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I guess to un-hijack the OP's question, I think you will have to decide yourself what attributes you are most interested in replicating. The 289 looks light, fast, agile, English-sporty and is the model that has the successful racing heritage. You won't run into another one nearly as often. The 427 is more commonly recognized, American-muscle, more bruitish in appearance and typically performance with a big inch motor, but by the time it appeared it had been eclipsed by newer and better performing platforms in competition. A tough decision but either way you can't go far wrong. |
OP here -
DanEC, you've nailed it. If both cars (the slabside 289 and the 427 street roadster) weren't so gorgeous (in different ways), it would be easier to choose. And I saw tkb289's street FIA in the flesh on Sunday, and that's beautiful too! I figured that ruling out the 427SC look would be the momentous decision - but it still leaves several other great options on the table... Bill |
I've always liked the original 260/289s, but they never did for me what the street 427 does (especially the grille opening with the bumper guards, oval grille protector, and grill splitter). I also never liked the old AC suspension system (transverse leaf springs front and rear) that the original 260/289 Cobras used. Although not an issue on ERA's 289 replicas, there have been replicas made with the original leaf-spring suspension. I find myself doubting that ERA's replica would have the same appeal with the older suspension design, but I could be wrong. Of course, Corvettes use a similar system with "fiberglas" leaf springs, but I digress.
Either way, both the 260/289 and the 427 ERA replicas are fine automobiles. |
Beauty of a street car!
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The only real answer is to have one of each, a slabside & a 427! :LOL: Problem sloved!! :cool:
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The only real answer is to have one of each, a slabside & a 427! :LOL: Problem sloved!! :cool:
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OP here - apologies for reviving the necrothread but I've gotten to a comfortable place on the decision, and the verdict is -- slabside!
Deposit is in and the wait has begun. Rough build plan: - bonded-body option, to be painted before delivery - full street look: undercar exhaust, wires, no rollbar, grille, etc. - SBF, probably 331CID with modern heads and intake - considering buying a shortblock from one of the usual suppliers and completing engine assembly myself - probably TKO transmission Now we'll see how much of the kit lead time I can spend re-reading the assembly manual and making spreadsheets :) - Bill |
Bill:
My wife and I very much enjoy our ERA289 and I know you will also. We did, however, resolve the quandary of which to get (and help insure domestic tranquility) by acquiring an ERAFIA as well... Jim PS: Discuss the rear gear ratio and TKO 5th gear ratio with Doug and Peter at ERA http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...d=9039&thumb=1 http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...d=1978&thumb=1 |
Wow, very handsome cars, Jim! Thanks for the tip on gearing as well - I've started looking at these calcs and internalizing the advice in the manual, but I'll definitely supplement that with a real conversation with the ERA guys.
B |
Bill:
The FIA has a 3:31 rear and 5th is .82. The 289 has a 3.77 rear and 5th is .64. I prefer the TKO with the .82 as the step from 1.00 to .64 in the 289 is much greater and definitely drops the revs down... very much an "overdrive" sensation. http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...d=4485&thumb=1 Two decidedly different driving experiences; the FIA strong motor, wider stickier tires and more progressive gear box. The 289 is mellow with an under car exhaust, narrower tires (and larger steering wheel that makes the car easier to drive for my wife) and with heater, top and side curtains, more of a three season car. Jim |
Bill,
Congrats on making a deposit on an ERA Slab side! Doug and Peter along with owners like Jim can certainly provide you guidance. Peter's basic advice is not to stray too far from the original recipe, so to speak, and ERA has been at this a very long time. For my FIA 'street' car, they recommended the 3.54 rear ratio with the TKO 600 & 0.82 OD. It works well with the 302 (306) motor putting out 365 HP and I am very happy with it. There are a lot of factors to consider, but doing the research and figuring things out is half the fun! - Tim |
Bill,
Several months have gone by. How are things with your Slabside going? I truly enjoy my 289 which I have had for over two years. Peter and Doug are outstanding in their work. John ERA #3010 289 Slabside BRG |
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Bill |
Post pics when available.
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Bill,
Outstanding! Happy New Year, John |
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