New to the Cobra World

[289fia_cobra]

Duane is right on that last sentence; I started with the notion of a donor build. with EFI in mind and cap of $30K over 5 years.

3 years, $50K, went to carb and 90% non-donor parts later, I can say building a car is the most fun you'll have, even with problems. I learned to to be a plumber and electrician thorugh this exercise, and even learned to build a motor. I never intended to rush things so it took any pressure off a timeline.

Good luck on your decision. Keep us in the loop if when you have questions.

[thudmaster]

Tom, do you mean Kens Custom Auto Body in Yuba City for paint?

[doberman]

Ray,

I have ordered brochures from LoneStar, FactoryFive, Shell Valley.

I am planning a NO donor car kit build. I want to buy a complete kit with everything, (except wheels/tires, engine, tranny, paint).

I am not planning on doing the paint job myself, my wife wants a pro paintjob.

Build Specs:
Engine: 351w Stroker 400HP w/Boss EFI
Transmission: TK 500
Rear: Ford 9" (deciding upon suspension), but I do want the upgraded adjustable larger coil overs front & rear
Sidepipes

Paint: Titanium Silver w/Black double Stripe [all with a pearlescent blue metal flake, so it sorta shimmers in the sun].

Seats: Racing Style, not original style

Roll Bar... : Currently Deciding single or double... wife decision.

I'm thinking it'll be between 50-60k.

We can't wait for the Wine Festival event with the cobras to check a bunch of them out!

-Doberman (Geoff) [jeff]

[UB DRMNG]

I like your paint ideas, My F5R is silver with dark blue stripes.

The 9" is a great, very strong rear end but I think it is overkill for the really light weight of the Cobra/replicas. You might be asking for trouble with that much unsprung weight with a 2,000 lb car. Plus with a complete kit you would have to modify the kit parts to work with the larger axle and probably need to have the axle shortened to keep the wheels under the body. I am not an engineer but have used both rear ends and I think the 8.8 is the best choice for the Cobra replica. If I get to build a Cobra I really want to put in an IRS. Even less unsprung weight... better more responsive ride!

The F5R and I believe most other kits are set up for the Ford 8.8" rear end like used in the Mustang in both the straight axle and IRS pumpkin (if I am not mistaken)

Building a car is a great, sometimes frustrating experience, do your homework and get what you think will fit your needs the best, then have fun!