Just registered and need your opinion on buying a Backdraft Cobra - Page 2

SkipB · #21 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 09:41 AM

Max,

If you want to drive a Backdraft and check on handling, and can come to San Diego, you can drive mine. I had mine corner weighted and balanced which really makes it nice in the corners. Mine is set up for handling and not the drag strip. Although I think it does well in a straight line too.

In fact, if you are looking for a black car and don't mind a very shiny (custom painted in Sikkens all black) finish, mine may be for sale soon. I won't give it away as I have spent too much time and money getting it set up right. But, I might part with it to pursue another car.

Let me know.

Skip B

madmaxx · #22 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 10:53 AM

Cashburn,

what type of numbers are you getting with the 4.6 liter, stock or supercharged. You nailed it that the younger group who has always been accustomed to fuel injection etc will have to adjust to an "antique" design carburated engine. How does the sound compare out the exhaust?

Cashburn · #23 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 11:09 AM

We are still waiting on dyno numbers etc. from Reg on that setup with the Roushcharger. You can expect atleast 600HP out of it, hopefully 700ish. The sound is a little different overall. It actually makes the whole car a lot more "sporty" if you know what I mean.

We have a lot of respect here for the 4.6 line of engines having owned a number of later model Fords with that setup. One of the shop cars is a TT Terminator and we are also completing a '67 FB for a customer that will feature a 4.6 4V with stack injection that will be killer on the street.

These engines are amazingly smooth and have a ton of potential. The 3V version is nice because it combines the better breathing with the smaller overall size of the 2V engine (smaller cam covers etc.).

The only hook we have in the Northeast is the knucklehead emissions requirements, the way the laws are being written they are encouraging you to use older/dirtier engines ... but that's another can of worms.

mln385 · #24 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 04:23 PM

Maxx,
I actually have a roush 427 SR/tw in the Cobra and a 4.6 Roush Supercharged Mustang.

I took both for a spirited Jaunt this weekend. the Mustang puts out about 430hp and is 3500lbs. It is great for handling(I road race it) and sounds awsome.

The Cobra ...well took her out today and got on her alittle and she was from 30 to 80 in a split second and pulling like a freight train! The 427 has 500 hp and is 2500lbs.
This car is allot faster than the mustang and louder.

However I am more comfortable in the mustang at speed, the cobra's demand allot of respect because of the power to weight ratio.

I live in Ma. so if you are nearby and want to see a comparison let me know.

From someone who has similar motors you are looking at stay with what has been a proven platform and less headaches.
If you go with a turbo and custom tune etc. you may not be happy as it may take awhile to tune and make reliable.

Just my 2 pennies good luck.

Marc

Dinobyte · #25 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 05:06 PM

Just some questions to ask yourself...

Are you able to maintain the car, both financially and mechanically?

If you want something that is a bit more tame, in most cases, a lower HP motor will be easier to maintain. I like the 4.6 option...the beautiful thing about it is you could technically take it to the local Found On Road Dead dealer and they could service it.

Forget about going to a turbo...more hassle than it is worth, and you can achieve the same results with less penny spent on a naturally aspirated motor.

Since you live in LA, I recommend going to a local shop to build your motor if you so choose to go with a custom. The advantage is that they are here...where as KC and SA and PE are not.

I recommend two shops...Valley Ford Specialist in La Canada/Glendale (Foothill Blvd)...and JMS (I think they are in Monrovia). Dennis at Valley knows Cobras. When I visit the shop, there is always an original or two there having something done. Last week, CSX2001 and CXS3026 were in for a visit.

With regards to daily driver and something that will have some manners...couple of things to consider IMHO. First off is heat. You are in LA, so sitting in traffic is a reality. The bigger the motor, the more BTU's that will be coming off that thing. Also, the mileage will be horrible. Most bozo's who ask you about your car don't give a crap about how much HP it has...or even if it is original. They will ask how much it cost! Or like stated above, will bore you with stories of someone who knew someone who had a real one....yawn....

