Off topic opinions needed please Cobra purchase

AVDCAV · AVDCAV's Garage

Thanks in advance to any help "

I don't know how many of the people on this forum may possibly have a Cobra car, But I will tell you this the Cobra Forums are nothing like Pelican. I am flying to go see this car tomorrow and was looking for any opinions" and hoping maybe someone here has experience with EM Cobras.

I came upon a EM cobra 460 in let's say 7-8 out of 10 condition
it really is a stunning vehicle. I honestly don't know what to offer for the vehicle and this is were I need some help.

Here are the basics

Color Blue Paint is in very good condition
460 Motor Clean" needs a detailing but its rock solid
( I think the heads are Iron original )
Tranny C6 AUTOMATIC This is a little bothersome but could cope
( Don't know the stall )
Real 460 badges
BF GR tires very good condition
Rims are the classic replica knockoffs in very good condition
Top and side windows perfect condition
7500 miles on car
New side pipes that look amazing
Mustang II front end
Leaf Spring rear
Front Disc
Rear Drum

I know some people hate the off topics in the 911 Forum but I really
am having a tough time finding legitimate information and it's not like I don't
contribute to the forum...

Any opinions would be helpful

ShakinJoe · 05-07-2012, 09:33 AM

I always wanted one until I drove in one. They drive fine but man you are limited. Can't leave it anywhere cause you can't close it up. Hot as schlitz in that tiny cockpit that does not flow air very well and you get beat up on drives as the wind over windshield is terrible.

Cool for cruising or rallies and that's about it.

EM was THE name in the business for many years and are still highly regarded although I think the Factory 5 has better engineered pieces.

If the price is right you won't go wrong with EM and if you have a good crowd to run with you'll have fun. In my opinion a 356 is a better value for the same price and same crappy amenities but the 356 offers a few more things in terms of security and long term value. But.....there is no replacement for hair raising American horsepower!

If you are looking for a voice of reason....test drive it and then REALLY think about it. If money is no object then get er done!

john1961 · 05-08-2012, 06:25 AM

Depending what your looking for the Contemporary, ERA, Superperformance and FF cars are the nicest. I know of many much nicer cars for sale with correct power plants and transmissions (427 4speed) in the $30-40k range. i can steer you in a much better direction. PM me

John

wayner · 05-08-2012, 06:50 AM

I was very impressed when I did my factory tour here. Some cars from other manufacturers were pretty scary under the surface. I loved the FF frames and safety features.

Factory Five Racing

I think the user forums are at ffcars.com

Dublinoh · Dublinoh's Garage

Do you have any more pics? Interior? Wheels? Engine?

mikeferg75 · mikeferg75's Garage

The 460 and auto have to really limit the resale, since you are not super keen on the auto yourself, I would only buy if it was REALLY cheap.

Go on ebay, and if you have an account, sign in and search the completed listings for cobra's. You will find maybe 1 in 20 that sold, but you will also see what the not solds got bid up to, may give you a better idea of $.

DaytonaCoupe66 · 05-08-2012, 08:33 AM

I owned a Contemporary Cobra for 20 years that I recently sold to get into a 930. I was looking for a fun summer car with more driveability / versatility than the Cobra. I wish I could afford both, as they are both thrilling to drive. The Cobra is really a beast of a car that all generations recognize and admire....but so is the 930. Choices....

Try www.clubcobra.com; there is a wealth of information available in their chat rooms, and a great network of people that will help you out.

You will find advocates and critics for every replicar manufacturer. If resale is any consideration whatsoever I would recommend that you stick to a Ford driveline, standard transmission, and big block (390, 428, 427 but not 460). EM made a relatively nice car, but the background of the person who assembled it will reflect on how it turns out. Some do a great job with a lesser quality kit, and…….

When I shopped for mine I visited a number of manufacturers, including EM, and attended multiple trade shows. I still believe that Contemporary was one of the nicest reproductions (FactoryFive bought their tooling and molds). Nicest Cobra replicars are Kirkham Motorsports, Shelby American (naturally), SuperPerformance, and ERA, who all deliver exceptional customer support. Best value for the buck in my opinion is FactorFive.

Good luck

tabs · 05-08-2012, 09:59 AM

As others have pointed out that 460 is a Truck Motor...get the idear? For that thing to be HOT TICKET to He11 you need the Ford 427 solid lifter or for even a quicker trip the 427 SOCH mtr like Leno has in his. If you had that mtr when you got outa the car you would be as white as a GHOST..

Other than that, I don't know too much about those replica cars. I do know that awhile back the Poles were building an Alumium Cobra body in an old MIG fighter plane factory. The knowck on them was that they were tooo symetrical...the originals were hand bucked and no two sides were the same.

I at one time had the option to build a Cobra, as I have the 427 and had the Ford Toploader trans. BUT I could never get around it being a replicar. Rather in my preference I would stick to something REAL and the 356 sounds awefully sweet to me...granted the 356 isn't going to scorch your eyebrows off but it is a cool ride.

I have had my share of atteniton getting rides from a RR to Dodge Challenger 440 Six Pack...after awhile that gets OLD...thats awhy I lika my Ford F150...no body pays attention.

flipper35 · flipper35's Garage

I second the clubcobra.com. It has been a great resource for me.

