New guy looking for guidance on Cobra purchase

[66gtk]

My advice would be to learn as much as you can about the differences between your choices. Once your eye is trained to see the visual differences between a CSX and an SPF, and BDR vs an ERA or whatever....then you can make the best decision that you won't regret. When I was looking to buy my first Cobra I couldn't easily see the differences and had I purchased a car without good friendly advice and learning the differences myself I would have been stuck with a poor car.

[Midcont]

You have two all black superformance 427 sb on eBay right now and I remeber seeing an all black with dark wheels a few weeks ago too with a roush 427r. I'd look used.
I had a lot of the same questions and concerns as you when I looked and was gathering research. I can tell you that my spf with the 427r idles smoothly and can be driven at slow speeds and in stop and go traffic if necessary. No bucking, snorting, stalling etc, not that you'd want to sit in traffic. I also thought about efi beforehand but now it's just an afterthought. I'd say find your car without and you can always add it later if you still want. You can easily powdercoat trim and wheels if you desire. Customizing can be fun and you will save probably tens of thousands used. The other thing is that used should have the bugs worked out. New you will have to deal with them yourself. Pm me if any questions.

[twobjshelbys]

I would avoid ebay like the plague unless the car is local and you can inspect it in person. Like I said, you need to test the car for fit and operation. Sight unseen Cobras can be a disaster.

[tortuga]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I would avoid ebay like the plague unless the car is local and you can inspect it in person. Like I said, you need to test the car for fit and operation. Sight unseen Cobras can be a disaster.

I FOUND mine on EBAY, but didn't buy it that way...most of the time you can circumvent the EBAY process by asking questions...It like anything else is just an advertising medium...

Regarding a carburetted vs FI engine, the Carbed Engine is simpler and easier for the shade tree mechainc to tune and maintain, yes a chokeless car will be a touch more finicky while warming up, but mine starts first crank every time. Where you have to be carefull is when they are warm, NEVER touvh the gas when starting or you will look silly cranking trough the flooding with the pedal down...And my 750XP performs flawlessly between sealevel and 6500 ft...

[66gtk]

Regarding fit - if everything else about the car is what you want but the fit is a little off you need to consider that unless this is your first Cobra fitting yourself comfortably in these cars is a challenge. Only with some seat time does one become more and more comfortable in the car. That being said, if you fit but it's off a tad here and there many of these cars can be easily modified to accommodate some fitment barriers. Some tricks include removing seat foam, using a smaller diameter steering wheel, removing seat adjustment sliders, changing the seat mounting angle, changing the steering column angle, changing the pedal positions, etc..

[Bartruff1]

I have found it very inexpensive to have the seat positioned exactly where I want it to operate the car without any problems....I am 5'8" and 185 pounds....perhaps fitting is more of a problem for someone significantly larger or smaller or taller or shorter...

[olddog]

I can tell you over the years there have been a lot of threads on problems with Roush engines. Most were over valve stem seals. Now that was the manufacturer of the valve stem seals fault not Roush's fault (other than they picked the brand). It was how these people were treated that soured me.

Go to Kraft or Brent. I have went brain dead - I think Brent goes by Blykins on this site. He is on here all the time helping people. You couldn't deal with a better guy. He is located in Kentucky. Kraft is located closer to you - Arkansas if my memory serves. I have talked to the current owner Lance several times at the London Cobra show - which you should attend this year in June if you have not puchased by then. Lance is a great guy too. Lance worked for the founder Kieth Kraft and purchased the company.

[olddog]

I like EFI. It is expensive, so you want to buy the right setup the first time. Not all EFI is the same. In my opinion, throttle body systems are not much better than a carb. A lot of aftermarket stuff is aimed at drag racing. They are set up for Nitrous (or however you spell the laughing gas). These systems sell to a crowd who mainly care about idle and WOT. They don't much care about driving around on highways.

Personally I like Mass Flow based systems. They are theoretically superior. I believe all current manufactures have gone to it to meat the ever tightening EPA and mileage requirements. Do your research on this subject, too.

Realize that EFI and Cam choice are important considerations, when you build the engine.

[Goopie 18]

Avoid Roush

[RB60]

I found my Cobra on Ebay, although I didn't make the transaction through them. I actually bought it sight unseen although the owner requested I come down and test drive it myself. He sent every pic I requested and answered every question honestly, even how old the battery was. After we finalized the deal and the Cobra was delivered, it was everything he said it was, actually even nicer than I expected. The only issue was the "cockpit" being a bit smaller than I expected. I fixed that by moving the seat back as far as it would go and placing two shock grommets under the front mounting bolts. Although the steering wheel is a bit closer than my daily driver, once I "climb in," it's pretty comfortable. I would say I was very fortunate to purchase my Cobra from such an honest and forthright individual.

[JohnGalt]

Your discussion of resale value is interesting. I think it really comes down to % retention vs. $ retention. The more you spend up front, the larger the pendulum can swing in both directions.