Meatball thread

[Mongoose930]

Hi Bill,

This is strictly my opinion but I have been addicted to Cobras for over 40 years and over the last 25+ years, I have visited several Cobra manufacturing facilities and attended several Run & Gun and SAAC events.

If you already know that you want an FE in your Cobra, that leads me to believe that over time, you will continue to want to make your car as accurate as possible. My first Cobra was a Contemporary which I had always thought was a very accurate replica. Once you have an eye for what the original cars look like, you quickly realize that a Contemporary Cobra is really not that accurate. The SPF body was splashed off of the Contemporary body so that would probably make it even less accurate compared to an original. Not to say that the Contemporary or SPF aren’t beautiful cars but that does not mean they are accurate when compared to an original Cobra.

If you are not going to purchase a Shelby, Kirkham, Hi-Tech or Exact, then I would suggest giving ERA serious consideration. They may have a square tube frame (as does the SPF) but beyond that, ERA makes an extremely accurate and well-built replica.
I eventually sold my Contemporary and am currently building a Hi-Tech but I truly believe that had I initially purchased an ERA Cobra, I would still have it today.

Good luck with your decision and in the end, you really can’t go wrong with either the ERA or SPF Cobras.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

I would take the money I saved and dump it into an aluminum FE block. Pond actually makes a cast iron block that I would like to understand more about but that is another story. I would talk to a builder about the engine but the goal would be 500++ HP, lots of grunt not to peaky of a powerband with room to grow. So in a couple years if I get regrets on the power I can bump the cam and intake and step it up.

Assuming you are in Detroit, Barry Rabotnik, of Survival Motorsports, is just a half hour up the road in Township. He is an FE engine expert. Call him up, spend some time with him, and you'll end up having him build you exactly what you want. You may very well find that a seasoned iron block is what you want, not a Pond.

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

... there is a Superformance dealer nearby. I am going to inspect a rolling chassis today, Tuesday. They said they will put it on a lift for me so I can see how the car is made. I got an engine install guide for a Superformance and is relatively easy. Pretty straight forward, really. What appeals to me is I could have a running car by spring and know the chassis is sound. An ERA built by someone could be great or not so great. At least with a used Superformance, I know where the chassis was built.

You're not going to get what you want from ERA by spring. But, if you can bear the wait, what you get from ERA will not just be close to what you want, it will be 100% EXACTLY what you want, and the engineering will be superior to all other Cobras, and on a par with Kirkham. Do yourself a favor, hop a plane to CT and tour their facilities. Or, if you can't wait, get an SPF next week. And if you're lucky, you'll never realize what might have been....

[DanEC]

I guess it is fair to venture that you could stumble on a poorly assembled ERA somehow, although I think the majority are ERA finished and assembled rollers or finished, running cars. But even in the case of an owner-painted and assembled ERA (as I did) it would be pretty hard to mess one up. Everything is pre-fit and most of the equipment is pre-fit and in place when delivered. They come with a full front suspension, brakes, all fuel and brake lines, all panels. The wiring is not a do-it yourself kit but a factory type plug in wiring harness. The frame and body are a done deal (unless the owner decides to paint themselves) and tough as anything around. Most folks buy a pre-assembled rear suspension from ERA but a few hardy types do find a Jag rear suspension and rebuild and modify it to fit in the ERA cradle. I think for the most part on a used, owner-built ERA, if it has good cosmetics. passes a driving test and everything passes a functional test, about the worst you might find is a loose bolt or screw somewhere. Even on a factory assembled ERA or SPF there are typically a number of rebuilt assemblies and occassionally there is an issue with something. These cars do take some mechanical invovlement no matter what their origin. And as pointed out above, if still a concern, you can identify ERA-assembled from owner-assembed cars from the data plate or simply call ERA.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Even on a factory assembled ERA or SPF there are typically a number of rebuilt assemblies and occasionally there is an issue with something.

On a Superformance MK III ("427 Cobra") there are NO rebuilt or used parts or assemblies supplied from the factory. Now an ERA can be done with used or reman parts depending on the builder however you or ERA can use new pieces for most of the requirements (it may be tough to get a brand new Jag differential, I don't know) needed.

Now I have great respect to ERA and Peter is a really good guy who I always look forward to seeing at events, however the SPF and ERA really are pointed at different markets although there is occasional overlap. Yes, the SPF is targeted to the Windsor market however about 20% by my accounting are FEs. The factory supplies FE install parts, headers, etc. when specified.

The business model of SPF is different from ERA, we have dealers and inventory. ERA is pretty much build to order for rollers or turnkeys so the wait is longer. Right now we can do a MK III chassis custom order in about 120 days delivered.

In my experience most issues are minor on a factory build. And keep in mind these cars are basically from the "age of iron" so basic tools will resolve most problems other than powertrain or installer errors.

You will not go wrong with either, you are just looking a different answers to the question.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

On a Superformance MK III ("427 Cobra") there are NO rebuilt or used parts or assemblies supplied from the factory. Now an ERA can be done with used or reman parts depending on the builder however you or ERA can use new pieces for most of the requirements (it may be tough to get a brand new Jag differential, I don't know) needed.

Now I have great respect to ERA and Peter is a really good guy who I always look forward to seeing at events, however the SPF and ERA really are pointed at different markets although there is occasional overlap. Yes, the SPF is targeted to the Windsor market however about 20% by my accounting are FEs. The factory supplies FE install parts, headers, etc. when specified.

The business model of SPF is different from ERA, we have dealers and inventory. ERA is pretty much build to order for rollers or turnkeys so the wait is longer. Right now we can do a MK III chassis custom order in about 120 days delivered.

In my experience most issues are minor on a factory build. And keep in mind these cars are basically from the "age of iron" so basic tools will resolve most problems other than powertrain or installer errors.

You will not go wrong with either, you are just looking a different answers to the question.

I can't disagree with anything in this post. And, FWIW, it's taken me eight years, after having ERA build me a custom 427 to my exact specs, to get it to the point where I would now say it's 99.9% perfect. Remember, these are all hand built cars, and the "bug work out" time is going to be present on all hand built cars. Earlier this year, I drove by a beautiful new Pagani Zonda that had broken down by the side of the road. There is a little chance that most of us could do any "road side fix-ups" on that little gem. Funny, on that same stretch of road (which is not a place to drive fast or anything), I have seen a broken down Ferrari and Lamborghini (that's over 40 years) -- both looked brand new. Yes, they all have their temperamental moments, but that can add some spice to the mix, too, if you're so inclined.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I can't disagree with anything in this post.

Patrick! Be still my heart! You mean we AGREE on something?!?!?

Have a good New Year.

[DanEC]

[quote=Mark IV;1332112]On a Superformance MK III ("427 Cobra") there are NO rebuilt or used parts or assemblies supplied from the factory. /QUOTE]

OK - that was a mistake on my part for not realizing they use newly manufactured differential components. My error.

[Mark IV]

[quote=DanEC;1332131]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

On a Superformance MK III ("427 Cobra") there are NO rebuilt or used parts or assemblies supplied from the factory. /QUOTE]

OK - that was a mistake on my part for not realizing they use newly manufactured differential components. My error.

No sweat, they use a new ZF limited slip diff unit similar to what is in the current Camaro. And the LSD is standard equipment, not an option.

[LightNFast]

[quote=Mark IV;1332136]

Originally Posted by DanEC

No sweat, they use a new ZF limited slip diff unit similar to what is in the current Camaro. And the LSD is standard equipment, not an option.

As well as outboard rear brakes.... standard on Superformace


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