I'm very happy with my Backdraft! They were on my shortlist from the beginning, and that's what I was fortunate to find!

My advice is to start going a looking at the various replicas & kits. The more you look, the better idea you'll have of what you want. The differences can be subtle, but significant to a particular buyer... i.e. how the rear fender lip is rolled, whether the hood scoop is molded in or riveted on, the size & shape of the rollbar, how the various parts of the car are finished (interior, engine compartment, wheelwells, etc.). Dimensional differences are also somewhat subjective. I really don't notice the 2" stretch of the Backdraft wheelbase, but I really notice the 4" stretch of the Lonestar. I also notice the larger overall proportions of the West Coast Cobra- moreso in the way the cockpit is finished. As long as you're not a purist, they each have something unique to offer. I wasn't terribly hung up on authenticity... I wanted as many benefits as possible from the technological advantages of the past 40 years (stiffer frame, better suspension, etc.), wrapped in a reasonably "correct" looking package.

A stroked small block was at the top of my list, tho I would not have ruled out bigger or smaller engines. I like having the power of a big block with the weight of a small block. It doesn't fill the engine bay as well as a big block, but there's more room to work & more room for air circulation. I tried to look at the overall execution of the build.

The engine was WAY more than I was looking for (615 hp/tq), and is not the most streetable engine for tooling around town, but was so nicely done I couldn't resist.

After I looked at, and rode in a few, I knew I wanted IRS... I knew I wanted a 5 speed... and a stroked small block was my top choice for engines. It will probably be different for you and will also depend on what you want to do with it (and how much money you want to spend).

I think the Backdraft is a heckuva value, & stacks up favorably against other replicas & kits. Others offer more authentic features (and slightly better quality), albeit at a higher price point that was simply out of my range for a weekend toy.

As for pricing, I prefer to keep that to myself for now... Suffice it to say that it would be in your price range. To me, assessing the pricing on completed replicas was THE MOST difficult task... they're all so different and there are SO many factors to consider. Just do your homework, figure out what YOU want, and what you're comfortable paying...

Thanks all,

I am a bit analytical and its good to hear how everybody went through the same process. Although the amount of information is daunting, its going to be a fun project:3DSMILE: . I wholeheartedly agree on the fit, finish, and exterior shape. I know already that I want a bolted on hood scoop for the extra detail. The first step is to bring my camera with me at the Run n gun and really check all the mfgs I can. I Should be able to hone it down from there. Next visits to the top few, etc, etc. Thanks for everybodys advice and I'll keep you posted. (I may even sneak out to London next year)

Chuckster

Hey Chuckster give James Yale a pm he can help with the BDR good guy to talk with with lots of info...WB3/ see ya at runngun

I'll be there Friday PM and Saturday AM. See you then.

I just bought my first cobra through James Yale. BDR#546 it should be on the road by the end of the month. This guy knows his stuff and he will be at run-n-gun and loves to answer questions.

I have the new Shelby/ Roush FE 427 alum. side oiler big block. Awesome, 600 hp and 625 fpt. What a monster, the torque will snap your neck.

Chuckster, read the post and see you are getting excited about a Cobra! That's Awesome! You'll love it as much as the rest of us do.

I'll be at Run-n-Gun and I surely look forward to meeting with some old friends and making some new ones. And, if I can help you with a new car, I'd be happy to help in any way. I've worked on most brands of Cobras in one way or the other, so I have quite a bit of experience with how they are built.

If you are looking at a Backdraft, I'd be happy to put you into one. I'll be there with my personal car and I would be happy to give you the ins-and-outs.

PM or call me sometime and I would be happy to talk.

Look forward to seeing you there...

James Yale

Made a decision
 

Folks,

After alot of thought and data gathering, its going to be an Indi Blue w/white stripes BDR with a full polish Roush 402R. Am still deciding on whether to go with 15" knock offs or the 17" full polish wheels. The 1 v. 2 rollbar option is also on the table. James Yale is going to do the build for me.

The full polished 17' really made my car

Congrats, Chuck!

Hope I helped you make up your mind. ;)

Say "HI!" to your son for me - I think he's been "snake bitten" as bad as you. :D

Many fun safe miles to you buddy.

Chuck, good choices on color! The wheels are going to be your decision... It's really a toss up on the 15" vs the 17" all depending on whether you will track the car, drag race, or just drive it around. They both look good. If you go with bolt ons, we'll work on getting the covers that hide the lug nuts from Team III. They look great! Just ask Cobra Cowboy!

Bests, James

p.s. I'm looking forward to it!

Time to throw my hat in the ring!

The perfect Cobra? That would be mine!
Side oiler? Check
Top Loader? Check
Accurate to original body shape? Check
IRS? Check
Runs on 92 octane pump gas? Check
Scorches the 1/4 mile (11 seconds) and STILL gets decent mpg? Check.

Hey, it's an ERA, whaddya expect. Of course it's 'perfect'! And it's for sale for about $38,000. See my ad in the For Sale section.

17" wheels? ...that aint gonna happen on MY car. Goodyear Bill Boards rule! :LOL:

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...am_Stripes.jpg

[quote=Spoooky]I have the new Shelby/ Roush FE 427 alum. side oiler big block. Awesome, 600 hp and 625 fpt. What a monster, the torque will snap your neck

Speaking of neck snapping..... I took a co-worker for a ride last week. I took it easy until I hit some open road. When he wasnt expecting it I nailed it in second gear at around 3100rpm. His head almost came off, I couldnt help but laugh. There were a couple of times, in straight acceleration, that he did the knee up scared thing. The next day he told me that his neck was sore. I am so proud of my car:p

Great Feedback
 

Thanks for all the opinions, guys! That's why I made the post.

Roushac-Yes, you letting me drive your ride helped seal the deal on the BDR and the Roush powerplant!
James-Call me the first week of November to do a formal quote. we can discuss the option details at that time!

The goal is to be ready by run n gun 2009. Until then, I'm paying off the daily drivers and taking care of a laundry list of home improvement projects for the wifey. After that.....green light :3DSMILE:

I'll keep you appraised of the details as they happen....

cheers!