There is no doubt when profound logic is applied to the situation. If you really think about it, ERA and SPFs are the only options given my circumstances, e.g. buy, wax, drive with the low end nothing but potential trouble and the high end not doable, financially. There are a lot more SPFs on the market, versus ERAs and that is an interesting fact, although, no one is giving away either model.

It's turning into an interesting trip. Thanks for the input. My status is: ERA identified, I'm in pursuit mode!

Buying your snake
 

Vegan,
When you are looking to buy a used car
such as a muscle, replica, or antique.
You are always taking a chance on how it's gonna come out.
But like someone said before,
"buy a good used one and you'll have some cash left to tweak it"
And if you are a car nut, or a gear head, then
you know exactly what I mean. Gotta go faster, or look better
or have the "right" wheels & tires mirror, etc.
In other words you get to mess around with it, and play with it.

If you are worried about it mechanicly lease / buy
a vette and get a warranty.
:3DSMILE:

Lowell

Your right on the money with that advise. I visited ERA a few weeks ago and was impressed. They took the time to answer all my questions, and I had a few. The SPF dealer had one used unit on the floor and put it up on the lift for my inspection. When I first heard about Spring Fling I booked a room at the Hampton Inn. Spring Fling sounds like a great event and I can't wait. Could even come home with a Cobra.
I feel a lot like vegan2. I am more than a little concerned about buying a car someone put together in their gararge. I would think that anyone waiting a year for a ERA and buying that high end kit would assemble it properly. It also seems that you can't go wrong with a SPF. SPF in in the lead for now but I have to check out the Backdraft Racing unit. This decision to buy a Cobra has to be a informed one and I'm getting close. I thank all the CC members for all e-mails and informational posts. It's really getting me up to speed on these fine cars. I guess theres no rush, as snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. Thanks again.

Re: Buying your snake
 

I'm don't want a vette - been there, done that. And I'm not necessarily worried about a Cobra mechanically, but the circumstances of the build is an important factor. Do you find people with Cobra "considerations" out of line? It's a big deal to me as I'm not a gear head but probably a car nut.

Anyway, all input is appreciated.

Input
 

Vegan,
Hey, did not mean that in a bad way,
so please don't take offense to it.
All I was trying to point out is that if you buy used and
(not always garage built) you can pick up a nice car
in todays market for a good price. 30-35K
No guarrantees however.

But even if you buy a new one it still might break.
If you beat on it some :D
Anyway, good luck with your search.

Vegan2: Re your quote

The Cobra "thing" is almost like a sub-culture. It's not a practical car, it's part of a lifestyle that appears to fade when other lifestyle factors place the Cobra between a rock and a hard place. A Cobra is a toy, an expensive toy.

Don't know about you, but I've lusted after Cobras since 1965.

B/Stock,

I visited Dynamic Motorsports and ERA last July. I was VERY impressed with the ERA cars and Peter and everybody else there were very friendly and accommodating. I couldn't have asked for more of a welcome. The cars are absolutely first rate. My main reason for not going with ERA is the fact that I'm 6'6" tall and the ERA, with its floor-mounted pedals, just didn't have as much foot and legroom as the SPF. The SPF is more of a modern, mass-produced car, which is not necessarily a bad thing, if you don't mind sacrificing some authenticity for whatever reason. SPF's with SB motors, usually 351W's of some configuration, are acceptable, whereas a 351 in an ERA 427 car would lessen the value, so your choice of motor may influence your choice of car. Go to Spring Fling with a camera and a notebook, contact all the manufacturers you think might be in the running, look at the used cars for sale, go to Run & Gun if you haven't selected a car by then. Take your time and buy the right car for you. Good luck and see ya in June.

Lowell

Lowell

ERA told me they wouldn't put a small block in a 427S/C. Either 427 or 428. No other set ups.

Man, that says it all. I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way! I ran my lusting by my wife last night, as I've done several times in the past, Cobrawise that it, and I've now got the green light, finally. She continues to question the price with no air, top, sometimes no heater, etc. etc., but damn the consideration, full speed ahead!

Vegan2

Glad you got the wife onboard. I use a different approach. I just show up with the toys and watch her shrug her sholders and comment something like "kids and their toys". She makes life easy on me. Good luck on your search.

B/Stock,
Just a word of advice, I used to use the same approach as you; just showing up with the toys. Well it worked for about 4 or 5 cars, several boats, etc., etc. Finally one day she got pi$$ed and then we no longer communicated. Had to trade her in on a different model, but for 4 years she made my life a living hell. At least the new Mrs. Lee is a gearhead, and loves boating too.
Life is good when you get it right.
MY ADVICE: Think twice before making a decision, reconsider, think again, and then do whatever you come up with.
Old Chinesse adverb: MAN WHO MAKE WRONG DECISION WHEN WIFE CONCERNED, GET NO NOOKIE WHEN WIFE MAKE HER DECISION.
Happy Trails,
TL

You are a very lucky person, but a Cobra is a really big toy, expensewise - if your system of just showing up with the toy has worked in the past, you are home free!

As long as my toys have four wheels I'm OK. If my toys had two legs and a short skirt I would be dead.

My wife and I have seperate checking accounts and savings accounts. What money she makes she spends on what she wants, and visa versa. It has worked for us for 14 years and shows no signs of changing. Just lucky I guess.