Any experience with Cobra replicas?

[88workcar]

How tall are you? They are tight. I was told to go sit in one and ask to drive one before I purchase. The pedals are all far left. Not just strait in front of you like in any other car. This is supposably uncomfortable. I did sit in one and I don't think it would bother me a bit but it is slightly different.

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[Tankertruck]

I was strongly considering buying a Superformance Cobra with the aluminator engine, but there are a lot of great convertible V8s out there spanning the "performance" and "touring" spectrum, that are a lot of fun, and honestly a better finished product to me (unless you want to build it yourself, then that's pretty much irreplaceable).

My dad had a Factory Five 427, and at 6' tall, i never really fit into a cobra, and the shifted pedals made it very uncomfortable to drive more than 1/2 an hour.

That being said, I had a bit of the same struggle, so we added to our flock first with a ND Miata (which is a lot of fun to drive on small, twisty roads if you have them), and then replaced that with the LC500. This is not an advertisement for this car (it's definitely not for everyone), but suggesting you can look for alternatives. The Miata was a nice 2nd car to the 350, but this makes the wife happy and makes all of the right noises.

And obligatory shot:

i

 

[Postal Bob]

How tall are you? They are tight. I was told to go sit in one and ask to drive one before I purchase. The pedals are all far left. Not just strait in front of you like in any other car. This is supposably uncomfortable. I did sit in one and I don't think it would bother me a bit but it is slightly different.

I concur . I was at the Mecum auctions in July in Harrisburg, and there were several Cobra replicas for sale. I sat in all of them, and it's just as you described. And I'm only 5' 5''.
Plus, the doors do not open that wide at all. And it's almost impossible to keep your leg from touching the exposed exhaust pipes. Something to consider if wearing shorts and your bare leg touches a burning hot exhaust pipe when you get out.

 

[wingnutt]

Meh…don’t shoot the messenge, but the demographics between a Cobra and a Miata don’t exactly crossover

meaning…if you truly want a cobra then you more than likely WANT the tight cockpit, what radio? smelly exhaust, no traction at all, something-about-Mary hair and burn your legs when you get out…experience, and yes chalk me up for all that

 

[John S]

The short wheelbase and power-to-weight demands good driving skill and a real roll bar/cage if you're going to track it. I saw one in front of me at Grattan lose control on a power oversteer - no crumple zones and a cramped cockpit offer little protection if something goes wrong.

 

[pocketAA]

I was strongly considering buying a Superformance Cobra with the aluminator engine, but there are a lot of great convertible V8s out there spanning the "performance" and "touring" spectrum, that are a lot of fun, and honestly a better finished product to me (unless you want to build it yourself, then that's pretty much irreplaceable).

My dad had a Factory Five 427, and at 6' tall, i never really fit into a cobra, and the shifted pedals made it very uncomfortable to drive more than 1/2 an hour.

That being said, I had a bit of the same struggle, so we added to our flock first with a ND Miata (which is a lot of fun to drive on small, twisty roads if you have them), and then replaced that with the LC500. This is not an advertisement for this car (it's definitely not for everyone), but suggesting you can look for alternatives. The Miata was a nice 2nd car to the 350, but this makes the wife happy and makes all of the right noises.

And obligatory shot:

i

The people that buy a lexus lc500 vs a cobra are vastly different lol. This is like comparing apples to oranges.
Im 5’10 in my late 40s and have zero problems getting in and out of the car. You just need to know how to do it. The pedal box is tight but you get use to it. Its actually a very civilized car you just have to respect it. If you are looking for creature comforts dont buy a cobra. If you like loud, fast as hell, awesome looks get a cobra

 

[Tankertruck]

Meh…don’t shoot the messenger, but the demographics between a Cobra and a Miata don’t exactly crossover

I thought that too, but they actually cross over a lot more than i anticipated, based only on my experience at our local track (yours may be 100% different). So many people had both miatas and cobras during our club days, I was very shocked. Most of the guys raced the NAs and NBs, and had the Cobra for the weekend toy. Its what got me into thinking more about the Cobra.

