ERA Assembly Milestones

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

In reading cscobra's posting, he stated that he just received his chassis number, although from his explanation, it sounds like his build was well along.

I guess I was under the impression that the chassis number was assigned early in the build.

So when is the chassis number assigned?

One thing I was trying to do was to put together a sort of 'major milestone" listing of the events of bringing an ERA cobra to life. I'd appreciate your comments. Where does the chassis number fit into this milestone listing?

Since I'm doing a turnkey, lets assume start to complete car. Peter estimated 12 months for mine.

First deposit - day one

Into ERA database - day 90

start production - day 120

not related to ERA but start build of engine, day ?

(How long should it take a builder to build an engine, on average, assuming normal workload in his shop?)(When does the engine need to be at ERA?)

Body and frame bonded - day ?

shipped to painter - day 210

painter takes from 45 to 90 days, assume worst case 90 days

return to ERA - day 300

ERA starts final assembly - day ?

Car complete - day 365.

retrieve car - day 380

inspection and registration in NJ - day 410

on road - day 411

I tried to assemble this timetable based on reading numerous threads here, and thought a discussion on this would not only help me, but others as well that are in the process or will be joining the "ERA List".

Ray

Ray,

It does take ERA some time to build a car but I think that the wait is well worth it. I did quite a bit of research before I started my cobra with ERA and I concluded the following:

1) ERA builds one of the most accurate replicas to be had
2) The quality of their cars is excellent
3) If you want a big block car, they are the way to go as they probably do as many big block cars as any manufacturer

The following is a thread on my car which is nearing delivery from ERA.

ERA 753 - Final Assembly in Progress

I've been at it for about 18 months now (some of this time was my fault because I changed the game plan on ERA part way through the project and I also did alot of custom one-off stuff that slowed them down). I am very happy with my ERA and would gladly wait the time again for the quality of the car I am getting. I hope this helps.

- Fred

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by fkemmerer

Ray,

It does take ERA some time to build a car but I think that the wait is well worth it. I did quite a bit of research before I started my cobra with ERA and I concluded the following:

1) ERA builds one of the most accurate replicas to be had
2) The quality of their cars is excellent
3) If you want a big block car, they are the way to go as they probably do as many big block cars as any manufacturer

The following is a thread on my car which is nearing delivery from ERA.

ERA 753 - Final Assembly in Progress

I've been at it for about 18 months now (some of this time was my fault because I changed the game plan on ERA part way through the project and I also did alot of custom one-off stuff that slowed them down). I am very happy with my ERA and would gladly wait the time again for the quality of the car I am getting. I hope this helps.

- Fred

Fred, I've been reading all your posts with great interest, no doubt in part to seeing your car at ERA first hand. It's a great looking car, and I can't wait to see the details on how you finish it up.

It's also great that everyone here shares so much of their experiences; I've learned so much from everyone here, and it's great that everyone is so willing to provide guidance.

I really do feel that I've made the right decision to go with ERA, even with the wait...

Ray

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Fred, I've been reading all your posts with great interest, no doubt in part to seeing your car at ERA first hand. It's a great looking car, and I can't wait to see the details on how you finish it up.

It's also great that everyone here shares so much of their experiences; I've learned so much from everyone here, and it's great that everyone is so willing to provide guidance.

I really do feel that I've made the right decision to go with ERA, even with the wait...

Ray

Ray,

Thanks for the kind words. How will you build your ERA? Have you decided upon the engine/trans combo and options yet?

- Fred

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by fkemmerer

Ray,

Thanks for the kind words. How will you build your ERA? Have you decided upon the engine/trans combo and options yet?

- Fred

Hi Fred,

I'm getting a turnkey; would love to build one, but realistically wouldn't be able to get it done for several years, and would much rather put in the time driving it.

Haven't fully settled on the painter yet, but have talked to all three. My thought is to talk to them all again once ERA starts to build my car, and make a decision then.

Decided to go with the engine I had first talked about, a 428 with dual carbs and stroker crank. Won't be over the top as I want a street car, no racing planned. As Rick knows, I've already started to look for a suitable 427SO for a possible swap in the future. That's still up in the air though.

Options, options, options... Seems that every time I look, I find something else and end up adding it! There doesn't seem to be any one consistent list of actual options, but I guess that's part of the challenge. I did go with the bigger brakes up front and the outboard brakes in the rear. From what I've read here, it seems that everyone kind of finalizes their options at the start of the build?

Thanks for asking, and keep your suggestions coming, as they are really appreciated.

Ray

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Hi Fred,

I'm getting a turnkey; would love to build one, but realistically wouldn't be able to get it done for several years, and would much rather put in the time driving it.

Haven't fully settled on the painter yet, but have talked to all three. My thought is to talk to them all again once ERA starts to build my car, and make a decision then.

Decided to go with the engine I had first talked about, a 428 with dual carbs and stroker crank. Won't be over the top as I want a street car, no racing planned. As Rick knows, I've already started to look for a suitable 427SO for a possible swap in the future. That's still up in the air though.

Options, options, options... Seems that every time I look, I find something else and end up adding it! There doesn't seem to be any one consistent list of actual options, but I guess that's part of the challenge. I did go with the bigger brakes up front and the outboard brakes in the rear. From what I've read here, it seems that everyone kind of finalizes their options at the start of the build?

Thanks for asking, and keep your suggestions coming, as they are really appreciated.

Ray

Hi Ray,

I thin kthe 428 with dual carbs is a smart choice for the street. It will have better low-end torque most likely than the 427 would. You mention that you're thinking about a stroker crank. What is the final displacement that you are shooting for?

- Fred