Getting Ready For ERA Build ... Suggestions ?

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

You don't need big HP with this car. A 289/302 with medium (350ish) HP will do very well and will be very driveable. Buy the heater/defroster unit and the large (16 inch) steering wheel. Trans is your choice (O.D. or not). I find the old style Jag rear is fine, but the exhaust should exit in front of the rear wheels. Torque Thrust wheels are nice and the color should be whatever you like. Good luck with your build.

I am with you ... going for the complete heater / defroster, it will come in handy. I might have to go with the smaller steering wheel, space is an issue for me. I'll do some more research on the rear suspension, both are probably equally good choices for me.

Color ... black is on the list (know it's your favorite) ... but probably a deep blue or dark BRG or ??? ... I have a bit to go on this decision ...

- Tim

[Dangerous Doug]

Tim,
You already know most of my advise:

Powder-coat and bonded body option
Have ERA install the front suspension (which, as a roller the point is moot...)
SINGLE HOOP ROLL BAR (I know... I know...)
Ford Crate 302
TKO-600 with 0.82 (I have 3.54---lots of giddyup, and good cruising speed)
ERA rear with outboard brakes
15" tires the right size are getting harder to find, Firestone Firehawks worked for me
I like the look of the bumper overriders (think that's what they call them, chrome bumpers instead of quick jacks---though, I like my quick jacks....)
You won't need an oil cooler in CA. I'm working on a panel to close off the lower portion of the intake (splits oil cooler inlet and radiator inlet) I'll show you what I am doing in about a week.
It's cheaper to have them do the paint with their vendor in CT. Painted roller is smart. That'll save you enough to plunk down the $2k for the TKO.

Oh, buy your TKO-600, clutch stuff from Mike Fortes. Use a Quicktime bellhousing, not the Lakewood. I can help you set up your hydraulic throwout bearing.

The most important decision, though, has already been made, and you chose well. ERA.

It's all good.
DD

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Tim,
You already know most of my advise:

Powder-coat and bonded body option
Have ERA install the front suspension (which, as a roller the point is moot...)
SINGLE HOOP ROLL BAR (I know... I know...)
Ford Crate 302
TKO-600 with 0.82 (I have 3.54---lots of giddyup, and good cruising speed)
ERA rear with outboard brakes
15" tires the right size are getting harder to find, Firestone Firehawks worked for me
I like the look of the bumper overriders (think that's what they call them, chrome bumpers instead of quick jacks---though, I like my quick jacks....)
You won't need an oil cooler in CA. I'm working on a panel to close off the lower portion of the intake (splits oil cooler inlet and radiator inlet) I'll show you what I am doing in about a week.
It's cheaper to have them do the paint with their vendor in CT. Painted roller is smart. That'll save you enough to plunk down the $2k for the TKO.

Oh, buy your TKO-600, clutch stuff from Mike Fortes. Use a Quicktime bellhousing, not the Lakewood. I can help you set up your hydraulic throwout bearing.

The most important decision, though, has already been made, and you chose well. ERA.

It's all good.
DD

Doug,

Thanks as always for the info ... it's great to have an example so close!

I'll have to take a look what the differences are between the 3.31 and 0.82 that was suggested, vs the setup you have with 3.54 and 0.82. They don't sound that dissimilar.

At this point, I will skip the oil cooler, but will probably leave the opening there, I like the way it looks.

Have fun with your car!

- Tim

[xracerbob]

Agree with most of the above but there is no need for a Tremec TKO. With a light car and a small block, a T-5 would be fine. They are 30 lb lighter, less expensive, shift better and have less parasitic drag. I had one built for my big block car and so far, so good.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by xracerbob

Agree with most of the above but there is no need for a Tremec TKO. With a light car and a small block, a T-5 would be fine. They are 30 lb lighter, less expensive, shift better and have less parasitic drag. I had one built for my big block car and so far, so good.

Good point on the transmission ... since I am running a small block, I can go with a less heavy duty unit. The TKO may still be the way to go, but shifter 'feel' is a consideration for me, so ...time for more homework!

- Tim

[RodKnock]

Tim, in my opinion, color choice is the most difficult and vexing part of the build and one of the major reasons I decided to go with the aluminum body. I avoided it like the plague, because I knew I would vacillate forever, and then I would kick myself for not choosing whatever the other choice may have been. Having said that, although pics can be deceiving, that blue Cobra in the pic that Doug posted from a trip to Canepa looks awesome.

Truly, I wish you the best of luck with your build.

[RodKnock]

As for the engine, there are forum vendors that have been discussed here at length. My engine was built by a forum vendor (FE Specialties). However, while I have no affiliation with them, I've heard many good things about Smeding Performance in Sacramento, at least about their small block Ford offerings, and their prices seem very reasonable. I've always liked the local angle. Sacramento is only 90 +/- minutes away. They've been written up in a few magazines. I would check them out along with the vendors represented here on this forum.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

As for the engine, there are forum vendors that have been discussed here at length. My engine was built by a forum vendor (FE Specialties). However, while I have no affiliation with them, I've heard many good things about Smeding Performance in Sacramento, at least about their small block Ford offerings, and their prices seem very reasonable. I've always liked the local angle. Sacramento is only 90 +/- minutes away. They've been written up in a few magazines. I would check them out along with the vendors represented here on this forum.

