Model updates question?

[HBO]

Hi, I'm a new guy and future SPF owner! I've been researching replicas for I don't know how many years now and have narrowed it down to Superformance for a number of reasons. A big factor was living here in NC and having a good, active club and support, not to mention Olthoff is half a day's drive from me!

I'll be buying a used car sometime this winter and I've searched and searched various sites on the internet but am unable to determine the differences between the cars throughout the years.

Can someone give me a quick rundown of the differences between these "eras", for lack of a better word?

Early cars: thru SPF-1040
Middle series cars: SPO-1041 thru SP0-1899
New series cars: SP0-1900+ to current model

Thanks! I've read so much in this forum that I almost feel that I know a lot of you folks already!

Howard in New Bern, NC


On edit: I did just now find this page, so I guess I answered my own question. Still would appreciate any opinions on particular updates or years that are REALLY worth it: Superformance Mark-III Upgrades and Improvements

[Blas]

I recommend you drive a few different cars. Get the feel of each. Sb & bb..That should make the decision easier.

[WardL]

I think they are all great cars. I've seen older ones and the owners enjoy them as much as the drivers of the new ones. I wanted something a little newer and so that's what I got. Seems like there are some great deals out there on older cars. Someone told me to get at least SPF#1200-1300 or newer, but after a week I'll bet you would not even know the difference if you had #500. How much do you want to spend?

[Silverback51]

I have #532 and I'm very happy with it.

You might want to call Randy at Cobra Valley. He can tell you about the changes in the cars, and after you buy one, join SCOF. Lot's of great information for SFP owners there.

[HBO]

Originally Posted by Blas

I recommend you drive a few different cars. Get the feel of each. Sb & bb..That should make the decision easier.

I'd like to do that, but that's the rub. Where would I get an opportunity to drive some different cars? I suppose my first step would be to visit Olthoff's shop and talk with them. I am leaning towards a small block and I've read quotes from Bob Olthoff that small block is the way to go. But then I've read from others that the handling really isn't much different except for short track racing and such, which isn't a deciding factor for me.

On Edit just to answer some more questions:

I will probably look in the $40k to $50k range. If one came up in with a nice Roush or KC engine in it, I'd probably look at something like that a bit harder and would be willing to spend more for the drivetrain. I don't want to make the mistake of getting something that I will feel I'll need to upgrade down the road. Been keeping an eye on Cobra Country, Superformance Owners Assoc., etc. But it's rather pointless right now as I'm not ready to buy yet, that won't happen for a few months, financially.

I do have another option as well. I have a CJ7 that I am restoring and in need of a new motor. A nice, small block Ford would fill the bill pretty good. I even thought last night while looking at this SPF Silver Ann. model, buy the car (or any other car that could be had for a deal because of the engine), put a new KC or Roush in there and put the existing in my Jeep. But that's just thinking out loud. Superformance Owners Association ** FOR SALE SITE **

[Blas]

Well, perhaps a visit to a gathering of Cobra's in your area. Not sure where you are located...Regarding the differences in Superformance chassis...Eary cars (per 1040) came with and without dropped floor boxes. The cowl height was increased (the part just in front of the windscreen) There were also changes to brakes and wheels. The rear end has changed 3 times. You really can't go wrong with any SPF chassis series...picking the color is the hardest part.

[vatdevil]

I purchased car 522 at a very good price. Money saved was put towards Olthoffs suspension and brake upgrades which are way better than any of the standard SPF offerings. You really can't go wrong with any era of these cars. Like any used car, do your research and find out as much as you can on the history of the car. Stay away from ones with extensive track time.

[HBO]

I'm about 100 miles east of Raleigh near the coast. I believe a road trip to Olthoff is in order in the near future. I'll have to get in touch with them, as I see they have 5 used cars in their inventory. Looks like 3 or 4 of them may be at their shop. I see the first one listed at Olthoff is now listed at a classic car place in GA. It's an early car but has just about everything done possible from Olthoff. SPF 410 Looks like a nice car.

Anyway, going to see Olthoff would be a good start for me I think.

Thanks for the advice, it was very helpful!

Howard

[SunDude]

If you buy an early car, be sure to upgrade to the R/T rear shock tower mounts.

Even if you buy an older car, you still might want to do that.

[Flygirl]

I'm also considering the purchase of an older SPF.

Has the Trigo knock-offs and 3,500 miles on it, but I haven't gotten it up on a rack yet to see underneath.

Seems to drive and run very well, although I went over a set of nasty RR tracks at about 15mph and the front end of the car shook (the cowl didn't though). Body panel fit seemed very good however.

Are chassis parts harder to find for the older cars? That worries me, but I'm not sure I should be.

