New to SoCal and Building.

[Jimippa]

Hey So Cal,
The lady and I just moved to LA and we're looking for a fun project to take on. We decided our project would be to build a replica car. Neither of us have a tremendous amount of auto mechanic experience, but we're both very into the idea and are both very capable engineers . I've done a great deal of research and it seems like the Cobra would be a good starting point due to the overwhelming presence of online support, it's 'relative' expense, and the variety of building kits. Anyway, so here are some questions to people who have done this before if you don't mind?!?

Fist off... Can anybody recommend a kit manufacturer, that doesn't require any fabrication or modification? Right now my forerunner is The ERA Ultimate American Roadster. I've also looked at Factory Five...and B&B.

How much space should I allow for the build. Right now I have a 2 car garage cleared for the project, and if I can avoid it I'm do not plan on buying a donor car if I can avoid it.

What kind of specialty tool investment should I be prepared to make? I have your basic run of the mill tool set in addition to an some air impact tools. Will this require a Engine Crane? Torch?

I'll leave it at that for now... any advice for a new builder would be great. And if you think there's any immediate concerns I should take into account please don't hold back...

Thanks and happy building...
Jimi