Cobra kits
 

I am preparing to start a kit, but need some solid info. on what kits are good, and which one's to avoid. Also any pointers would be great on what to look for in these different kits that are out there. I have rebuilt Vette's for years, and have been saving up to build one of these amazing cars, and just want to do it the right way. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

tonytodd...this is a very popular topic, as you might be aware. I would recommend doing a search on this site - lots and lots of info. As you will see, picking a car deals with what you are looking for - aluminum vs. fiberglass, complete build it yourself vs. roller, small block vs. big block, and the list goes on...and on...and on - oh, yeah...and how much you want to spend...:)

I definately want the big block, and try to start as close to 30k as I can

Unfortunately for you almost everyone here will talk very highly of the car they purchased. However getting solid info about most of the Manufacturers insn't dificult. Take your time searching through the prospective websites, ask a lot of specific questions here & you will usually get a lot of good info. Are you starting with $30,000 to get you into a project or as a goal to be driving a finished car? What work are you going to farm out & what do you plan to take on yourself?

I'm doing everything myself, and I am planning on having 20k before I start. I know if I don't, I will go crazy waiting to save extra money to proceed. I believe that should be enough to get me everthing except the 427 and tranny. Do you think so? Also, I have seen alot on Factory Five (more than anyone else), are they the best all around kits?

DVD Info.
 

I recommend that you purchase "Bitten by the Snake" DVD. It's the best DVD for tips and cobra manufacturer information.

Get the Curt Scott book to start (go to the Cobra Country Web Site). Get the latest edition (its been rewritten a few times) to get some idea who's making the kits now (and construction styles). 2 biggest factors are money, and goals (what you want the car for - racing/cruising/show). Prices range from $25k to $100k. Do not overlook resale value (check the prices for used Cobras on this web site for examples). Another good source for info is the "forum" for each manufacturer you're considering (look at the problems/solutions those kit owners encountered).

And, finally, no matter how good you think you have figured your budget, add 20%.

Almost forgot, the waiting list can be a factor too, some manufacturers can provide the kits right away; some you have to wait for (supply & demand).

There are few early decisions that will lead you to your kit manufacturer.

You mentioned the desire to build and the price range, that's a good start. That rules out the turn key options/manufactures, like Superformance or Backdraft.

Do you want to build from a donor? That is, are you planning to use a 5.0 Mustang for the engine/transmission/suspension/... If so than take a good look at the Factory Five or B & B. There are others.

If you don't want to go the donor car route, but actually purchase the parts new on your own, or through the manufacturer, then you are looking at the likes of ERA, Unique, Shell Valley...

Keep in mind there is overlap. You could build that Factory Five with all new parts...The possibilities can seem endless.

Look at the kits. What do they come with, or more importantly what they don't. I actually sat down and made a check list to compare the apples with the oranges to get a better idea what was right for me.

Make the calls and talk to the shops, stop by if possible, look to the guys in your area to see examples of finished products, and get the build manuals. Do a search here for builders, someone put together the list on a map. Great visual as you plan for that summer vacation. :LOL:

Getting the manuals was a big help to sort out just what was required parts/$ wise and how much guidence/help I might need (some are much more detailed than others, to me that made a big difference). Yes, they cost a few bucks more than a catalog but for me it was a big help. To spend a couple hundred to avoid a couple thousand dollar mistake or unfinished project, is worth it. Besides, when read before bed it makes for great dreams. :)

For me, I wanted a 289FIA to be a little different. That meant a small block 289/302/351. I went with a 302. That limited the manufacturer to Unique, ERA or Kirkham. Will go with ERA, great feedback, thorough/detailed manual, nice shop/people (hit it on the way to see the in-laws in NH), no donor, and fit my budget.

I think the best kit is the one you own. Tell us more as you go through your search and ask alot of questions/do a lot of searches on this site.

-John

$20g is a good starting point. If you purchased an ERA this would get you the basic kit plus a few extras. With a Factory Five & a donor car you would be a lot closer. Again this is just the tip of the iceberg. I knew the quality & the look of an ERA is what I wanted & this is why I purchased from them. There are many cars out there to fit different bugets & dreams. It took me a good year to seperate out what I wanted from the field. The longer you spend on your research the happier you will be in the end.