When they ask, and they will, you can smile and say with confidence "alot", knowing that you were smart and did not try to out pi$$ everyone else with a motor that is too much for your needs! Rather you went with a reasonable 300 - 350 HP motor. It still sounds mean, gets the job done, and is more HP than the original 289's had out the door. A motor of that size will be more than enough to get your admirers attention, and not scare the holy $hit of you when you press the loud pedal.

AlmostThere · #26 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipB

Max,

If you want to drive a Backdraft and check on handling, and can come to San Diego, you can drive mine. I had mine corner weighted and balanced which really makes it nice in the corners. Mine is set up for handling and not the drag strip. Although I think it does well in a straight line too.

In fact, if you are looking for a black car and don't mind a very shiny (custom painted in Sikkens all black) finish, mine may be for sale soon. I won't give it away as I have spent too much time and money getting it set up right. But, I might part with it to pursue another car.

Let me know.

Skip B

Skip....I'm going to be in San Diego today...sorry for the short notice but I couldnt log on yesterday. If you have some time between 1030 and 1pm I would love to see the Cobra. I will send you a message...Thanks

AlmostThere · #27 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 07:57 AM

You guys all have great...I can not tell you how much clearer this is making my decision. I must say I am slowly leaning away from turbo...there have been too many great comments and reasons why I should keep it a straight v8 and not mess with it.

Also money is an issue in a sense that I dont want to drive to the mechanic every time to get things adjusted, fixed and so on. Basically I would like to maintain the Cobra as a normal Ford v8 (Oil Change, Tire rotation and etc)

Horsepower has always been the least of my priority as I am not the dude who needs to tell people that he puts out 600 ponies...Instead the engine needs to sound like a rumble and pull like a train but as far as number go...I think I would be happy with 300-350.

Roush engines are a bit out of my price range...Keith Craft is my first choice and Ford would be another possibility...Please advise which route to go. Also if anyone In LA has a BAckdraft Cobra I would just love to drop by, by you a cup of coffee and talk about what it takes to maintain and rive the beast.

Please let me know...thank you so far for all the replies...I know at 28 I'm pretty much fresh so thanks for the veterans who have their 20 cents.

All the best
Max
maxydo@yahoo.com

Slick61 · #28 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmustang

MATTE black (called Hotrod Suede) is a personal choice and difficult to get to lay right (even and consistant instead of mottled and tiger striped with high and low spotted looks). Far more difficult than a typical BC/CC paint job...Looks great when done right, but looks like a rattle can primer job when done wrong...

As a MAACO franchisee/shop owner, I love to hear comments like this then put guys who state them in their place with shots like this:
A beautiful tri stage Velocity Red Mica that when cut and buffed will rival anything you see coming out of a high priced shop.We use the same paint lines, the same materials, and at least in my case a higher qualified painter to do our work than other shops. However, as a disclaimer, since every shop is independently owned and operated I will say results will vary from shop to shop and I am not quite your typical owner

Bill S.

I deserved that... bad choice of words on my part... inherited from my dad- who used to own a body shop (about 40 years ago). I should've just said "a $99 paint job... which you really can't expect to last if it was shot in a day or two with little to no prep. Velocity red is an awesome color... really pops in the sun. Would like to see that color with some galaxy gray stripes.

Slick61 · #29 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmostThere

You guys all have great...I can not tell you how much clearer this is making my decision. I must say I am slowly leaning away from turbo...there have been too many great comments and reasons why I should keep it a straight v8 and not mess with it.

Also money is an issue in a sense that I dont want to drive to the mechanic every time to get things adjusted, fixed and so on. Basically I would like to maintain the Cobra as a normal Ford v8 (Oil Change, Tire rotation and etc)

Horsepower has always been the least of my priority as I am not the dude who needs to tell people that he puts out 600 ponies...Instead the engine needs to sound like a rumble and pull like a train but as far as number go...I think I would be happy with 300-350.

