New guy..... a little advice??

[LonghornE63]

Ok,

Just had a little boy, sold my 911 S that I tracked on the weekends. Loved it. But, now its gone and I've got an E63. Took it to MSR this weekend and...... it aint no track car. (no I didn't think it was, just wanted to try it out) Its more like a bus..... with a rocket.

So, what I'm looking for is a Cobra (replica) and I'd like to take it to the track 5 -or so times a year.

Based on reputation, I thought Superformance would be the way to go. I'm tall-ish 6-3, 220 and I heard that the SPF wheelbase was a bit longer...and that the cockpit was a bit bigger??? Also, I liked the look and trim of some of the cars I've seen. I did get a chance to drive one and liked it alot.

So, my wife gave me the go ahead and I think this is what I'm looking for:

Superformance
blue with white stripes or silver/grey.
427 (I think this will make it a bit heavy for track work? am I wrong here???)
500+ hp minimum
Love the 17" Halibrand(sp) knockoffs


I'm looking for someone to help me figure out the rest.... what are the things that I should be looking for or looking out for?

Thanks, open to all suggestions........

[RedBarchetta]

The Superformance will fit your frame. Most likely you'll have to bolt the driver's seat directly to the floor. I did this and gained both headroom clearance (rollbar) and leg room. Go with a Windsor (SB) based 427 and you'll have the HP/torque you want without the extra weight of a BB. Go all aluminum BB (2$,$$$) and you'll have the best of all worlds. The 17's will track better than the 15's, plus you have a broader selection of Z-rated rubber to choose from. If you go 15's on the track, either go with the Goodyear bias-ply Billboard racing tire or Avon radials (H rated).

You looking to buy new or pre-owned? Lots of great pre-owned deals out there at the moment. Go check out Cobra Country. Any car approximately #600 and above should have the 4 wheel Wilwood discs, dropped foot wells, chrome roll bar and internal ventilation ducts (roughly the same as a new one today). Newer cars have Bilstein coilovers and other refinements, but the cars from year to year are cosmetically identical (and the paint is first class).

Let me know which car you are thinking of and I will give you an opinion on same. My e-mail link is here and you can see my car in my gallery.

Regards,

-Dean #747 (March-April 2000 build date)

[Silverback51]

If you are only looking for a track car, go with a FFR. The Superformance is one of the heavier replica's out there.

Also, the Superformance is still a 90 inch wheel base car. Same as the original.

[mrmustang]

Honestly, if you want a track car (IE: Road race that is) think small block power....If you want a true 427 car, expect to spend additional funds in order to get it to handle as well as a small block car. SPF makes a really nice roadster, I used to own SPF1314 and will eventually own another one down the road.

Bill S.

PS: Now for a little blatant self promotion, since you are tall, you might want to look at ERA as well.......If you want a true 427 Sideoiler powered car, feel free to check out mine at the link located in my signature

[Bob In Ct]

Just had my SPF weighed, 15 inch Trigos, Windsor engine with aluminum heads and intake manifold, 5 speed Tremec, empty trunk, gas tank half full. It came in at 2,600 pounds.

Bob

[SunDude]

Be sure to check out my post entitled "So, what do you think your SPF is worth?" to get an idea what sellers are currently asking for resale Superformance Cobras. I've been keeping the figures up-to-date as best I can, as cars are added/sold -- So, what do you think your SPF is worth?.

[flipscobra]

My BB 427 Shelby blocked weighed 2620 full tank of gas an stuff in the trunk, lead hammer wire plyers.

[mk2gt40]

Firstly congrats on the new born.I hope you have lots of memorable times together.
Secondly contact Dennis at Olthoff Racing and I`m sure he will put you on the right road.
Ross

[elmariachi]

You have a PM.

[Slick61]

Originally Posted by LonghornE63

Ok,

Based on reputation, I thought Superformance would be the way to go. I'm tall-ish 6-3, 220 and I heard that the SPF wheelbase was a bit longer...and that the cockpit was a bit bigger??? Also, I liked the look and trim of some of the cars I've seen. I did get a chance to drive one and liked it alot.

I may be mistaken, but I thought the Superformance use the same 90" wheelbase as the originals. Not that you won't fit in it... am sure you'd do just fine... and it's a great car... can't go wrong with Superformance. The Backdraft uses a 92" wheelbase... it's both longer and wider than the originals, so is roomier in the cockpit. I think the Lonestar is even longer, using a 94" wheelbase... which really shows in the door length. Not sure if it's any wider or not, but should be VERY roomy.

Once you look at, and have gone for a ride in a few, you'll narrow in on what you want very quickly (I did). What takes time is finding the car you WANT, tho in the current market, there should be a lot to choose from. I won't comment on the track behavior of the various manufacturers- since I've never tracked mine... but I'm sure your racing background will help you sort things out.

Good luck-

BTW... my Backdraft with an aluminum 427 stroker weighs in at a little under twenty three hundred pounds- as reported by the previous owner (I haven't verified this myself)

[jhv48]

For a track car, nothing beats a FFR. Lighter by about 400 pounds, so a well prepped small block is all you need to fry the course.

I have both an FFR and a SPF. I like the FFR's handling much better than the SPF.

FFR will also cost you about $20k less.

Jump on!