Best Cobra kit companies

jarheadbpa · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2013, 02:49 PM

I am about to retire and going to buy a kit. My budget is about $40-$50k and I have been doing research on the various manufacturers. I have been leaning toward Lone Star simply because I like the look and am nearly 6'2" tall. I plan on putting either a 347 or 363 stroker in it with a 6 speed Tremec tranny. I am hearing rumors now that Lone Star may have sold off and is out of the business. Can anyone confirm that? If they have, can someone tell me who else would be a good fit for my dream? I saw a mention of Excalibur but can't find their cobras on the web site. I looked at the Shell Valley but just didn't like the basic look of it for some reason. Just to add, I am going with the Titanium (PPG 35989) with black ghost striping on it for the color.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarheadbpa

My budget is about $40-$50k ... am nearly 6'2" tall. ... I plan on putting either a 347 or 363 stroker in it....

With those numbers, I would look hard at a Hurricane. 427 Roadster Models - Hurricane Motorsports With today's cars, 6'2" is not a big deal at all and you can get your stroker built well without breaking the bank. You can make it all work for under $50k and it will look quite nice.

jwd · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2013, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I would look hard at a Hurricane. [url=http://www.hurricane-motorsports.com/427_roadster/models.asp]427 .

I would have to agree. After 15 years of researchingf Cobras, that's what I built and I couldn't be happier. I'm 6'2" and fit perfectly in the car.

jarheadbpa · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2013, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the heads up on the Hurricane. Does anyone know the wheelbase length on it? I can only presume it to be 90" but I couldn't find it on the web-site.

bwcobra15 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2013, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarheadbpa

Thanks for the heads up on the Hurricane. Does anyone know the wheelbase length on it? I can only presume it to be 90" but I couldn't find it on the web-site.

Hurricane 427s are 90" wheelbase, same as the original. And the Hurricane 427 body is spot on, as the molds where formed from an original 1965 Shelby Cobra CSX3xxxx body.

I will throw in another vote for Hurricane Motorsports as a company as well. They have been nothing short of fabulous to work with. I researched, and waited 13 years before being able to make the move. Mike, Steve, Dusty at HMS are just great.

jarheadbpa · #6 (**permalink**) 12-17-2013, 10:31 AM

Anybody using a 6 speed. I am trying to decide between the strokers or going with a 418W with 3.73 gears but want a smooth highway cruise. Power range starts at 2000 rpm on the 418 but I just would like to think about a six speed.

patrickt · #7 (**permalink**) 12-17-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarheadbpa

Anybody using a 6 speed. I am trying to decide between the strokers or going with a 418W with 3.73 gears but want a smooth highway cruise. Power range starts at 2000 rpm on the 418 but I just would like to think about a six speed.

With 26" tires, a 3.73 rear, and a .64 overdrive, which is what I have in my Tremec TKO600, which is a five speed, you will turn 2000 RPM at 65 MPH and 2500 RPM at 81 MPH. FWIW, I have a 3.54 rear, and an FE up front, in my ERA. The gearing, for me, is perfect.