I'm ordering an ERA! Seeking your experienced opinions

[DrivinWest]

OBE - never did order that ERA

[Brooklyn-427]

Our fee for prepping and installing the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system and interior is typically $6000-$7000

[DrivinWest]

OBE - never did order that ERA

[CarGuy427]

You are making the right decision with an ERA. No doubt about it. I own two. Both turn keys. One is 18 years old and the other 10 years. These are by far the best cars made. Both of my cars are still like new and both are incredible. ERA folks are wonderful to deal with as well. So congrats on your excellent decision!!

[DrivinWest]

Originally Posted by CarGuy427

So congrats on your excellent decision!!

It's a testament to ERA, their owners, and this forum. My 22 year old self had a different idea for a Cobra in '99 when I joined the forum. Over the years I've discovered what I want in a car and there just doesn't seem to be a substitute for an ERA. Well, I'd take a Kirkham in a heartbeat if it were in my budget, but even then I'd be afraid to really drive and enjoy it!

[patrickt]

DrivinWest, I'm going to be absolutely honest with you. That car, as you have spec'd it, will be hard to turnkey for less than $90k.

[DrivinWest]

Originally Posted by patrickt

DrivinWest, I'm going to be absolutely honest with you. That car, as you have spec'd it, will be hard to turnkey for less than $90k.

I expect nothing but honesty

Looking at the turnkey page on the ERA website for another estimation:

Standard Turnkey--------$67,000
Stripes---------------------$1,000
Triple-baked paint---------$2,500
428 SCJ--------------------$2,000
6 Pin Drive Wheels--------$2,800
Smith Guages------------~$1,000
Tremec TKO------------------$650
ERA Rear suspension--------$900
Front Wilwood bra---------$1,400
Roll Bar, black----------------$375
Total-----------------------$79,625

$80K is probably too much, and $90K definitely is. Is the difference the ancillary stuff that comes up in the build?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

I expect nothing but honesty
$80K is probably too much, and $90K definitely is. Is the difference the ancillary stuff that comes up in the build?

Yes, and the figure you should concentrate on is the total out of pocket cost to get everything done and your car in the garage (remember you have a transport cost). I believe ERA charges $10k to do all the "turnkey" stuff, which is a couple thousand over the bid you received. You will have to decide whether shaving a couple of thousand on that item is worth it or not. If you are really, really serious about this, make an appointment to spend a couple of hours with Peter and then fly out there to CT and sit down him. You have to absolutely "talk turkey" about all of the "get it in to my garage" costs, just as if you were taking delivery of a regular car. Even when you are buying engines, and having them shipped to you, there are parts left off that you have to source. You'll find that's true for just about every system in your car. The car you have spec'd, to be 100% turnkey exactly the way you want it, and to have it sitting in your garage, and running and looking great, your bank account will be lower by a number that starts with nine, IMO.

[Brooklyn-427]

Also you have listed exhaust column handbrake rollbar X2

[Brooklyn-427]

You could build a Hurriane/Shell Valley/Unique 427 with a 482 600 IRS 5 PINS sub 65-70k

[Brooklyn-427]

ERA 427 Cobra, Royal Blue, For Sale

[patrickt]

... and the fact that you are 6'4" (just like me) means you will have to have some modifications done to the seat, steering column, and pedals. Easy to do when the car is being built, but in theory could be done to any ERA.

[LMH]

Good choice on an ERA.
S/C models didn't have ash trays.
Buy the best brakes you can get, right from the beginning.
That said, have you thought about buying one used? It would save you a lot of money.
There's an ERA on Cobra Country for sale right now that's pretty close to what you're looking for.
Larry

[patrickt]

Don't underestimate the height issue. When I flew up there early on and sat in Peter's personal car my chin was just about even with the top of the windshield. I think Peter then said "Jeez, this isn't gonna work" and then Doug came over and said "No, we can make it work. Let me do it." Doug actually ended up making a little foam seat insert that would allow him to drive the car, even though it was all carefully fitted to me. When Denny brought it down to me, his feet couldn't even reach the pedals and I had to back it out of the truck.

[DrivinWest]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Don't underestimate the height issue...

Thanks for the tips. Your posts are one of the reasons I'm going with an ERA - I know I'll fit. I do plan on visiting the factory which fortunately isn't too far from family who plan on dropping in from time to time.

Did you height mods add to the cost?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

Did you height mods add to the cost?

No, I don't think they really did. Basically it involves the seat, which they make for you anyway, but for a tall person they just reduce it down and eliminate the seat track. Then they move it back a little bit when they bolt it to the floor, and they tilt it up in the front as well. Then they move the pedals back a couple of inches (towards the front of the car). This requires a different brake master cylinder, which costs about the same as the stock one anyway. And on mine they spread the pedals out a little because I have 12EEE feet, but th3ey still managed to keep a dead pedal, which is nice on longer drives. Then they ease the steering wheel up a bit with shims, and throw in a 15" Moto Lita with a Quick Release hub, if you ask them nicely. That's about it. The car fits me fine. But, you absolutely have to be there for a "butt in seat" test because it matters where your height is (foot to knee, knee to hip, hip to head, and how "padded" your butt is).

[DrivinWest]

Originally Posted by LMH

There's an ERA on Cobra Country for sale right now that's pretty close to what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by Brooklyn-427

ERA 427 Cobra, Royal Blue, For Sale

Shame about the color . But it is very close to what I'm looking for.

[DanEC]

A Keith Craft stroked 428 is a good combination and he's not extremely distant from you. A dual quad intake is great for looks and ripping through the gears but not the ticket for track work and it cost quite a bit. SC cars had single 4bbls anyway.

High capacity fan - yes, get it.

With your height and weight - I would be thinking about the quick release steering wheel. Patrick has it if you want to question him about it.

How big are your feet? Pedal spacing can be customized (because it is tight down there) I wear 12s and have the pedals spaced all the way apart and still have to wear a narrow sole shoe to drive it.

From what I've seen on this forum, Metal-Morphus does exceptional work. Not sure of their costs for a paint job but it would be top notch. Everyone seems happy with the paint jobs ERA commissions also.

ERAs are great.

[jetblue69]

Originally Posted by DrivinWest

Shame about the color . But it is very close to what I'm looking for.

I wouldn't worry about the color. That Eagle crankshaft is enough to make me walk away.

[CHANMADD]

Why is the ashtray important ? If anything ,and I mean anything ...ie bigger brakes , 5speed, is not as per original, it's not an exact copy anyway.....