newbie ?????'s on kits

[Temptation]

After a recent visit to a large show in the area... I was reminded how awesome of a machine the cobra really is.

After talking with my uncle, I decided to consider what it would take to build a beast. A few hours of brainstorming and we have come up with a few requirements:

-Must have an IRS
-Must support a 4.6 terminator from an 03 Cobra

So the question is which kit may work well?
Which manufacturer provides great service and attention to quality?


After browsing the web, I have stumbled across these 2 manufacturers. Anyone have any experieince with these companies? Any others to consider?

Premier Cobras - Kansas City, MO
Everett-Morrison - La Porte, TX

Thank you for your time

[767Jockey]

What's your budget? Like you I consider IRS to be an absolute requirement. ERA, Kirkham, Unique, come to mind as cars that are built by smaller personalized companies that may be willing to work with you to adapt their car to your engine of choice. Give them each a call and see what they say.

[David Biele]

You might want to check out a Factory Five.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Temptation

-Must support a 4.6 terminator from an 03 Cobra

I agree with David... Factory Five. (period)

Check out the builders on http://www.ffcobra.com

[Temptation]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

What's your budget? Like you I consider IRS to be an absolute requirement. ERA, Kirkham, Unique, come to mind as cars that are built by smaller personalized companies that may be willing to work with you to adapt their car to your engine of choice. Give them each a call and see what they say.

Appreciate the quick feedback... I am still trying to determine a budget. We thought it could be done for 45-50. But with anything else... budgets are usually modified as projects progress.

I have looked a Unique's website and liked their product... but have reservations with the Jag IRS. (based on uncle input... huge mustang cobra fan) Does Unique offer any other options?

Well... I guess picking up the phone will certainly help.

[Temptation]

Originally Posted by computerworks

I agree with David... Factory Five. (period)

Check out the builders on http://www.ffcobra.com

You know I dismissed Factory Five due to using a donor car. I guess one could build one without it... Maybe worth another look..

[Dangerous Doug]

Remember that not all Cobra replica bodies replicate the original Cobra shape. Find a shape that you like, and go with it.

There used to be a magazine type book out there called, "The Complete Guide to Cobras and Cobra Replicas", by Curt Scott. His web site is www.cobracountry.com There is also a video worth checking out, called "Bitten by the Snake". Don't know if it's still available.

You took the first right step by joining CC. Brace yourself: everyone here has on opinion.

DD

[767Jockey]

Just had a real intersting thought - based on your engine choice and an IRS, how about a D+D Cobra from up in Montreal. Hell, it even LOOKS like a Cobra. (Sorry, I had to throw that in there - the Devil made me do it.)

[Cashburn]

That engine setup will go right in a Backdraft. And IRS is standard along with a host of other things. Do you already have the engine? There's actually as much potential it seems in the 3V and it gives you more room to work with.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Temptation

After a recent visit to a large show in the area... I was reminded how awesome of a machine the cobra really is.

After talking with my uncle, I decided to consider what it would take to build a beast. A few hours of brainstorming and we have come up with a few requirements:

-Must have an IRS
-Must support a 4.6 terminator from an 03 Cobra

So the question is which kit may work well?
Which manufacturer provides great service and attention to quality?


After browsing the web, I have stumbled across these 2 manufacturers. Anyone have any experieince with these companies? Any others to consider?

Premier Cobras - Kansas City, MO
Everett-Morrison - La Porte, TX

Thank you for your time

FFR, BDR, Unique maybe (unsure you would have to call) ERA can all work with the Terminator motor. As for worrying about the jag rears, there are several here who swear by them, and those that do have high HP/torque motors feeding power to them, so do not write them off just yet just based on what "your uncle" has told you.


Bill S.

[aks801]

That BDR might be a real good call, based on the brief requirements you've listed and your estimated budget.

[FUNFER2]

If you change your mind, I have a 428 FE with a Tremec tranny for sale. PM or email me. Get excited, you'll be screaming down the road in a COBRA. !

