Variety in manufacturing

[dkmillerii]

I was first introduced to the "kit" car idea by an advertisement in the back of Car & Driver. The ad was by Factory Five Racing. I went to their website, had a package/DVD sent to me via mail and my new obsession has started. I thought they were about the only, or at least the largest company, making "Kit Cobras". Boy was I surprised when I found that they had competition.

Here is my question to the group:

In your opinion, which company makes the best "bang for your buck" kit Cobra? And why?

My plan for my car is to be street legal, but also to use as an autocross car. Currently, I autox a 2002 Honda S2000 in the Washington DC region.

Thank you,
Don Miller

[mr bruce]

The best bang for your buck is the new Kirkham fibreglass car. ALL NEW PARTS, NO Donor, SEAMLESS 'glass body.Superior resale, the rite look, original design suspension, no bumpsteer or wheelhop, the list goes on and on.

[DonC]

Don:
Personal recommendation, do the same thing with the other major manufacturers that you did with FFR. Contact them all and get their assembly manuals (not just product brochures) and spend some time really thinking about how much you will be doing yourself and how much you want the manufacturer to do. Biggest decision is how much you are going/willing to spend.

Once you've had a chance to go over the assembly manuals find some local owners of the cars you're interested in and talk to them about their experiences in their builds and what they would do differently if they did it again. If at all possible get to the manufacturers facilities and take a look for yourself at their products. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Start doing some serious searching on the forums for refernces to whichever car you're considering. The amount of information here is staggering and covers every aspect of the building process. My mantra is research, research research. Spending the time up front will aleviate a good deal of frustration later.

I've gone with ERA for my choice because of factors too numerous to mention here but the primary decision points were time in the business, all new components and availability/selection of options. I accepted the time to completion as one of the costs of my decision.

Good luck with your search for your "ultimate car".
DonC

[sllib]

Don;
Here is my stock answer to all who ask: Go to Carlisle. Over the weekend of May 21 the Carlisle Fairgrounds (www.carsatcarlisle.com) will hold a huge kit car show that all the dealers attend. I've been four times and, even though I have a Cobra now, will probably go again this year if I can. All your questions will be answered there, and you can even buy a new or previously owned car as there will be hundreds to choose from. You will also meet some of the finest people you could ever meet. You're so close you can make it a day trip without all the hassles of hotel reservations. Next, if you're still curious, theres DVSF in Ohio...at any rate, good luck, and welcome to Club Cobra.
Bill Stradtner

[Cobra20646]

Don,

I don't know how the Baltimore area Cobra club is comming along, but down here in the DC Metro area, we have one of the best in the country. Your welcome to visit us anytime during one of our gatherings. Our members have an array of different manufactured cars, so some "hands on" experience is just down the road from you. Also, as mentioned, Carlisle PA is the kit car meca.... so make this trip if you can.
Visit and join our web site too - www.capitalareacobraclub.com -
- Jim -