who has a Shelby Cobra kit car on here?

[SSMAN]

I want one of these pretty bad, but honestly have never rode in one or found out the Pro's an cons of them. So would like some input an when it's cooler maybe go for a ride in one.

I don't want to build one, rather buy one built or possibly trade the Camaro for one. (Long shot)

[Back N Black]

01yz2nv has one and a build thread too

[silverhatch]

I have been looking very hard at them. I will probably get one in about a year and a half or so.

[SSMAN]

01yz2nv has one and a build thread too

Thanks , could not remember his screen name

[Scott Mc]

His is well put together also. Seen some rough ones over the years.

[jw33]

I'm waiting for a Ferrari GT 250. That will be the one I build if someone like Factory Five ever decides to reproduce with a kit.

[01yz2nv]

PM sent SSman

[Baron Von Crowder]

PM sent SSman

Better explain the "rides for handy's" up front this time.

[John -- '02 HAWK]

http://www.backdraftracing.com/

[Rreemo]

I had one for about the past year....an Mk3 FFR, that I built a BBF for. It was a pretty decent one, especially for the money (was bought for $18.5K with a hurt motor). However, after my experience with this one, I personally would not want one with a big block in it.

Things that come to mind I can tell you....FFR kits are very well engineered, they are easy to work on, and surprisingly more roomy inside than I anticipated, however the foot well is very narrow, which actually places the gas pedal just about directly under the brake pedal (that was odd and hard to get used to for me). The one that I had was fun to drive, but still very raw overall....it was making ~500hp, and combine that with a short wheel base and very quick steering....it could get away from you easy and honestly when you least expected it....like breaking the tires loose at hwy speed from just rolling into the throttle. Power-to-weight ration is awesome with these things!

Any time you drive it and no matter where you take it, all eyes will be on you....if you like attention, I've never had a car that drew that level of attention from all walks of life....kids, adults, women, elderly, etc. It's impossible to just stop for some gas without having to talk to someone....and this one didn't pass by many gas stations either!

Practicality of driving it wasn't the greatest for me...always very hot inside the cockpit due to engine and exhaust heat, and of course no top to get out of the sun. The heat of summer was the worst...definitely more of a fair weather car. Rain can be a real issue too....as mentioned no top, but also no wipers, and the fact that it is already squirrelly on dry pavement...you don't want to be caught in the rain at all.

Every passenger that takes a ride with you (while wearing shorts) will burn their leg on the side pipe getting out. I got to where I didn't even open the door myself....I just stepped over to avoid getting burned.

Overall, I've found that there are some deals out there, but you also have to be weary of the junky ones....and there are A LOT of those out there. I assume that is probably because you've got guys at all different skill levels buying the kits and assembling them in their garage....I'd say way more than those that are actually being built by real capable shops....so be ready to look at a number of them, and look them over well. If you are planning to build it yourself, you will certainly spend a lot more, but of course you'll also have the fun and confidence that goes a long with that.

Here's a short video after only about 25-30 miles and before I got around to upgrading the fuel system (excuse all the dust, it sat for a while).....



If I had kept it around I think I would have repainted the body something more cool like a Gulf theme or maybe even the Lemans blue. I also hated the 17" wheels....Definitely would have stepped it down to 15's with the billboard tires. I did like the more subtle black roll bar and side pipes...I might even have blacked a few more things out. I saw a really cool one earlier this year that was black with only minor bright work on it, and the guy had removed the roll bar and capped off the holes.....it looked awesome without it. IMO the double hoops or the dune buggy looking single ones are awful and can ruin the look of the whole car.

[SMKR]

http://www.backdraftracing.com/

one of my favorites

FF to 1:00 mark where the fun begins

[John -- '02 HAWK]

one of my favorites

I like them a tad bit better than the other mfrs. Roll bars dont seem to cause damage to the fiberglass, the exhaust tip is a tad farther back for less burnt legs, and is purchased as a complete rolling chassis so no time lost in building it, I often read out about owners saying the time invested often wasnt worth it.

as Rreemo may have been hinting at going to a small block is usually a better option as you can achieve the same HP and usually have less in cabin heat soak. If I was to build one it would include floor vents, and AC just to make the car more enjoyable for Texas.

[1carcrazyguy]

There was a nicely done one for sale in Amarillo not long ago. It was built by LPL body works. The guy writes articles for restorations and had a book or two printed about restorations.