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-   -   I'm looking at buying a used ERA - what do I need to look out for? (http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/era-speak-bob-putnam/107941-im-looking-buying-used-era-what-do-i-need-look-out.html)

DrivinWest 12-02-2010 04:33 PM
I'm looking at buying a used ERA - what do I need to look out for?
 
Hey All,

I'm doing my diligence on an ERA with a chassis number in the high 100s and a Jaguar rear end.

I'm wondering what I need to look out for with an ERA of that vintage. I'd also love to find a list of changes that arose over the last few decades. Does anybody know of such a list that shows factory changes at various chassis numbers?

Thanks!

mr bruce 12-02-2010 05:22 PM
STOP, do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars, buy this car, best deal out there, call Billy, he'll answer all you questions. http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...p?product=3375

CJ428CJ 12-02-2010 05:55 PM
Here are the major upgrades that ERA has made over the years: http://erareplicas.com/427/faqs.htm#update

Chris

madmaxx 12-02-2010 06:17 PM
Ditto, I could not agree more. If I did not have one this one would be it.




Quote:
Originally Posted by mr bruce (Post 1093715)
STOP, do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars, buy this car, best deal out there, call Billy, he'll answer all you questions. http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...p?product=3375

Grubby 12-02-2010 06:52 PM
I would go with a newer car if possible. The upgrades incorporated into 731 and later are very impressive. I owned 178 and now 755.

ERA made a great car better.

John

mrmustang 12-02-2010 06:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by madmaxx (Post 1093728)
Ditto, I could not agree more. If I did not have one this one would be it.

Appreciate you and Bruce giving my car a good name, but the original poster has not contacted me so he must be looking at another high 100's ERA.


Bill S.

ZOERA-SC7XX 12-02-2010 07:15 PM
Any ERA Cobra is a great car. The quality and chassis design exceeds the original (Shelby) by far in my opinion. I have the Jag rear and have had no issues with the pre 731 design. The car has absolutely no shakes, rattles, vibrations or squeaks and is stable at over 100 mph. The only variable would be with your engine and trans combo. While not the aluminum pedigree, this car is built like a tank.

patrickt 12-03-2010 05:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrivinWest (Post 1093705)
Hey All,

I'm doing my diligence on an ERA with a chassis number in the high 100s and a Jaguar rear end.
Do you have the ability to put the car up on a lift and go over it from under it? If not, about the best you can do is take it for a lengthy ride, over different types of road and different corners, look for fresh drips from the rear (or anywhere else), inspect the body for signs of obvious damage, make sure all electrical components are functioning, feel how the trans shifts, that should give you a rough overall feel for how the car has been treated. Of course, the engine assessment is a subject all its own. The nice thing about an ERA is that, mechanically, they're pretty easy to fix up and parts are not a problem.

DrivinWest 12-03-2010 08:01 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr bruce (Post 1093715)
STOP, do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars, buy this car, best deal out there, call Billy, he'll answer all you questions. http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...p?product=3375
I did see that ERA. Very, very nice, but the one I'm looking at is more local and the color combination that I'm looking for. Thanks though!

DrivinWest 12-03-2010 08:05 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CJ428CJ (Post 1093721)
Here are the major upgrades that ERA has made over the years: http://erareplicas.com/427/faqs.htm#update
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

The site mentions "more interior room" as one of the features of chassis 731 and above. Can anybody quantify that? At 6'4" I need the legroom. I've heard that ERAs are great for tall folks, but I don't know if there is a major difference pre-731 versus 731 and higher.

CJ428CJ 12-03-2010 11:28 AM
Quote:
The site mentions "more interior room" as one of the features of chassis 731 and above. Can anybody quantify that?
I think they made the footbox wider but not necessarily longer. For taller drivers, ERA will usually move the pedal assembly back a bit and remove some of the padding out of the seats. I'm not sure how difficult those changes would be on an already assembled car. I have plenty of leg room even with the adjustable seat all the way forward. Of course, I'm only 5'9" tall.

Chris

patrickt 12-03-2010 12:31 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrivinWest (Post 1093842)
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

The site mentions "more interior room" as one of the features of chassis 731 and above. Can anybody quantify that? At 6'4" I need the legroom. I've heard that ERAs are great for tall folks, but I don't know if there is a major difference pre-731 versus 731 and higher.
I am 6'4" -- my ERA fits me like a glove. I did fly up there and have a butt in seat measurement test though, along with the pedals moved back which means a larger clutch master cylinder, less padding in the seat, lowered and moved back as well. And yes, I look square out the middle of the windshield, not like a "clown car" where you peer over the top.:LOL: Here is a shot of my head driving away...

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

67JET 12-03-2010 08:04 PM
Is this just another way to get a picture of your car posted Patrickt? Looks good by the way. I think you should add another fill cap and then it would be perfectly even.

patrickt 12-03-2010 08:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67JET (Post 1093961)
Is this just another way to get a picture of your car posted Patrickt?
Uhhh, maybe....:o


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