well they fit taller drivers though, which is central to the OP's original question about EM, BDR and ERA.

If we're taking it upon ourselves to add other brands to the initial comparo, then I strongly suggest having a good look at Unique Motorcars - beautiful cars, original dimensions and one famous owner was close to 7 feet tall! Hurricane makes a nice replica as well.

Hadnt heard of Unique Motorsports ... will google them for sure ... thanks !

Ive seen many backdrafts in picture and on youtube only. And the look is fine. I am not one who requires the car to be identical to the orignial in every detail but I have always wanted one.

The favorite is backdraft because they Company reside in the state I live in. A three hour drive max

don

[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.

[1badsho]

Originally Posted by patrickt

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.

Patrick

That is impressive. Being in business as long as I have you dont find that too much these days.

don

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1badsho

Patrick

That is impressive. Being in business as long as I have you dont find that too much these days.

don

... and, Peter shipped me the car right before Christmas so I could have it over the holidays and he didn't get around to invoicing me for it until they all came back from vacation in mid-January. He said, "ehhh, I knew you were good for it."