SPF RHD conversion

[Buzz]

Has anyone converted a LHD Superformance MKiii to right hand drive? I know they make RHD cars but trying to decide whether a dealer can/will do the conversion as a viable alternative to the long wait for a factory ordered car.
Alternatively - would Superformance sell the necessary parts as a "conversion kit" to an owner for a DIY project and would the job involve modifications to the right-side footbox? Any insights appreciated.

[twobjshelbys]

Have you contacted Hillbank???

I'm sure this has been discussed before (did you try search?) and that that footboxes need modification. Probably wiring harness as the dash is replaced. As I recall the conclusion was, unless you're really into fabrication, you're better off buying a RHD car since it's expensive and the chances of a successful job by a DIY was pretty low (ie, like many kit cars, you'll get frustrated and put a cover on it and it will gather dust until you die).

[Buzz]

Hi Tony - I didn't find much useful info specifically relevant to SPF using the search function. I do have a bit of related experience from working on my old Unique Cobra all these years ago. It was originally ordered and built as a RHD car from the factory, but I had to make some modifications to the new wiring harness I installed and there was a bit of playing around with the new aluminum heat shields and headers when I was putting it back together. I know that Unique had to extend and lower the floor of the right side footbox when it was originally built.

Relocating the brake and clutch master cylinders and mounting the steering column on the right side looked fairly straightforward on my car and the footbox modifications could possibly be done with the headers removed and the engine still in the car. I'm hoping that since SPF already builds their cars both ways, the conversion would be mostly a matter of swapping already-existing parts.

[Toddh03]

Buzz out of curiosity more than anything else....if you're in the States then why would you want to convert to a RHD? Once again just my engineering mindset wondering out of curiosity?

Edit: nevermind I see you are not in the states.

[Buzz]

I'm currently in Canada actually, but the Cobra would be shipped to St. Lucia. Importing a LHD car there is not a problem but my experience driving a LHD Corvette on the generally narrow, twisty roads tells me that overtaking slower traffic in an even smaller, lower Cobra is like playing Russian roulette.

The current question is whether buying an existing Cobra relatively close by in the US and modifying it makes more sense than going through the long factory order process from South Africa.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I'm currently in Canada actually, but the Cobra would be shipped to St. Lucia. Importing a LHD car there is not a problem but my experience driving a LHD Corvette on the generally narrow, twisty roads tells me that overtaking slower traffic in an even smaller, lower Cobra is like playing Russian roulette.

The current question is whether buying an existing Cobra relatively close by in the US and modifying it makes more sense than going through the long factory order process from South Africa.

Buzz,

Order an SPF MK III and it will be built in weeks, not months. A dealer friend of mine had an order built in two weeks. Take that as you wish.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Buzz,

Order an SPF MK III and it will be built in weeks, not months. A dealer friend of mine had an order built in two weeks. Take that as you wish.

Rick,

Ccoming from someone who I respect as being knowledgeable about the Cobra industry and Superformance in particular, I "wish" to take that as sound and welcome advice and I am grateful for it. I was originally going to PM you directly for advice but in my preliminary perusals using the search function, I think I saw that you were no longer in the business. Not sure why you expect me to take it any other way, but wtf ever.

Thanks anyway and I'm pleasantly surprised to hear that the order time is now so rapid. Everything I was able to find online indicated anything from a 12 - 24 month delivery time. I still need to factor in my engine choice (godzilla) and the logistics around getting it installed. I will make some calls.

[Mark IV]

Buzz,

Correct, I no longer own Time Machines Motorsports and as of last September Time Machines is no longer a Superformance dealer due to business operations differences. I am, however, still friendly with a Superformance dealer who is an honorable person whom I trust and have been sending our customers and inquiries to him. You can contact me at 716.812.3938 or rick@autoventureusa.net.

I do have a decent inventory of Superformance parts and can save anyone a substantial amount on them. Just inquire with your needs.