Cobra -1st buy

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by PNW 1

Hi,

I'm a long time enthusiast & looking to make my first purchase ASAP. I would love some advice.

I'm looking at a 1998 Everett-Morrison Cobra. It's listed as recently completed with less than 500 miles. Paint & exterior recently finished & looks great. Engine starts & runs great, sounds great, but haven't driven yet because of the weather.

How can I tell if there has been more mileage put on the engine & if it is really a new engine, and if its been sitting mostly over the past 20 years, what are the risks with the engine & tranny? It has a small oil leak which appear to be off the passenger side rear valve cover gasket & leaking down to the oil pan. I can't quite see it, but I am concerned it could be somewhere else off the engine or rear main. If that was the case, what would it cost to repair.

Any advice one E-M quality?

The engine is listed as a 383 stroker & claims 500 hp. Without a dyno, can I even be sure what the hp is?

Their is a 6 speed trans, not sure of the gearing. I haven't seen many Cobras with a 6 speed. Why? What would be my concerns with getting a 6 speed vs. the 5 speeds?

Would love to buy the car, but don't want to end up putting another $10k into to fix the motor or trans. I'm not opposed to putting money in, just don't want to miss any major items.

Tires, rims, & outside looks new. The seller has mentioned to check the alignment & comments I may need to get an alignment done. Sounds like a red flag, but not sure if he knows it needs. The seller is the second owner & said he picked it up unfinished & comepleted out tuning the engine & finished the paint.

Any other recommendations on what to look out for, frame looks pretty good.

Thank you for the feedback.

Remember when you were young, and just learning to cross the road.

Stop, look, listen

Don't rush in to the purchase, there are plenty of cobra replicas on the market.
Don't get caught up in the hype of high horsepower, a Cobra is unlike any other car you have owned, and 200HP is enough to get you killed in one quite easily.

Click the link in my signature below, and read the FAQ I wrote years ago (reposted from time to time)

As you have already done so with your opening post, do not feel afraid of asking questions, and guidance, that is what this web site was based on when it was originally created. Our members are from all walks of life, and all makes and models are present.

Again, take your time, if you are not certain of what you are looking at, take someone along who is.

Hope you find this helpful.

Bill S.