Backdraft or EM

[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."

[55312]

Go to http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html. There is an EM with a 427 in it for sale in Jacksonville. Jump in the car and drive up 301 and pour over the thing. I've had mine for 10 years. It was built in 1992. I won't make any claims about which car is better. It's an argument better left for the high school hot rodders to enjoy. All three of these cars are all well designed machines for what they are.

Tim

[1badsho]

Originally Posted by 55312

Go to http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrasforsale-cobras.html. There is an EM with a 427 in it for sale in Jacksonville. Jump in the car and drive up 301 and pour over the thing. I've had mine for 10 years. It was built in 1992. I won't make any claims about which car is better. It's an argument better left for the high school hot rodders to enjoy. All three of these cars are all well designed machines for what they are.

Tim

I did ..... and shouldnt have !!

Found a red Backdraft with a 427 untitlted that was built this year for 48000 ... If i was remotely ready I would jump on it but has gotten me to think that if within a few days I can find a car that fits my requirements but used .... why pay to build a car for 25000 more

don

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by 1badsho

I did ..... and shouldnt have !!

Found a red Backdraft with a 427 untitlted that was built this year for 48000 ... If i was remotely ready I wouldn't jump on it but has gotten me to think that if within a few days I can find a car that fits my requirements but used .... why pay to build a car for 25000 more

don

Because you enjoy the headaches of building...

It's not for everyone though.
Dipping your toe in the water by buying used, is a super wise choice. IMHO.

Best wishes and post pics whatever you decide to do.