[puppster]

I'm not at all familier with the Terminator motor, but I would caution you to assess what you want to do with the car. I think a lot of people build them with hopes of building a really fast car they can go out and run at the strip. only to find out they aren't allowed on the track after a sub 12 second pass. As for the rear end, I agree they are no 9 inch Ford, but I'm told it is pretty much the same thing as a Dana 44. Torque kills rear ends, but if you don't run drag slicks, which you won't, cause you can't drag race it anyhow, you should be fine.
ERA makes, IMO the best looking body in the business. If that's important, the Superformance cars look great also, and they use a Dana rear end (not sure what spec). The only trouble/benefit with Superformance is you don't get to build the car.

Good luck, and enjoy shopping.

[Temptation]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

That engine setup will go right in a Backdraft. And IRS is standard along with a host of other things. Do you already have the engine? There's actually as much potential it seems in the 3V and it gives you more room to work with.

Yes... the engine is waiting a tear down/rebuild. think it has a thrown valve.

[Temptation]

Originally Posted by puppster

I'm not at all familier with the Terminator motor, but I would caution you to assess what you want to do with the car. I think a lot of people build them with hopes of building a really fast car they can go out and run at the strip. only to find out they aren't allowed on the track after a sub 12 second pass. As for the rear end, I agree they are no 9 inch Ford, but I'm told it is pretty much the same thing as a Dana 44. Torque kills rear ends, but if you don't run drag slicks, which you won't, cause you can't drag race it anyhow, you should be fine.
ERA makes, IMO the best looking body in the business. If that's important, the Superformance cars look great also, and they use a Dana rear end (not sure what spec). The only trouble/benefit with Superformance is you don't get to build the car.

Good luck, and enjoy shopping.

Appreciate all the feedback. I did look at superperformance and they have a beautiful kit... the con is we cannot build it. (guess there is somthing rewarding about good ole seat and tears in a project)

As for the Temrinator... it is a 4.6L blown from a 03-04 Mustand Cobra. Stock numbers are good for a production car and the motor adapts well to mods. I have been trying to imagine what 500+ hp in one of these rides will equate to.

so as others have said... welcome to the game.... i am sure i will have many more questions.

[patrickt]

Temptation -- Spend the next three to four months reading the posts on this forum; you should put in at least a couple of hours a day doing so. Don't even think about choosing a manufacturer, or what sort of options you think you might want, until you've done that.

[rustyBob]

Temptation......do your home work on this........you wont be sorry ,in the long it will pay off. find a Cobra club in your area or got to more than one show and ask questions of owners of several different makes of Cobra kits(no two are the same).You should NOT let anybody sway your decision on which kit is the proper one for you. good luck and have fun.

[Clois Harlan]

Doug,

In the under $50 price range you might want to check on B&B. Backdraft, Everrett Morrison, Factory Five, Unique, or maybe JBL. They all can do an IRS and a 4.6 conversion and they are all pretty good companies. Do your homework because they are all different and all survivors of these economic doldrums. During these times when everyone is competing for the next sale it comes down to customer service....who cares most about your investment and your satisfaction after the sale.

Clois

[Temptation]

Originally Posted by Clois Harlan

Doug,

In the under $50 price range you might want to check on B&B. Backdraft, Everrett Morrison, Factory Five, Unique, or maybe JBL. They all can do an IRS and a 4.6 conversion and they are all pretty good companies. Do your homework because they are all different and all survivors of these economic doldrums. During these times when everyone is competing for the next sale it comes down to customer service....who cares most about your investment and your satisfaction after the sale.

Clois

Agreed... CS is important and a driving factor in my build. what is interesting is from the 2 manufacturers I looked at thus far and was interested in learning more about their chassis.... no one has commented on them.

Does anyone know if they are still manufacturing kits?

Michael

[Three Peaks]

Of the two you first mentioned, I believe Everett Morrison has moved to Texas and is having some growing pains. Do a search on this site and I think you'll find some problems with customer service with the new owners.
Premier Cobras makes a fine Cobra from all apearances, but they are relatively low volume and may be on the ropes right now due to the economy.

For your purposes and budget, it would be difficult to go wrong with FF5 or Unique. Both have great reputations for customer service and quality kits and the builds are well documented in case you run into a problem with either of them.
If you are interested in a 289 FIA over the 427, that narrows it down to the Unique roadster.

Good luck in your research, I believe that is half the fun of this hobby.....

Bob