[ddavis]

I have a buddy interested in starting a old cobra kit car for weekend crusing. Just curious if anyone here has built one and what kit you went with, engine, tranny, etc... or any info you want to throw out about the subject. Sounds like a fun project to me, Ive restored a number of cars but never messed with any kit cars before, so just curious about what the guys think about them that have put them together

[ffrcobra_65]

I built one with a lot of help. Factory Five Racing roadster (1965 Shelby Cobra replica). $13k on base kit then add your power train, body work and paint, wheels, tires, brakes, gauges, etc. etc. For weekend wrenching only, it could take up to a year to complete with some help. Full time wrenching, 2 -3 months. You could have a nice quality built for $30k but I went non-donor route and everything was new, powertrain was all from Ford Racing (except the spare 427) and in the end, I had almost $80k in the car. $80k was over the top excessive but I hung around the forum and as we all know, car forums will make you spend money!!!! I was replacing perfectly looking and working parts left and right. A $40k budget will result in an awesome quality replica cobra.
I had 2 engines, carburated....a Roush 427 and a Ford Racing 302 (345hp) which ended up staying in the car after I almost killed myself too many times with the 550hp 427. The whole car wtih me sitting in it and full tank of gas weighed at 2500 pounds!
I sold it months ago but I like to keep a picture of it and see it often to remind me of my one and only dream car ever and I do intend to build one again in the near future. They are a blast to drive and have. No other car in the world, NONE, commands more attention in the streets and weekend get togethers than this car. It is loud, unforgiving, leaves your ears ringing and your clothes smelling like fuel but man, what a car to have at your weekend disposal.
I encourage you to visit the factory five forum and ask questions there. That car forum is the BEST, bar none. I had guys (engineers, doctors, lawyers etc) come to my house on weekends to help put my car together, or troubleshoot problems, etc. etc. No other camaraderie like theirs.
Factory Five Racing is the most successful Shelby replica maker on earth. Just check out their frame! I once put an Enzo in my rearview mirror and the shocked driver pulled up next to me and wanted to trade ( he was kidding of course or I would have gladly taken his keys).

[sik68]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

I built one wtih a lot of help. Factory Five Racing roadster (1965 Shelby Cobra replica). $13k on base kit then add your power train, body work and paint, wheels, tires, brakes, gauges, etc. etc. For weekend wrenching only, it could take up to a year to complete with some help. Full time wrenching, 2 -3 months. You could have a nice quality built for $30k but I went non-donor route and everything was new, powertrain was all from Ford Racing (except the spare 427) and in the end, I had almost $80k in the car.
I had 2 engines, carburated....a Roush 427 and a Ford Racing 302 (345hp) which ended up staying in the car after I almost killed myself too many times with the 550hp 427. The whole car wtih me sitting in it and full tank of gas weighed at 2500 pounds!
I sold it months ago but I like to keep a picture of it and see it often to remind me of my one and only dream car ever and I do intend to build one again in the near future. They are a blast to drive and have. No other car in the world, NONE, commands more attention in the streets and weekend get togethers than this car. It is loud, unforgiving, leaves your ears ringing and your clothes smelling like fuel but man, what a car to have at your weekend disposal.
I encourage you to visit the factory five forum and ask questions there. That car forum is the BEST, bar none. I had guys (engineers, doctors, lawyers etc) come to my house on weekends to help put my car together, or troubleshoot problems, etc. etc. No other camaredie like theirs.
Factory Five Racing is the most successful Shelby replica maker on earth. Just check out their frame! I once put an Enzo in my rearview mirror and the shocked driver pulled up next to me and wanted to trade ( he was kidding of course or I would have gladly taken his keys).

on all counts. Building a ff car is on my to do list some day. You in the Bay Area by chance?

[nester7929]

I have always wanted to do this.

[2ndgenz28]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

I had 2 engines, carburated....a Roush 427 and a Ford Racing 302 (345hp) which ended up staying in the car after I almost killed myself too many times with the 550hp 427. The whole car wtih me sitting in it and full tank of gas weighed at 2500 pounds!

Like a V8 in a shopping kart, get your plot picked out early

[Mr Twisty]

That's old school hotrod... Like Mike Tyson, piss it off and it'll bite off your ear

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by 2ndgenz28

Like a V8 in a shopping kart, get your plot picked out early

They're pretty crazy, there are a few around here. This is what I want to build though.... never see them around here and they're kinda cool

[daveagogo1]

I'd love to build one. Any nobody is driving it such as in this EPIC FAIL.

