What would you get?

[patrickt]

You'll want these. I got them all and I'm glad I did. The only option that you probably don't want is wool carpeting -- it will smell if it gets wet, and moths will eat it. Do get the leather, of course. I won't list anything on the engine or trans., but here's some thoughts on the other stuff:

Outboard braked rear -- this will require an upgrade to the fronts as well. If you're driving mostly on the street you'll want to Doug to use the softer Hawk pads up front otherwise the squeal will annoy you. The avoided nuisance of having to screw with inboard Jag brakes is worth the extra grand or so that it costs.

Quick Release Steering Hub -- not only does it let you adjust the steering wheel, it also makes it easier working under the dash should you need to do that, and eventually you will. Plus, you can really scare the s--- out of your passengers by pulling it off whilst driving and then screaming at the top of your lungs while you hold the wheel out in feigned terror.

Pin Drives -- this is not even up for discussion. Request the stainless steel spinners as well.

Front & Rear Sway Bars -- These do not cost much and provide a worthwhile improvement for your handling.

Original Style Brake Reservoirs -- I love the way they look, but tell Doug not to use the pinch clamps on the rubber hoses. One of mine started leaking, and when I replaced that one, the other five joined in.

Pusher Fans, HD radiator fan, and extra wheel-well venting. You'd be surprised at the heat an FE throws off. Speaking of that, get a heater.

Tripod Lights -- they go with the theme that you set with the reservoirs.

Smiths Gauges -- Coolness factor, and they're reasonably accurate. Passengers always like it when I have to rap my knuckles on one of my Smiths before it will start to work. You know, just like the old WWII bomber movies.

Soft Top & Side Curtains -- You want this done; you don't want to have to do it yourself.

Metal Reflectors -- these things go in the trunk around your brake and tail lights to prevent towels and paper from catching on fire on the hot bulbs.

Hope this helps.

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You'll want these. I got them all and I'm glad I did. The only option that you probably don't want is wool carpeting -- it will smell if it gets wet, and moths will eat it. Do get the leather, of course. I won't list anything on the engine or trans., but here's some thoughts on the other stuff:

Outboard braked rear -- this will require an upgrade to the fronts as well. If you're driving mostly on the street you'll want to Doug to use the softer Hawk pads up front otherwise the squeal will annoy you. The avoided nuisance of having to screw with inboard Jag brakes is worth the extra grand or so that it costs.

Quick Release Steering Hub -- not only does it let you adjust the steering wheel, it also makes it easier working under the dash should you need to do that, and eventually you will. Plus, you can really scare the s--- out of your passengers by pulling it off whilst driving and then screaming at the top of your lungs while you hold the wheel out in feigned terror.

Pin Drives -- this is not even up for discussion. Request the stainless steel spinners as well.

Front & Rear Sway Bars -- These do not cost much and provide a worthwhile improvement for your handling.

Original Style Brake Reservoirs -- I love the way they look, but tell Doug not to use the pinch clamps on the rubber hoses. One of mine started leaking, and when I replaced that one, the other five joined in.

Pusher Fans, HD radiator fan, and extra wheel-well venting. You'd be surprised at the heat an FE throws off. Speaking of that, get a heater.

Tripod Lights -- they go with the theme that you set with the reservoirs.

Smiths Gauges -- Coolness factor, and they're reasonably accurate. Passengers always like it when I have to rap my knuckles on one of my Smiths before it will start to work. You know, just like the old WWII bomber movies.

Soft Top & Side Curtains -- You want this done; you don't want to have to do it yourself.

Metal Reflectors -- these things go in the trunk around your brake and tail lights to prevent towels and paper from catching on fire on the hot bulbs.

Hope this helps.

Excellent tips and just what I was looking for! Thank you so very much for the help!

Ray

[Rickd]

ERA has two distinct rear suspension offerings - both are Jag based IRS with positraction. The "standard" rear is the Jag rear with inboard brakes. More problematic to change pads and don't get cooled as efficiently. ERA then offers their custom racing rear suspension in which oversized brakes are mounted outboard, and all components are mounted in an aluminum sub frame. An absolute work of art. You will generally combine this option with oversized front brakes as well.

I recommend the 5 speed transmission, go with either a 5 speed Tremec TKO 600 or check out the new Richmond Gear Street Strip 5 speed. The Tremec has either a .64 or a .82 OD 5th gear, and the Richmond Gear offers a very nice compromise between these two - something like a .73. The Tremec .64 is great for the 85 mph turnpike driving, but not used very effectively for 60 mph and under driving.

The 427 street seats that ERA builds are the finest in the business, and comfortable. Once you have the ERA rear suspension, street seats, and a good 5 speed transmission, it then becomes motor and stripes or no stripes!! I went with 5 pin knock off wheels from Vintage (in the event I want to get a set of racing tires I can take off the adapters and use bolt ons for track). I have a 289 FIA car and the side exhausts are actually under the car and exit in front of the rear wheels. I had another brand for 2 years and then upgraded to the ERA. Great engineering, great people, tremendous quality.
Have fun and congratulations.

Rick

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Rickd

The Tremec has either a .64 or a .82 OD 5th gear....The Tremec .64 is great for the 85 mph turnpike driving, but not used very effectively for 60 mph and under driving.

A search on this issue will show about a 3 to 1 preference for the .82 gear. BUT, I will tell you that if you have a 3.54 or numerically higher rear, and an FE that has some manners in the 2000-2200 range (not meaning that's its power range, rather it will just run without hiccuping at that speed) then having the .64 is a joy. I can cruise at 70MPH doing 2000RPM and actually have a conversation with my passenger. In fact, the wind noise is louder than the pipes. That's all 5th is good for, although my other four gears take me happily to 140.

[Rickd]

Timb. If you have any "289 specific" questions, I would be happy to discuss them with you. Send me a pm or an email. I had a previous car, a Unique 289 FIA that I bought used, and had the opportunity to drive an ERA and visit the factory. I sold my Unique and bought a brand new turn key ERA 289 FIA. The car is a genuine jewell. Have fun!!! Rick

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by Rickd

Timb. If you have any "289 specific" questions, I would be happy to discuss them with you. Send me a pm or an email. I had a previous car, a Unique 289 FIA that I bought used, and had the opportunity to drive an ERA and visit the factory. I sold my Unique and bought a brand new turn key ERA 289 FIA. The car is a genuine jewell. Have fun!!! Rick

Rick,

Thanks! Great idea ... sending an email.

- Tim B.