Era 289 Fia

[NeedAntiVenom]

New to the forum so I hope you will all bear with me...

I'm considering buying an new ERA 289/FIA Cobra as a street only car and was hoping I might get some feedback from those who own them (or other ERA's).

Getting a chance to drive one prior to purchase appears slim - what is the handling like, particularly as it approaches it limits?

My wife will also drive it - she learned to drive on a big block Camaro - since then Fiats, Stealths, MR2s and rides horses and dirt bikes - not a sissy. For me, my first car was a modified GTO Ram Air IV ~425HP, since then small block Charger, Celica and my current weekender - an 89 supercharged MR2 - at 2400 Lbs and 145 HP the power is a snoozer. To make it a reasonable weekend/daily driver, a 302 at around 300-325 HP seems about right - too much? too little?

I don't have a local engine builder, and was considering a Southern Automotive 302 - does anyone have additional suggestions for motor or builder?

Tremec trans? T10?

After looking at all of the Cobra manufacturers for months, ERA was the only one I called - none of the others really impressed me the same way - some were just plain spooky. In looking at the other kits it seemed the difference between good and exceptional was not that big a difference in price. Given what I'm looking for (daily/weekend driver) should I be considering another manufacturer?

Thanks in advance for any input you have - hope you all have a GREAT Thanksgiving.

Jim