But yes, you're 100% correct, the experience of the Miata really isn't anything like experience the Cobra. I'll never disagree with you there. My only point really was to suggest that there are other options for a convertible weekend warrior that may fit different desires, depending on the OPs wants/needs.

 

[RazzaRossa]

I built a FFR (mine in the pic, sold) a while back. Great experince, total fun in the build. Engine selection (I did a F.I. 5.0) doing it again, probably would do a carburated 289/stroker 302, why small block? 427's were big, heavy, a handful to drive, and never won a race of any significance, small blocks kicked ass. The hidden cost in the FFR kits are tires/wheels (again, don't cheap out here) and a quality paint job. I did my own prep (I did all prep, a buddy squirtted the paint) which was the biggest task on the build, drive in/out will cost about $9G's at a good body shop (doing stripes of course). No heater or a.c., hell, no roof, so keep an eye on the weather. It was a blast to drive, and always got attention at the gas station or car show. Vettes disappear next to them.
On the subject of tracking them, maybe Autocross, safe and relatively low speed. A high speed road course or track? No way with out a full rollcage, a 5 point harness and helmet. Look at the grille opening, now hold your hand out the window at 120 mph, hence the development of the Daytona coupes, the GT 40's. I took mine to the drags, best time of 12.9 @ 109 mph, stock 302 and a 5sp, 3:73 rear. Car weighed around 3200 with me in it and a 1/4 tank of gas.
Ken Miles and all had Balls, HUGE balls, I can't imagine pushing those cars at 180+ in competition, I sweat just thinking about it.
Anyhow, BUY ONE, you won't regret it, just get used to smelling like exhaust, and having helmetless biker hair.
P.S, standing next to one, the bodies of the 427 style cars are absolutely drop dead gorgeous, the curves, tiny doors, bulging fenders, kinda like that one girl in high school...

 

[Rob_R]

Lots of sage advice here for a prospective Cobra owner. I own a Superformance Cobra that I purchased in 2002. I cannot recommend Superformance enough. The car arrives as a rolling chassis and you (or an installer) install the drivetrain. The chassis arrives painted, interior installed (wool carpets, leather seats, Smiths gauges and such. Other niceties on the Superformance include real knock-off wheels, Wilwood disc brakes all the way around, and the ability to accept either Ford Big Blocks (both FE & 385 series) or, small block Windsors, or Coyote. The paint is remarkably nice.

If you must have 100% authenticity, then you would want to get either a Shelby Continuation chassis or a Kirkham chassis or an ERA. Superformance does take some liberties for comfort and performance. If you are looking at Factory Five, know your limitations before tackling a pile of parts that arrive on a pallet. I may be wrong (because I haven't looked in 20 years) but I believe Factory Five also offer rollers now.

Depending on which state you reside in, the title and registration process can be daunting. I lived in NJ when I purchased my roller and I had a tough time legally getting a title, but I got it done. I now live in Virginia, and they are very friendly to replica vehicles.

As far as drivetrain, I have a 427 aluminum FE side oiler (Genesis block) that I had built by Keith Craft. It is bored and stroked to 496 CI with twin 750 carbs. Crank dyno at 700 HP. It is more than a handful in a 2500 lb, short wheelbase car. I like using a gun analogy - you better know where it is pointed before pulling the trigger. A nice pushrod Windsor stroker is the much cheaper and easier to live with.

I am currently crating up the FE motor to send it off for getting some snot taken out it. At 70 years old, I am no longer young and dumb, so I don't need all of the headaches that come with a serious high performance engine.

Early days of Cobra ownership....And when you arrive in a Cobra, sometimes this happens

My brother would say, "Cobras are not chick magnets, they are dick magnets". I'm not sure he is right

 

[Balr14]

I bought a Factory Five DIY kit many years ago. It took over a year but my brother and I finally got it completed. It was raw and crude but a lot of fun. It wasn't something you'd want to drive very long or very often. The variety of kits, cars and drivetrain options available now is mind blowing. A friend has a Backdraft Cobra. Wow, what a difference! Handling is far better. But, I'd stick to my Z4 M40i for a two seater that's always fun and never gets tiring to drive.

