ERA Options

bcrumpley · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 09:25 PM

I'm hoping to put my order in with ERA pretty soon for a 427 kit. I've been going through all the options (over & over!) and think that I have a handle on what I want, but I would appreciate input from those that have already built an ERA Cobra. What would you do differently as far as options and work done by ERA?

TIA,
Bobby

mr0077 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 09:48 PM

Only one thing...I used Aldan Eagle coil-over shocks; doing it again, I would use the Spax recommend by ERA. I had them bond the body to the frame, bought all the parts I needed, and got the running gear done and dynoed during the wait...after the paint it only took 45 days to get it licensed and titled.

bcrumpley · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 09:53 PM

Thanks Ken. I see that you're in Houston. Would it be possible to see your car sometime?

cobred · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 10:30 PM

Get any options you think you may want because they will install them at ERA.
This way even if you dissassemble it you can see how it goes first hand. When you get a part from ERA the part fits perfect, is top quality and comes complete with all the hardware.
Get the headers and side pipes and have them jig them up and weld the tabs, its worth it.
Have them powercoat the frame and bond the body, also worth the money.
Think about buying the rear susp. comeplete from them, stock jag. or their custom set-up. I bought a core from ERA and all the parts and rebuilt it myself but I have about $2900 into it.
Its a pretty easy car to build and a great car when its done.

Tongue Pirate · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 10:36 PM

Bond body to the frame!
Steering column
PinDrive accessories
optional rear
gear ratio
steering rack
brake parts(hubs,calipers,etc...)
steering wheel(leather or wood)
coil overs
powdercoat frame
driveline
wheels
top
mirrors
visors
sidepipes & primaries
heater
wipers
fluid canisters

There were so many options to choose from & at times it got a bit confusing but just keep going over the ERA site & asking questions. We're (ERA Dudes) always happy to answer questions

ERA 626 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 10:45 PM

Get the upgraded rear end with hardend stub axles and upgraded brakes.
Have ERA do as much of the assembly as you can (they are good at it)

mr0077 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 11:16 PM

Bobby, Oops! I just moved in May, I'm now in Las Vegas, but you ought to go to the Houston Cobra Club on Yahoo (you'll need to get approved but Dennis is easy) and go here for some info on the Houston guys.
http://www.rokfordesign.com/hcc/
BTW, they're planning a picnic this Saturday at one of the parks in the Houston area...Rick Hallet won't be there, but he has an ERA he would love to show off. One of the Houston guys will jump on here and give you directions.

bcrumpley · #8 (**permalink**) 06-01-2005, 11:25 PM

Thanks Ken. I joined the Houston club on Yahoo, but unfortunately won't be able to make the picnic on Saturay due to my son's graduation party. I have seen Rick's posts on here, I guess I'll try to get in touch with him and see if I can look at his car sometime.

Thanks,
Bobby

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 12:20 AM

Soft Top, fitted to the car. Looks like a nightmare trying to do it yourself.

bcrumpley · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 12:38 AM

Keep it coming, boys. Most of what you are suggesting is on my list and I guess that it's stuff that I've learned through osmosis by lurking here off and on for the last few years.

What about wool carpet? Any opinions?

TampaFla · #11 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 01:43 AM

Definitely powder coat & bond body to frame. Jag rear. Headers & side pipes. Front Sway bar. Leather seats. Paint (unless you can do it yourself but adds a month to the delivery time). Big brakes (and wheels and tires makes it easier to ship). Windshield wipers, heater? (don't need it here & you may not either). Steering column and wheel (and center cap). Rack & pinion. Jack. Wool carpets fade (at least in Fla). Seat belts. Top (if you get it painted by ERA, may as well have them install the top).

That should get you well on the way. I went with the 289, so opted not to go with Halibrands (not original). The 427 however used them, so that's an "option" to consider also.

chuckbrandt · #12 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 02:27 AM

I would recommend the ERA rear suspension and upgraded front brakes.

Definitely get the heavy duty fan if you aren't going to run the front fans.

Bond Body, and Assemble to Roller, Powder Coat Frame were really good options in my opinion.

PM me if you are considering undercar exhaust.

Chuck

RICK LAKE · #13 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 04:55 AM

bcrumpley OK Bob First you need and ERA shirt and Hat. You let Doug and the boys do as much as possible unless you are a good mechanic. Options, some are already given. You didnot say what motor you are running or gears. Get a 5or 6 speed trans for the car unless you are racing all the time. 17" rims and tires. Chromeploy stub shafts for the rear. Appleton assist P/S. If you workout and have 20" biceps you may want to look into this. Let Tony's body shop do the car. NOBODY does it better than him. As for color they are running short on red and blue

you may like some other colors

. Take your time doing this. The outboard brake system would be the only other option I would look at. Panel kit for the trunk is nice. Location of the battery? behind the seat or in the trunk. Extra heat mats on the tunnel and the floor of the car. Heater is nice in the morning. LO-JAC A MUST. Battery cutoff switch. Nice weather, you are all set. One problem ERA has not figured how to get the smile off your face after the drive.

Plastic surgeon is the ownly hope

Welcome to the club and the family. Rick Lake #428

Tongue Pirate · #14 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 07:51 AM

Also, If you do decide to do the assembly you can email me with questions, I have done a lot of it myself as well as the bodywork. I let them powdercoat & bond the body to the frame(Seems a no brainer!!!) & had them assemble the ERA optional rear also(not something I want to be puuling apart in my spare time to fix my mistakes)

Turk · #15 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 08:52 AM

Upgraded rear end,
Bonding the body to the chassis,
Headers and side pipes with the cutouts already done.

Tongue Pirate · #16 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 09:57 AM

One thing for sure! YOu want action don't do it the Turk way! I think they held up his car a couple extra months at ERA just cause' he wouldn't stop pestering them!

chuckbrandt · #17 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 10:04 AM

I think Turk, with his abundant personality, is the ideal ERA customer.

Quiet guys like me, it's "Chuck who?".

Be a sqeaking wheel is my advice (Sorry Peter, Bob).

Chuck

Tongue Pirate · #18 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 10:18 AM

YOu're probably right Chuck! I'm kinda the same way!

ERA Chas · #19 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 10:23 AM

Any or all of the above - plus 5 point, 3" harnesses and possibly an electric fuel pump in the trunk. Doug or Rich can do it if you want.
Best figure how you want to use the car before you decide on the build-up.
Best of luck, you WILL enjoy.

sexzsn8k · #20 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 02:03 PM

Rick Lake, I've tried to find the shirt and hat for 3 years now. How do I get one ?