More research information
 

Hi Tonytodd,

Yours is a classic beginning prolem we've all had; so don't feel alone.

Here's a place to look. If the company you are interested in isn't on this list, it might be a problem; so increase the depth and intensity of your research.

If your ideal car manufacturer is on this list, you are off to a good start, in my opinion:

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobmfrs.html

The next choice for you to make is budget, followed by your driving style from trailer queen to hard core racer. Then you must decide whether or not you want to do most of the building, part of it, or none of it.

After your decision making/research, be sure you drive the car(s) you are interested in to determine its "fit" to your needs.

I believe that 20K is on the edge of too little wheres 50K will allow for some special bells and whistles.

Good luck on your "journey."

All the best,

tonytodd - here's a couple of great sites that outlined some costs associated with building a FFR - again just to give you an idea.

Cost of Building a Factory Five with new parts

FFCobra Survey Results

John's FFR build site

Even an ERA which starts at around 17.9k to start and with up at around 47.2K with "standard" options ends (at least for me) and that's just to the parts - doesn't include putting the putting together "stuff"....

Might want to look at completed used Cobras from owners - they normally represent the best bang for the buck....

my humble .02 cents.:D

Tonytodd, I know you are down in TX, but if you can make it to CARLILSE, PA this weekend for the kit car show you will see most of the Cobra kits first hand and can ask all the questions you want.
You might consider leaving your checkbook home in case you get serious snake bite.
At Carlisle you will see bare frames, completed cars and everything in between. You can also purchase the books mentioned above.
Good luck & have fun -- this is an amazing journey and plan on meeting a lot of great people along the way.
MH

tonytodd,

If you are looking at a real 427 motor, don't count on being able to do that + tranny + everything else you need to do for $10K. Just a 427 S/O block that is in good shape for a build will not be less than $5K unless you stumble upon a ridiculous deal that many of us are actively looking for.

With Factory Five, they are probably one of the better known kit manufacturers (was the only name I knew for the first week of my search for a manufacturer), and the quality of your finished product is highly dependent on your level of skill. You will see some absolutely gorgeous FFR's and you will see some that may make you wrinkle your nose a little. Just being honest - not every color choice, wheel choice, etc... makes everyone happy.

20% add-on is good, but I honestly think 20% budgetary fluff is conservative unless you've priced stuff already. If you've done your homework well, as TampaFla said, 20% overage will happen. If you haven't done your homework, you can honestly probably add 50%.

This isn't meant to discourage - just make sure you know where you're ending up. Many Cobra Build stories end on chapter 4, and the rest of the pages are glued together by time/budgetary constraints. I've heard of MANY projects taking 2-5 years to finish. Some 10-15 years. If you misappropriate funds and find out all of the sudden, there is no money for a motor because it turns out a good paint job was $7500... well you know.

Many great websites have already been listed here in this thread. They will be a great resource. And finally, go to some big Cobra events...talk to owners of FFR's, B&B's, etc... find out what the hidden costs were, how hard it was, etc... There is no substitute for the knowledge of people who have been there.

Best of Luck, and enjoy your journey! Whatever you end up with, you will love it!

JP

Tony,
Noted, you are in Houston and a FE 427 Big Block guy, a FT Ford that was professionally built and trimmed will be "guessed to be a 427" by 98% of the lookers at the cruise-ins/car shows/etc. and develope 420 or so reliable HP. Can be purchased locally for less than $2500.
Toploader from down I10 and David Kee in San Antonio, for less than a Richmond/TKO.
grumpy

Tonytodd,
You might want to go to the next Houston meeting. I believe they are on the 2nd Sat of each month. There's usually a post letting everyone know where it will be. At the May meeting I think they had 12 cars.

And if it's anything like Dallas there is a wide variety that shows up at each meeting. Sunday there were 6 cars at an impromptu get-together and we had 3 different manufacturers represented. It's a good way to ask more questions and and really see several brands and the differences between them.

Enjoy!

Colleen