If I wanted a Cobra I think I'd stick to Backdraft. Vanguard Motors always has some nice ones for sale.

 

[OldbutNew]

Lots of sage advice here for a prospective Cobra owner. I own a Superformance Cobra that I purchased in 2002. I cannot recommend Superformance enough. The car arrives as a rolling chassis and you (or an installer) install the drivetrain. The chassis arrives painted, interior installed (wool carpets, leather seats, Smiths gauges and such. Other niceties on the Superformance include real knock-off wheels, Wilwood disc brakes all the way around, and the ability to accept either Ford Big Blocks (both FE & 385 series) or, small block Windsors, or Coyote. The paint is remarkably nice.

If you must have 100% authenticity, then you would want to get either a Shelby Continuation chassis or a Kirkham chassis or an ERA. Superformance does take some liberties for comfort and performance. If you are looking at Factory Five, know your limitations before tackling a pile of parts that arrive on a pallet. I may be wrong (because I haven't looked in 20 years) but I believe Factory Five also offer rollers now.

Depending on which state you reside in, the title and registration process can be daunting. I lived in NJ when I purchased my roller and I had a tough time legally getting a title, but I got it done. I now live in Virginia, and they are very friendly to replica vehicles.

As far as drivetrain, I have a 427 aluminum FE side oiler (Genesis block) that I had built by Keith Craft. It is bored and stroked to 496 CI with twin 750 carbs. Crank dyno at 700 HP. It is more than a handful in a 2500 lb, short wheelbase car. I like using a gun analogy - you better know where it is pointed before pulling the trigger. A nice pushrod Windsor stroker is the much cheaper and easier to live with.

I am currently crating up the FE motor to send it off for getting some snot taken out it. At 70 years old, I am no longer young and dumb, so I don't need all of the headaches that come with a serious high performance engine.

Early days of Cobra ownership....And when you arrive in a Cobra, sometimes this happens

My brother would say, "Cobras are not chick magnets, they are dick magnets". I'm not sure he is right

A Superformance Cobra SC in All-American Blue with white stripes and an aluminum 496FE.
Rob, you DESERVE the kind of reception you got that day! So, did they BOTH get to go for a ride??

 

[Rob_R]

A Superformance Cobra SC in All-American Blue with white stripes and an aluminum 496FE.
Rob, you DESERVE the kind of reception you got that day! So, did they BOTH get to go for a ride?? Sponsored

Thanks for the compliments - a lot of time and energy went into the Cobra to get it to this point. Unfortunately, the Coors Light girls were on duty that day and were not free to jump into any hot rod as their handlers were staying close by while watching for shenanigans.

 

[Cwood8656]

I built an FFR cobra over a period of about three years starting around 2006. I built every part of the car with the exception of paint. Building it was an absolute blast, but takes lots of mechanical experience, which I am lucky enough to have. I built a hot small block and were I to build one again I would still do a carbed engine. Factory Five does not sell any rollers as one poster said above. It’s a great experience and you will emerge with a car that YOU built, just the way you wanted it. It will be as good as you make it. I would for sure have power steering and brakes, with big tires they are a bear at low speeds without power.

Chris-

 

[OldbutNew]

I built an FFR cobra over a period of about three years starting around 2006. I built every part of the car with the exception of paint. Building it was an absolute blast, but takes lots of mechanical experience, which I am lucky enough to have. I built a hot small block and were I to build one again I would still do a carbed engine. Factory Five does not sell any rollers as one poster said above. It’s a great experience and you will emerge with a car that YOU built, just the way you wanted it. It will be as good as you make it. I would for sure have power steering and brakes, with big tires they are a bear at low speeds without power.

Chris-

Car looks great! Nice job!

 

[DaveB]

Kind of got the bug to get a Cobra replica as a fun, summer roadster but am wondering if it's a decision I'll regret. While I love my Shelby GT350, I sometimes long for a convertible, and have always been fascinated with the Cobra replicas. Wondering if anyone has had any experience owning or driving these beasts.

Hey, I have a shop near Indianapolis and I build cobra replicas. They can be as mild or as wild as you want! I love them. If interested let me know.

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