Rodney,

Color is big decision ... but I'll probably narrow it down to (2) or (3) and let it percolate for a while. For the motor, I'll most likely go with a forum vendor, as they know the cars, and to be active on this board, they are most likely pretty reputable. The local angle is a consideration, but since the car will be built 3,000 miles from here, I would be OK with a motor vendor that is far away as well. Whatever I get, I will definitely want it run in on a dyno, so I will know it will run once it's installed.

Thanks for the good wishes, will keep you posted, Hope to talk with ERA later this week and get some estimate on when things will happen.

- Tim

[RAO-3]

What I did to help me decide the color once I had it narrowed down was to paint up a panel with each color on it, large enough that I could get a good 'feel' for the color. I would then look at the colors every few days and slowly was able to narrow down my choice even further to where I finally arrived at my choice of colors.

Also keep in mind that some colors look better on big cars (trucks) and other colors look better on small cars. I also went to shopping mall parking lots to look at colors.

Good luck, it's a fun journey.

Ray

[FUNFER2]

Tim- The ERA is a great high quality Cobra. You'll have a blast.
You have email and a PM.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Tim- The ERA is a great high quality Cobra. You'll have a blast.
You have email and a PM.

Sent you email and PM .. thanks!

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

What I did to help me decide the color once I had it narrowed down was to paint up a panel with each color on it, large enough that I could get a good 'feel' for the color. I would then look at the colors every few days and slowly was able to narrow down my choice even further to where I finally arrived at my choice of colors.

Also keep in mind that some colors look better on big cars (trucks) and other colors look better on small cars. I also went to shopping mall parking lots to look at colors.

Good luck, it's a fun journey.

Ray

Ray,

Good thoughts ... see you have an ERA on the way ... choose the color yet ?

- Tim

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Ray,

Good thoughts ... see you have an ERA on the way ... choose the color yet ?

- Tim

Hi Tim,

Tony is just now finishing up the paint. I had originally planned to go with blue with silver stripes, then decided that I wanted something different as there are so many blue cars out there. But I found myself comparing every other color I picked out to blue and silver, so finally decided to go with that. BTW you will find there are loads of shades of each color so be sure to investigate different combinations as well. Just be careful if you go with metallic paints, as chip size can be a consideration too.

(Remember I said it was fun - not easy!)

I'll be taking a trip up to see Peter in the next few weeks to go over the build, and will take pictures of #775, and the other cars he has there.

The journey has been an exciting one thus far...

Ray

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Tim. Live dangerously. Tell Peter to surprise you with the color.

[WarrenG]

Engine: I had a 1965 289 stroked to 331 giving me 390 HP and 360 ft-lbs, more than enough for this car.

Trans: I went with the TKO 600, .064 with a 3.54 rear. No problems shifting, smooth as glass. I'd check out the .082 with a 3.31 if you plan any highway driving although I've been happy with the combo I have.

I've driven both the original ERA "Jag" suspension and the new ERA custom one. Personally, I prefer the newer outboard brakes suspension.

Color: I went to several dealers at different times of the day to view colors and see what they looked like in different lighting conditions.

Oil Cooler: not really necessary, but looks cool. Doesn't have to be hooked up.

Roll Bar: I like the single hoop FIA bar, but if you want protection for the passenger, there are several historical pictures of 289's with full width roll bars and IMHO they look alot better than "dual paperclips."

Dash: I personally prefer the "dropped dash." Obviously, that's why I got it.

Wheels: Pin drives, only way to go.

All that said, take all the suggestions with a grain of salt and make it yours!

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Engine: I had a 1965 289 stroked to 331 giving me 390 HP and 360 ft-lbs, more than enough for this car.

Trans: I went with the TKO 600, .064 with a 3.54 rear. No problems shifting, smooth as glass. I'd check out the .082 with a 3.31 if you plan any highway driving although I've been happy with the combo I have.

I've driven both the original ERA "Jag" suspension and the new ERA custom one. Personally, I prefer the newer outboard brakes suspension.

Color: I went to several dealers at different times of the day to view colors and see what they looked like in different lighting conditions.

Oil Cooler: not really necessary, but looks cool. Doesn't have to be hooked up.

Roll Bar: I like the single hoop FIA bar, but if you want protection for the passenger, there are several historical pictures of 289's with full width roll bars and IMHO they look alot better than "dual paperclips."

Dash: I personally prefer the "dropped dash." Obviously, that's why I got it.

Wheels: Pin drives, only way to go.

All that said, take all the suggestions with a grain of salt and make it yours!

Great advice and info ... sounds like a very similar recipe to what I am considering. Sent you a PM.

Regards,

- Tim

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Roll Bar: ... but if you want protection for the passenger, there are several historical pictures of 289's with full width roll bars...

I would love to see these... any references to photos online?

Thanks!

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by PDUB

I would love to see these... any references to photos online?

Thanks!

Don't know about on-line, however Dave Friedman has photos of examples of these in his "Cobra, The Shelby American Original Archives 1962-1965," pages 104, 113, 155 and Rinsey Mills in his "Essential AC Cobra" book on pages 32-42. They are not pretty, but functional and "original." If I was to use that style, I'd probably round off the corners for appearance.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Tim. Live dangerously. Tell Peter to surprise you with the color.

Now that's a novel idea ... just might work if 'Danger' was my middle name !

[FrankJohnson69]

"Dual paperclips"..... perfect.