Chassis number received!

[patrickt]

Well I'll chime in here... CSCobra, I have the 3.54 rear with the TKO .64 OD and I think it's absolutely perfect (for me, that is). That combination has the first four gears right where you want them for either non-highway street driving, tracking, or "spirited driving" and the .64 OD gives me 2000RPM at 68MPH in fifth. The only thing I use the fifth gear for is pleasant, relaxed highway cruising. You can actually chat with your passenger at 70MPH because the wind noise is louder than the pipes. If I was in fourth gear at 70MPH I would be turning 3300RPM -- that's a big difference. Your trans/rear/tire-size numbers are something you really want to think through and research -- it will make a make a big difference in how much you enjoy your car and changing them after the fact is a PITA. Not impossible mind you, just a PITA, so you might as well do it right the first time.

[RICK LAKE]

ZOERA-SC7XX The top loader is the correct trans for a cobra car.How many people are going to crawl under your car to see what trans is in it?Unless you have a BIG input and Big output trans in your car, It's not the best. The strongest trans for the late 60's early 70's was the Dodge hemi trans. I know from racing and taking out M22's rockcrushers, M21, Ford top loaders, both big and small shafts, For 1/4 mile the Hemi box was the best and strongest at that time. Today, the Richmond superstreet 5 spd is the way to go. Has overdrive, 2.87 first gear, straight gears and is good for 600HP and torque. IMO the design is alot simplier and stronger designed that the TKO 500 or 600. Less shafts and moving parts. Also the shift forks are stronger. Clay has not said what power he is looking for in the car, but with a complete under the car exhaust, 400-425hp limit is about all. I totally agree with the not lugging the motor on the highway at 2,000 rpms unless the motor was built for torque power and not HP. I have lugged my motor at 1,600 rpms, have 65 psi oil pressure to the motor, my 6 spd trans from richmond and 3.31 gears that do it all. IMO this is why tork motors which I build last alot longer between rebuilds than high HP motors. If you want to know what trans is in the car, I just ask the owner or look at the shifter knob. Just like you trying to save Clay money and time on his buildup. Like Pat, been there, done that the hard way. Some people listen and some go deaf and cry later. We don't know how smart, knowledgable,or the garage and tools Clay has. I think the ERA guys do have an excellent idea on what works and doesn't in these cars. The changes I have made to my car are large. Down the road I am looking at out board brakes and lighten the car wieght some more for racing. We are all trying to help Clay and make it easier from start to finish and have many good years of care free driving.Rick L.

[Rickd]

Very good recommendation on the new Richmond Gear "street / strip" tranny. Cost is about the same as a Tremec TKO600, it is, I believe, a better tranny, and it also has a .73 OD that, in my mind, is the perfect "missing link", as with Tremec you're either at a .64 or a .80.

[cscobra]

Thank you, Sam--I'll look through my pictures from that ERA visit and see if I can find your car.

I like your idea about sending it to my painter the way ERA does--gives me more to do that way! I had also planned on painting the frame, etc., myself but I will rethink that, as well. Per our previous conversation last month, Peter had already agreed to drill every aluminum-to-chassis, aluminum-to-aluminum, and body to chassis rivet hole for me so that all I would have to do is rivet--it seems that everything should be located pretty well that way, but I'm willing to reconsider.

I'm afraid the toploader is here to stay since I already have it. I do appreciate the great advice from all of you--your arguments make good sense. I'm looking forward, though, to experiencing the feel of the original as much as I can recreate it. I've enjoyed that same process with my MG for over fifteen years.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Quote: "I'm looking forward, though, to experiencing the feel of the original as much as I can recreate it."
That's what I was looking for in my Cobra and I think I found it with an iron 428 and a toploader. I wasn't into re-inventing the wheel. Good luck

[cscobra]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Quote: "I'm looking forward, though, to experiencing the feel of the original as much as I can recreate it."
That's what I was looking for in my Cobra and I think I found it with an iron 428 and a toploader. I wasn't into re-inventing the wheel. Good luck

Sounds like we have similar preferences. My toploader is definitely cast-iron; I will use an aluminum intake on my otherwise cast-iron FE, though, but that's about it. I think the combination will make a good street Cobra replica.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

I use an Edelbrock Performer RPM w/Holly 750 cfm carb & Comp Cams hyd (270H) cam. Runs nice...not too much HP, lots of torque. Check my gallery. Good luck.

[cscobra]

Your car looks great, especially 718-3. That view, to me, has always shown a 427 Cobra at its best.

Your engine setup sounds perfect--torque is king!

[LodiWino]

Peter called with my chassis number today... #773. CSCOBRA posted his chassis number as 766 on 07-01-08. That's 7 cars in 7 business days. There's no shortage of business at ERA! Going back to see grandkids in Rowaton CT on August 1st and will make time for a visit to ERA to finalize the build spec. Can't wait!

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by cscobra

I heard from Peter today--ERA #766 will be mine.
Life is good.

Congratulations on your ERA! When you get a chance, please share some of the details/plans that you have for your car. What are you planning on for a power plant? Have you selected a painter, colors yet?

ERA #753 will be delivered to me on Friday of this week. I'll be doing the installation of the drivetrain and associated electrical work/plumbing.