[2ndgenz28]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

They're pretty crazy, there are a few around here. This is what I want to build though.... never see them around here and they're kinda cool

Just not enough steel for protection, Id perfer a big heavy tank with a powerful engine.

http://BuickThunder.com/Richvs427cobra.WMV

[ddavis]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

I built one with a lot of help. Factory Five Racing roadster (1965 Shelby Cobra replica). $13k on base kit then add your power train, body work and paint, wheels, tires, brakes, gauges, etc. etc. For weekend wrenching only, it could take up to a year to complete with some help. Full time wrenching, 2 -3 months. You could have a nice quality built for $30k but I went non-donor route and everything was new, powertrain was all from Ford Racing (except the spare 427) and in the end, I had almost $80k in the car. $80k was over the top excessive but I hung around the forum and as we all know, car forums will make you spend money!!!! I was replacing perfectly looking and working parts left and right. A $40k budget will result in an awesome quality replica cobra.
I had 2 engines, carburated....a Roush 427 and a Ford Racing 302 (345hp) which ended up staying in the car after I almost killed myself too many times with the 550hp 427. The whole car wtih me sitting in it and full tank of gas weighed at 2500 pounds!
I sold it months ago but I like to keep a picture of it and see it often to remind me of my one and only dream car ever and I do intend to build one again in the near future. They are a blast to drive and have. No other car in the world, NONE, commands more attention in the streets and weekend get togethers than this car. It is loud, unforgiving, leaves your ears ringing and your clothes smelling like fuel but man, what a car to have at your weekend disposal.
I encourage you to visit the factory five forum and ask questions there. That car forum is the BEST, bar none. I had guys (engineers, doctors, lawyers etc) come to my house on weekends to help put my car together, or troubleshoot problems, etc. etc. No other camaraderie like theirs.
Factory Five Racing is the most successful Shelby replica maker on earth. Just check out their frame! I once put an Enzo in my rearview mirror and the shocked driver pulled up next to me and wanted to trade ( he was kidding of course or I would have gladly taken his keys).

Thanks for the info, looks great in the pic. Right now we are still working on the specs trying to figure out if we want to go fuel injection or carb and what kind of powerplant to put in there and trans. The owner is just looking for a weekend cruising, nothing that will ever see track so a 302 is the top runner right now. We have both been looking at different kits and I keep hearing factory five praised alot, so sounds like its a great kit. There is also a mga cobra conversion selling close by us that we are checking out this weekend. The guy put a built 302 in it with a 9in rear and disc brakes all around. Its been partially restored and needs finishing and can be had at a good price. So right now the owner is just weighing the options. Hes not worried about trying to stay authentic or anything, just looking for a fun roadster project.

[Number 3]

I went to Factory Five in Massachusetts back in mid 90s with a friend and friend of his that were interested in buying the kit.

My friend put all new hardware in his. 351 Windsor crate motor, new trans and rear axle. An awesome car. Weighs very little and is incredibly fast.

[ffrcobra_65]

I was watching FFR on Speed channel again last night and wow! They even make it so much easier for builders now, a complete kit minus engine, tranny, axle! My next one will have a 351. The 427 was death waiting to happen, the 345hp 302 was more than adequate but smallish in the engine bay. A bored 351 will be just right. I am going fuel injection this time. I like the Daytona as well but a bit more more work to put together. I tell you, the FFR forum is awesome! Most guys pretty much don't use the build manual but rather go to the forum and get the guys to tell him how things go together, what works and not, tricks, etc. I can't wait to build my next one..with much help from friends.

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by 2ndgenz28

Just not enough steel for protection, Id perfer a big heavy tank with a powerful engine.

http://BuickThunder.com/Richvs427cobra.WMV

If I built a Daytona.... I'd sure build in a better roll cage

[ddavis]

I heard the factory five guys even do a 3 day school to go over part of the build process. Would be cool to check out and would save some headaches I imagine down the road. Right now just trying to decide what kind of powerplant to have in there. Fuel injection most likley. We are even tossing around the idea of possibly a chevy engine. Although im sure the ford guys would shame us for that one . I imagine a ls3 in there would be fun though with the 6speed. So much more planning and research ahead before we start this thing, but already sounding like a fun project.