Roush engines are a bit out of my price range...Keith Craft is my first choice and Ford would be another possibility...Please advise which route to go. Also if anyone In LA has a BAckdraft Cobra I would just love to drop by, by you a cup of coffee and talk about what it takes to maintain and rive the beast.

Please let me know...thank you so far for all the replies...I know at 28 I'm pretty much fresh so thanks for the veterans who have their 20 cents.

All the best
Max
maxydo@yahoo.com

mod-motored roadsters sound amazing, with a slightly more exotic sound than a carbed motor... and much smoother as well. Most likely, they'll also get much better mileage.

Lots of good engine builders out there... can only speak from personal experience. Keith Craft builds great engines, and his customer service is top-notch.

Cashburn · #30 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 08:31 AM

Max,
Sounds like you are coming full circle and that is great. You've got the correct advisers here. Hopefully you can get a ride from someone to help solidify the choices.

I still think you would be extremely happy with the 4.6 3V setup. It is very economical and includes all the diagnostics to have any Ford Dealer or general repair shop simply plug in and know what is going on. The Hot Rod version of the 4.6 3V puts an impressive 350HP in stock form. You can add the s/c down the road and hold on.

You can be in a car with that powertrain for $41k with a number of the popular options.

Any more thoughts on paint scheme? I was thinking a matte black with gloss black super snake stripe down the middle would be insane. Powdercoat the wheels satin black and then black the pipes?

This is the Super Snake style stipe for reference:

AlmostThere · #31 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 03:54 PM

Jay,

Thanks again for the feedback. Yeah I must say the turbo idea has slowly left me. I would lean towards the modular engine for sure. At 41K that just goes a bit above my budget of 40K so I will certainly have to think about it.

If I want the full BMW suspension...is that something extra or is that something Backdraft does anyway? Also would it be a problem for me to supply my own gauges and also my own driver and passenger seats? If so would you guys be able to subtract your cost from the total?

Last thing....41K includes the t56 tranny or the TKO 600

Thanks
Jay

Cashburn · #32 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 04:21 PM

I really need to get you a detailed quote together to finalize it. At 41k I was assuming a custom paint color and some "frills" like the colored wheels etc. and of course shipping to CA. Behind the modular we would actually use the TR-3650 transmission.

All Backdrafts ride on BMW.

If your budget is solid at 40k it is a stretch for what you're asking for, but if you delete seats and gauges then the price comes down.

Shoot me another email with your final thoughts on color combo, equipment deletes, and options and we can take it from there.

SkipB · #33 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 05:37 PM

Max,

Sorry I missed you on this weekend. I was busy tearing out a bathroom counter and mirrors and didn't check the computer. I definitely would have dropped what I was doing to give you a ride. What a great weekend! About 80 degrees and clear. I love living here.

Well, maybe next time. I hope you find a car in your price range. Just remember to factor things like freight and taxes and registration costs. Also, don't forget the dreaded SB100 registration in California is the only legal way to have you car smogged so it can be titled. It is too late for 2009, (only 500 cars per year get SB100) so you would have to wait until 2010 to get a new or used car from out of state registered or you could buy a car with existing SB100 paperwork. Most of us in California are SB100 legal or are getting that way soon! It is really a lifetime smog exemption. This is a big deal in this semi-socialist state we live in!

Skip B

Cashburn · #34 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 05:45 PM

You can run with TOPs until then.

Alan P. · #35 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 08:08 PM

I sold my Unique FIA Cobra with a healthy 302 motor, 5spd etc. to a local guy who had just got a divorce and was wanting to start over. He died less then 2 miles from my house.
Lost control of the car and hit a palm tree. Not to be a Debbie Downer but the fact remains,fast cars do not make fast drivers. These car are the most fun you can have with your clothes on but they will kill you if you give them a chance. A first time buyer should start with a good motor that has build potential. Learn the car and all its quirks and than build it up. IMHO