- Fred

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by fkemmerer

ERA #753 will be delivered to me on Friday of this week.

- Fred

I'm sure you are excited! How long do you think it will take for you to get it on the road?

Ray

[M164285]

We are going with a vintage 1966 FE 428 with a top loader. Colors will be Guardsman Blue with White stripes.

[cscobra]

Here's to resurrecting an old thread . . . .

Intercity Lines picked up #766 at ERA this morning. I should have my kit next week.

It's been a long year since my second deposit, and almost two years since my initial deposit. From the forum, though, it looks as though ERA has been busy with lots of turn-key business as well as developing the beautiful new slabside.

But, everything is ready for it!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cscobra

Here's to resurrecting an old thread . . . .

Intercity Lines picked up #766 at ERA this morning. I should have my kit next week.

It's been a long year since my second deposit, and almost two years since my initial deposit. From the forum, though, it looks as though ERA has been busy with lots of turn-key business as well as developing the beautiful new slabside.

But, everything is ready for it!

Hurray! If you have the presence of mind to do so, please take photos of it being delivered/unloaded from the truck and post a few for us.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by cscobra

Here's to resurrecting an old thread . . . .

Intercity Lines picked up #766 at ERA this morning. I should have my kit next week.

It's been a long year since my second deposit, and almost two years since my initial deposit. From the forum, though, it looks as though ERA has been busy with lots of turn-key business as well as developing the beautiful new slabside.

But, everything is ready for it!

What stage of construction is it in (as delivered)? I ask because most ERA customers are turn key or rollers.

[DanEC]

Wow, when I started reading this thread I thought it started this summer and couldn't figure out how I missed reading it. I guess things are slowing down a little as I put my deposit down about 45 days ago and requested a Feb delivery date - which Peter said would work out about right.

Sounds like I'm planning to build a near duplicate to your street car and have gone through the same process of planning to do the frame painting and bonding myself and morphing towards letting ERA do at keast the powder coating and maybe the bonding.

I have a question on your Vintage wheels. I asked Peter if using 7-1/2 inch wheels all around to more duplicate the look of the street car would work. He was kind of negative about it but I haven't given up on the idea. Are you using the exact same wheel with the same backspace for both the front and rear?

Also, are you using ERA's undercar exhaust sysem?

Good luck with your car. It sounds like it will turn out very nice.

Dan

[cscobra]

Mine is a true kit. I was going to paint the chassis myself, but that's already been done (still unclear whether painted or powder-coated--either way, it was discounted somewhat since I didn't ask for it). ERA has already drilled all rivet holes for me, just as if they were permanently installing the body and aluminum panels, and they've included the necessary rivets, sealant, etc. Everything already fits well, so they've made it relatively easy for me to duplicate their effort.

I will disassemble the car completely. When I take it to be painted, it will consist solely of the frame and the sealed/riveted body (only--no aluminum panels, etc.) as a single unit mounted on the ERA casters.

To review, this car is the street model, with no rollover bar, no hood scoop, and no stripes. Exhaust will be the undercar type, dash is street type with Smith's instruments. Engine is a 381 hp, 429 lb-ft FE 390 V8 (already dyno'd) with a wide-ratio toploader and 3.31 Jaguar XJ-6 rear end with inboard brakes (I've essentially finished rebuilding the rear end). Vintage GT40 5-pin wheels are 15 x 7.5" front and rear, same offset also, with Goodyear Eagle GT II tires 235/60R-15 at all four corners.

Should be fun!

[428street]

cscobra:

I have a street car from ERA as well, I just updated the pics about a week ago. If there is anything I can help you with let me know. I'm no expert but I have put a lot of time into the car and have done a ton of research on correct stuff...as most will say, I'm over board with it but it's fun for me...anyways, reach out to me if you have any questions. Good luck with the car and post pics as much as you can.

[cscobra]

Regarding the same size wheels front and rear--this will duplicate the look and feel of the original street models, but I wouldn't do it if I had anything over 400 hp. The original street Cobras with 428 V8s were advertised at 375 hp (most of the time) using the old SAE gross horsepower ratings (probably closer to 320 hp net). But I've also seen original road test pictures of 427 Cobra street models with the same size Sunburst wheels (also 15 x 7.5") front and rear with the same tire size for all four corners. They were advertised at 425 hp (probably underrated for a 427!).

I discussed this several times with Peter et al during my wait. I didn't hear of any potential problems, and in fact they seemed rather enthusiastic about it since so few replicas are built as true street models.

Every choice I have made for the car has been weighted toward simplicity, reliability, and durability. With 381 hp on tap from a low-stressed 390 and a car weighing at most 2600 lbs, I think the power will take care of itself. (I'll admit that I did opt for a Blue Thunder medium riser intake manifold in aluminum. The look duplicates that of the Ford manifold right down to the embossed FE firing order on the left front runner).

[DanEC]

Let us know how the bonding and rivit work go as I'm still leaning towards doing this part myself too. Although I've pretty well decided to have them powdercoat the frame.

I would also be interested to see how the 7-/2 inch wheels look on the rear when you get them on.

Good luck with your project.

Dan