Tabs, the body you are talking about is for the Kirkham product who also sells them to Shelby for the continuation series. The Kirkhams really are the best on the market right now but are on the high side price wise. Shelby is higher because of the name.

ADVCAD, those tires should go regardless of miles, especially if they are a few years old. Spring for some Goodyear Bluestreak billboards, or better yet Avons. I don't have as much bottom end as that 460 but I can tell you it is slightly disconcerting to have your headlights pointing at the car next to you when you are on the gas trying to merge onto the freeway.

Seriously, go to clubcobra and introduce yourself. Lots of good guys (and a few jerks) there and you will feel right at home.

rouxroux · 05-08-2012, 01:05 PM

Looks nice, but unless you're getting it for a steal, I would not touch a 460 with an automatic.

Ronbo · 05-08-2012, 02:55 PM

In addition to the disappointing engine and transmission combination, the rear drum brakes are also undesirable. I'd keep looking.

johnco · 05-08-2012, 04:48 PM

my friend just got this factory five cobra. 302 with supercharger, almost new with 200 miles, $35k. he's only driven it once and won't drive again until we fix the clutch issue. nothing wrong with the car... his legs are too short and the seats don't adjust. tells me I'll have to drive him around.. OKAY! I can work the clutch but my knee hits the steering wheel so I can't brake..

ODDJOB UNO · ODDJOB UNO's Garage

man somebody has to post the video of the one where i think the A-ARM folded in at speed on the track.

another kit car mind you.

hell you came to us here for advice on a porsche site. did you expect us to be nice????

btwn the truck motor and the video................YOU WILL END UP WITH A PORSCHE!

herr_oberst · 05-08-2012, 05:56 PM

First off, it's a pretty car, the stance is perfect; but that running gear is less than ideal, and you need to consider how that will make you feel after the papers have been signed. If you can STEAL it, it would probably be worthwhile.

(And actually, except for the resale value, a slushbox could be a good thing; much much easier to drive in traffic - but that seems to be the last thing on the minds of people who love these cars.)

Adam · Adam's Garage

Very pretty car - my former employer had one and I drove it a lot.

However, I'm 6'2" and 230lbs, so I barely fit and had to sling my arm over the door just to steer it. The ergonomics just flat out suck.

His was a bit oddball, it had a built 351 Windsor with quad Weber carbs and a top-loader 4-speed. Man, could it yodel... but the power delivery was frightening on anything less than hot, dry tarmac. A real handful to drive - insane fun!

They're essentially just a toy and with shifting fortunes, the toys are the first thing to go - so there should be quite a few around. Don't rush your choice.

tocobill · 05-08-2012, 06:59 PM

All depends on what you want. I own a late model BDR. I love my cobra and reaserched alot of the major replica builders. I drive mine every chance I get. Most guys want a 427 side oiler in there cobras. BB's not cheap and require more maintenance from what I hear. I have a Ford Racing 351 stroker 427 with all the performance bits and an Inglese 8 stack IR EFI. Its a lot quicker then most of my big block buddies. The cobra is def a lot different then any porsche I have ever had or seen. They require alot of maintenance due to the way they shake and ride. I personally wouldn’t by a cobra with drum brakes when you can have a good build with disc brakes all around. Automatic ... seen a few guys with them but nothing would sway me from a good 5 speed. Also check out cobra country. Alot of good makes of cobras for sale online (kirkham, BDR, Superformace, ERA). If you are in DC your best pool of knowledge is going to CACC (Capital Area Cobra Club) Great guys and a wealth of knowledge. Im a member and live in Baltimore. My best advice is to do your research and then do it again. They are a huge investment for a good build and can def bite you in the butt ... and wallet if you are not smart when buying. Good luck.

tocobill · 05-08-2012, 07:21 PM

Here are a few pics of my BDR ...

The first one is pulling into Katies C&C in Great Falls, VA.

masraum · 05-08-2012, 08:57 PM

I REALLY don't understand WTH happened here. Who/Why did someone let this chick drive the car?!? When she could barely get it out of the parking lot, they should have stopped her.

Jim Bremner · 05-08-2012, 09:07 PM

The 460 "Truck" motor isn't a bad engine. The Bore is larger than a 427's bore so it unshrouds the valves better. The bore to stroke ratio of a 427 is 1.12 and a 460 engine has a ratio of 1.13! I would have zero issue running a 460 hard. Yes, a 427 engine is a wild engine but bang for the buck a 460 is hard to beat.
The ports in a standard 429/460 head are pretty damn fine. yes there's some 427 heads that kick butt however you'll spend some big $$$ for an engine that was obsolete prior to the 429/460 engine.

tabs · 05-09-2012, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

The 460 "Truck" motor isn't a bad engine. The Bore is larger than a 427's bore so it unshrouds the valves better. The bore to stroke ratio of a 427 is 1.12 and a 460 engine has a ratio of 1.13! I would have zero issue running a 460 hard. Yes, a 427 engine is a wild engine but bang for the buck a 460 is hard to beat.
The ports in a standard 429/460 head are pretty damn fine. yes there's some 427 heads that kick butt however you'll spend some big $$$ for an engine that was obsolete prior to the 429/460 engine.

How expensive for the 427 Center Oiler...with a std bore..