Also, how can I tell if it's got a limited slip rear end? I don't know if they all came with one, and the owner mentioned something about Ford Thunderbird rear end parts on the car. I understand turning one rear tire and seeing if the other spins in the opposite direction doesn't work with a Torsen setup.

Will also check for the updated shock mounts.

The owner let me drive it for quite a while, and it was more fun than I thought possible.
:-)

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Flygirl

I'm also considering the purchase of an older SPF.

Has the Trigo knock-offs and 3,500 miles on it, but I haven't gotten it up on a rack yet to see underneath.

Seems to drive and run very well, although I went over a set of nasty RR tracks at about 15mph and the front end of the car shook (the cowl didn't though). Body panel fit seemed very good however.

Are chassis parts harder to find for the older cars? That worries me, but I'm not sure I should be.

Also, how can I tell if it's got a limited slip rear end? I don't know if they all came with one, and the owner mentioned something about Ford Thunderbird rear end parts on the car. I understand turning one rear tire and seeing if the other spins in the opposite direction doesn't work with a Torsen setup.

Will also check for the updated shock mounts.

The owner let me drive it for quite a while, and it was more fun than I thought possible.
:-)

What is the chassis number?

THe T Bird diff is the standard setup on the earlier cars and is limited slip. They are not Torsen from the factory.

Chassis parts are no problem, most replacement/wear items are available at the local auto parts store. The chassis shake over the RR tracks is likely the shocks more than any problem. The early cars use AVO shocks which by now may be "old and tired". There are upgrades for the shocks available at reasnable cost that will improve ride and handling.

Right you are about being smile machine, you don't have to go fast in a Cobra to have fun!

[Flygirl]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

What is the chassis number?

THe T Bird diff is the standard setup on the earlier cars and is limited slip. They are not Torsen from the factory.

Chassis parts are no problem, most replacement/wear items are available at the local auto parts store. The chassis shake over the RR tracks is likely the shocks more than any problem. The early cars use AVO shocks which by now may be "old and tired". There are upgrades for the shocks available at reasnable cost that will improve ride and handling.

Right you are about being smile machine, you don't have to go fast in a Cobra to have fun!

I started a new thread on the car (entitled "Your thoughts on this used Cobra"), had the car up on a rack this AM, have driven it also, lots more information now. Chassis number is K1395AM1051, BTW.

That's the 51st chassis made, isn't it?

[Blas]

Yes, that is numbered as the 51st car...Built in 1995. (could be titled as a 65 or 66) But more like the 31st car sold as some chassis #'s were test cars and some chassis #'s never actually built in the number series. And I believe the 11th Superformance chassis to the USA.
Things to note:
Are the wheels the fake knockoff type or have they been replaced? Update: wheels look to be updated.
Nothing wrong either way...just so you know going in. I believe the fake were standard back then...
All gauges working? Once again, not a big deal, but a repair you want to do if not.
Rear shock mounts; were they upgraded. Most are fine...some had problems ( a couple different problems) With such low mileage they probably look fine but bolts shoud be checked for lengths of engagment)

I believe it is a 1 owner car..which can be a plus...
Update: Per Sundude's post with sales ad probably not a 1 owner car unless owner moved.
Looks clean,

[Flygirl]

Originally Posted by Blas

Yes, that is numbered as the 51st car...Built in 1995. (could be titled as a 65 or 66) But more like the 31st car sold as some chassis #'s were test cars and some chassis #'s never actually built in the number series. And I believe the 11th Superformance chassis to the USA.
Things to note:
Are the wheels the fake knockoff type or have they been replaced? Update: wheels look to be updated.
Nothing wrong either way...just so you know going in. I believe the fake were standard back then...
All gauges working? Once again, not a big deal, but a repair you want to do if not.
Rear shock mounts; were they upgraded. Most are fine...some had problems ( a couple different problems) With such low mileage they probably look fine but bolts shoud be checked for lengths of engagment)

I believe it is a 1 owner car..which can be a plus...
Update: Per Sundude's post with sales ad probably not a 1 owner car unless owner moved.
Looks clean,

It is very clean, chassis too. All gauges work, has the real knock offs. No new rear shock mounts but even eyeballing it I can see they're no longer perpendicular to the chassis and should be replaced soon.

The owner insists the car is going to get more and more valuable; I however feel the opposite since SPF is making more of them, the car itself is getting older, etc.

Runs well, but that seems like a very old car.

Current owner purchased from previous owner, a friend who passed away. I don't think that person was the original owner, so we're already up to three, and that's not including the person who ends up purchasing it.

Oh, check the other thread, I'm posting a bunch of pics you might find interesting.