Considering buying a Cobra

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I will reiterate the advice of a 289 car vs the 427 car. I had always preferred the look of the 427 style. But the large displacement engine never was happy running on the streets, and barely got satisfied on the freeways. You simply can't satisfy its desire for air and fuel unless it's on a track at wide open throttle. It always felt it needed the cobwebs blown out. The large engines aren't happy unless running at higher RPMs and to satisfy that the 5 speed transmission was a waste of time. I spent virtually most of the time in 3rd and 4th just to keep the revs up.

I understand why Shelby wanted the big block in the car, but in essence the Cobra is a frame wrapped around an engine with the sole purpose of moving that engine around a track.

The 289 matches the Cobra much better for street use.

Interesting point! I don't need that type of rpm range on the boulevard, cool as it might be to have. But to have a meaningful 5th gear could be nice.

[Imlumpy]

Sums it up lol

[NROTOXIN]

Originally Posted by Imlumpy

Sums it up lol

And the insurance company asks, what does your plate mean? Lol

[ChrisBlair]

That's my old LLC:

Dingro USA

wouldnt all fit on the plate

[whistles innocently]

[LRRCobradreamer]

I admit my bias is FFR. Bought in 07, now have 53000 miles and over 5000 on race tracks. Started with a 302 (350 hp) and stock T-5, good combo, but I eventually wanted more so my 347 making 490 hp and a beefed-up T-5 was injected.

I bought is used with 3800 miles and it took 2-3 years to find all the little things wrong with it.

You seem to be interested in cruising more than track use. Some suggestions follow and should be considered an upgrade to the one you find.

Cup holders
Heated seats.
Foot box vents (not an upgrade look for one with this installed)

Check out ffcars.com for used Cobras.

Just my 2 cents Lee

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by LRRCobradreamer

I admit my bias is FFR. Bought in 07, now have 53000 miles and over 5000 on race tracks. Started with a 302 (350 hp) and stock T-5, good combo, but I eventually wanted more so my 347 making 490 hp and a beefed-up T-5 was injected.

I bought is used with 3800 miles and it took 2-3 years to find all the little things wrong with it.

You seem to be interested in cruising more than track use. Some suggestions follow and should be considered an upgrade to the one you find.

Cup holders
Heated seats.
Foot box vents (not an upgrade look for one with this installed)

Check out ffcars.com for used Cobras.

Just my 2 cents Lee

Slow response on my side but thanks Lee

I have never used a cupholder lol I can't stand them. I liked how my '70 Buick had two shallow embossed circles on the glovie door- that was where you put your shake when parked in the burger joint lot having lunch, and that was it. Heated seats are nice though! Footwell vents are a good thing too.

[Bruce.huling]

Thought I would chip in here again. I like my Windsor 408. Has lots of grunt and happy at any rpm or speed. Mine has a 5 speed tremec so I can short shift my way to happy highway speeds or go the hooligan route if the spirit moves me. I raced motorcycles most my life, and if I was going to track a car I would go with the 289. After racing big bore MX motorcycles 500’s, for most my life, I finally switched to a 125 to get a few more years in after a bad accident. Those last years were the most fun actually, as I could flog them with near impunity as compared to the 500s which you had to be very purposeful to go fast and not get bent. That said, I am not racing, love to cruise and travel in my cobra. It’s a social experience, and if I want to increase my carbon footprint it’s always on tap.

[ChrisBlair]

Thanks Bruce!

[Bruce.huling]

Fwiw, I added a power jack so I can use all my heated motorcycle gear on cold days in the winter. What a joy. Well worth the effort. Makes cruising in temps near freezing enjoyable.

[patrickt]

Chris, only idiots buy Cobras.

[Alfa02]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Chris, only idiots buy Cobras.

Quiet patrickt, don't tell everyone

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Alfa02

Quiet patrickt, don't tell everyone

He'd be better off parachuting from a skyscraper in Manhattan, cultivating a crystal meth habit or chasing after a Vegas showgirl that's dating a mob boss.
Any of those is preferable to buying a Cobra.

[incoming]

Parachute won't fit, Cobra draws too much attention but won't outrun a phone or bullet. Think i'll take the cobre

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Chris, only idiots buy Cobras.

Then it seems I came to the right place

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by patrickt

He'd be better off parachuting from a skyscraper in Manhattan, cultivating a crystal meth habit or chasing after a Vegas showgirl that's dating a mob boss.
Any of those is preferable to buying a Cobra.

Could be worse. I could buy a boat

[Dwight]

I have owned three. Does that make me a triple idiot?

[Harpoon PV2]

Originally Posted by Dwight

I have owned three. Does that make me a triple idiot?

So you have done better then most of us, since you have had six, happiest days in you life!

[w-lewis]

Unique makes a nice 289 FIA.

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by w-lewis

Unique makes a nice 289 FIA.

Walt is correct, Unique makes a nice 289, which they can do as a USRRC car... as that is what I have! Give them a call.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Chris, only idiots buy Cobras.

Yes, but there's no apparent end to the number of idiots, as you can readily see on social media each and every day.