Era #2033

66gtk · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2017, 08:12 PM

Pretty much an untouched original 1999 ERA build. Just turned a mere 4100 miles. Putting on some new rubber and a complete going over of the car to make sure it's safe and 100% operational. Shouldn't be too difficult as this car works very well as it is. Does anybody here know the original owner?

xb-60 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2017, 08:48 PM

Sure looks good on the outside Troy.
Is it black or dark blue?

Cheers,
Glen

Dimis · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2017, 09:09 PM

That's beautiful.
Very nice pick up.
Congrats!!

1795 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2017, 04:14 AM

Looks nice Troy! What's in it? Does it have the plain FIA interior?

Jim

DanEC · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2017, 04:43 PM

That is a pretty car. Those exhaust pipes sure look low right behind the front wheels though. Any issues getting it in and out of driveways, over speed bumps, etc?

1795 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2017, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanEC

That is a pretty car. Those exhaust pipes sure look low right behind the front wheels though. Any issues getting it in and out of driveways, over speed bumps, etc?

Dan,

I saw that right off too, but wanted to wait for someone else to mention it first. The driver's side looks ok, but the passenger side looks like it is sitting way too low at the header. It cold be the angle of the photo, but I am thinking not.

Have you had any issues with it Troy? It is a fairly easy fix that most competent muffler shops could do. Remove the correct length of pipe and re-weld on a new flange and bolt them back together.

66gtk · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 08:58 AM

Hey guys -

The car is navy blue. The interior is street with carpet, leather, door pockets, etc - BUT it does have the competition dash.

351W (393 stroker), TKO 5 speed. It's a blast!!!

I plan to address the pipe fitment as well as refinish them while I have them out. So far I haven't hit anything with them, but they certainly have made contact in the past based on what I can see underneath (:

DanEC · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 10:13 AM

Troy - if the pipes are uneven from side to side, just for grins before going to a muffler shop you might try parking it on flat ground and put a level on top of the air cleaner and see if maybe the engine is not level from side to side. I know when I put my motor in there was a pretty good range of movement possible before tightening down the motor mount.

66gtk · #9 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 11:55 AM

I believe the pipes are generally even at casual glance. In the photo shown here the right front wheel is downhill of the rear left on a parking ramp "break". Still, it's too low and I will be addressing the situation. I will also try the level on the air cleaner tip. (:

I literally just got this car, and I'm excited to be able to drive it as much as I can before the weather turns bad here in MN, which could be any day now. Once the salt arrives the driving season is over and I can start addressing some of the things I would like to attend to as I take notes while driving.

All the Best,
Troy

cycleguy55 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66gtk

I believe the pipes are generally even at casual glance. In the photo shown here the right front wheel is downhill of the rear left on a parking ramp "break". Still, it's too low and I will be addressing the situation. I will also try the level on the air cleaner tip. (:

Perhaps the photo was taken before you received the car, and perhaps the problem was addressed before you got it. Regardless, the passenger side pipe not only doesn't look level with the ground, it looks like it's not even level with the body.

[quote=66gtk;1431013I literally just got this car, and I'm excited to be able to drive it as much as I can before the weather turns bad here in MN, which could be any day now. Once the salt arrives the driving season is over and I can start addressing some of the things I would like to attend to as I take notes while driving.[/QUOTE]

I hear you. I'm in Saskatchewan (howdy neighbour / neighbor!) and we've had some great autumn weather, but also some mighty chilly temperatures at times. I've had years where the Cobra was out on December 1, and others where it's pretty much tucked away by the end of October. Early morning drives are certainly a rarity, though sunny afternoons can be a real blessing.

66gtk · #11 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 01:28 PM

You guys need to realize what photos can do/can't do when it comes to evaluating proportions, clearances and other things. Here is a driver side profile shot. I'm also including front and left 3/4 shots from a similar spot/perspective (but not identical!)

I took all these photos last weekend. I do not believe that fixing the issue will be difficult. Just have to shorten and rework some pipe.

DanEC · #12 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 04:01 PM

Naw - piece of cake. You've dealt with a lot worse. A 392 stroker huh? Probalby haven't lost much grunt over the FE in you other cars.

Cobalt289 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-03-2017, 09:14 PM

Beautiful FIA Cobra! Congrats!

1795 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-04-2017, 02:45 AM

Troy,

Yes, a piece of cake to fix. FIA's by their nature have the most difficult exhaust to manage ground clearance with. Going underneath the side of the car and exiting prior to the rear wheel does not leave for a lot of ground clearance

I know. When attacking the apex I need to be keenly aware of how high the rumble strip is. Some are fairly level and others get high in a hurry. Those latter ones will minimally dent, if not remove a low hanging exhaust system. I will be racing at Watkins Glen Friday through Sunday and will have some race video posted on my build thread. Watch how the car bounces when I hit the rumble strip at the apex or on the outside edge of a turn.

Can't wait to see the pictures next year and hear what you have done to it over the winter.

Jim