So What Other Cars Did You Consider?

[Empty Pockets]

Why did you not not like the Roush EFI?

I think I can tell you why many didn't like it in the past - end user couldn't tune 'em. The preset 'factory tune parameters were IT, period. 'Factory wouldn't release the access codes.

I believe it was GT38 who informed me that this issue has recently been eliminated, however.

 

[Xcentric]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but a Roush 427 is really a stroked 351 which is really a smallblock, which would have similar weight/balance to a 289, but a whole lot more power and the other hormone releasing factors associated with a "427" badge on the fender. I'm assuming a street car. No idea what is most desirable for the track.

I have some pics of a Superformance Daytona small block 427 I'll dig up. Very much a car I'd like alongside the GT.

 

[twobjshelbys]

I agree on the paint and on the 289 FIA. Better weight, power and balance.

Steve asked about the Best hence the Kirkham reference. Are you saying the CSX cars are better? Or are they just glass replicas with an official license? (yes, some aluminum too.)

Didn't Shelby and Kirkham have a short Marriage too? Rumor I heard is there wasn't enough fat left in it for Shelby to continue the relationship. Kirkhams aren't cheap but you know the old saying.

Why did you not not like the Roush EFI?

Shelby CSX are official continuation cars and are very high quality. Mine was one of 7 or 8 carbon fiber cars.

Shelby fiberglass cars are built by HiTech (who also builds Superformance cars) but to a different mechanicals. They have no interchangeable parts. Shelbys still use the original style frame.

Shelby CSX4000/CSX6000 cars are built by Kirkham but again on a different base vehicle and frame and contain no interchangeable parts. Shelby CSX1000 cars are built by the off-shoot of the original AC factory folks, hand rolled body and are gorgeous but easily 2x the base price.

The CSX9000 Daytona Coupes are also built by HiTech. As are the SPF GT40s.

I'm not sure who manufactures the CSX7000/8000 (289 cars). Probably the same as above but I'd heard that some of the aluminums were still built in house.

Note: HiTech is owned by Lance Stander who also owns Superformance but HiTech is the manufacturing arm and makes other replicas besides the Cobras and GT40s.

If you're seriously looking at the Cobra you should go over to www.clubcobra.com, and if you're looking for one I would strongly encourage you to look at a "used" one that has been sorted out. If you get a new one you'll easily spend another year and 3-4K after taking delivery to get it running like you want.

Mike ("Luke Warmwater") can add good words about Olthoff. Good shop.

 

[twobjshelbys]

I think I can tell you why many didn't like it in the past - end user couldn't tune 'em. The preset 'factory tune parameters were IT, period. 'Factory wouldn't release the access codes.

I believe it was GT38 who informed me that this issue has recently been eliminated, however.

Mine started off installed incorrectly - the throttle position sensor was wired backwards - the DFI controller thought it was WOT when idling and idling at WOT. That wasn't a good combination. Once I got that fixed it never would run. I sent it back to Roush (at my expense) and they swore it worked there, but when I got it back it still didn't work worth diddly squat. I'm into it about 10K by now. The DFI controller was an Accel. I had gotten (from Roush) the magic token to use the "pro" key which opened up the entire program. After I got it back I figured out that they hadn't populated the altitude compensation table. I took it to a tuner who was trained by Accel and finally got it running. Roush promised to refund a portion of their charges and cover my tuning but never did.

I've since heard they have gone to two different DFI controllers. One was the FAST setup, but I don't know what they are using now.

Their DFI setup looks like Webers, which have some very counter intuitive setup rules. The throttle blades at idle to about 70% throttle produce turbulence, but beyond 70% there isn't any so the fuel doesn't mix as well, and essentially becomes rich. So you actually have to lean it out a little beyond 70%. I doubt a "self learning" system like FAST will close the loop around this anomaly.

They are password protected but I can predict what the password will be.

Additionally, of late, there have been a lot of Roush engines that consume huge amounts of oil. One guy on the Cobra forum today said his repair bill was as much as the engine.

Search for "Roush" at www.clubcobra.com.

I will recommend AGAINST Roush...


Part 2: Yes, the Roush 427 here is a Windsor based engine ("Small Block Ford"). They are real torquey. Mine was 550HP, 500 ft-lb. I've heard they claim more now.

They do sell a 427FE (based on the Shelby aluminum block). I've heard they are very nice engines.

 

[FBA]

I respect your opinion, but all exotics are mileage sensitive. I guess my goal would be to be able to drive the car for 3-4 years and still be less than 10k miles. I think I can do that in a red car for $170k (????), but my preference would be yellow.

Chicago Motorcars has a 2k mile yellow, but has a BIN of $200k.

There's a black one I just was that came up today with 2k miles for 184k on a BIN. There's not much written about it however, so there may be some quirks or issues...because it sounds too cheap to be true, to me anyway.

 

[Sinovac]

Kirkhams are aluminum body, and typically are not painted (somehow someone started the "bare naked lady" thing and others seem to like it - I do not).

I thought that too until I bought this.

 

[Shark01]

There's a black one I just was that came up today with 2k miles for 184k on a BIN. There's not much written about it however, so there may be some quirks or issues...because it sounds too cheap to be true, to me anyway.

Wait....is this an on topic post? Thanks....LOL

After driving a midnight blue, I realize I want a light colored car.....preferably yellow, then white. Red would follow.

 

[Sinovac]

I guess that was well deserved. :lol

 

[2112]

I thought that too until I bought this.

View attachment 27235

Sweet, What is the drivetrain? FE or Windsor? Something unique like a Cleavland or Cleavor? Tremec or Toploader?

Threads wandering all over the place is half the fun. This is where a group of like minded guys get together to chew the fat.

 

[Waldo]

After driving a midnight blue, I realize I want a light colored car.....preferably yellow, then white. Red would follow.

Silver is an option as well...

 

[RADGT]

I have had three Cobras over the past decade. First was CSX4000 series in fiberglass with a 428. That was a really good car but hotter than anything to drive in the summer. Next was A Kirkham FIA hybrid. FIA body style on a 427 chassis. I had it in a brushed Al finish w/ polished stripes. Really cool looking but a pain to deal with as everyone was always touching the car and leaving fingerprints. Had to always use windex and scotch brite pad to get it clean and remove the oil from peoples fingers/hands. Was a nice ride. Lastly was a Contemporary FIA of which they only made 7 of them. For the money, could not be beat.Great looking, very exact replica, great drive. Had a 351 with a Richmond 5 speed. Sold it a few years ago and of all the ones, I miss that one the most.

Stu

 

[Shark01]

Silver is an option as well...

Thanks, my current weekender is silver, and wanted something else.

 

[Sinovac]

Sweet, What is the drivetrain? FE or Windsor? Something unique like a Cleavland or Cleavor? Tremec or Toploader?

Threads wandering all over the place is half the fun. This is where a group of like minded guys get together to chew the fat.

It is a Keith Craft stroked 302 (331) with a Tremec. About 450hp and very light. Love it.

 

[Xcentric]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but a Roush 427 is really a stroked 351 which is really a smallblock, which would have similar weight/balance to a 289, but a whole lot more power and the other hormone releasing factors associated with a "427" badge on the fender. I'm assuming a street car. No idea what is most desirable for the track.

I have some pics of a Superformance Daytona small block 427 I'll dig up. Very much a car I'd like alongside the GT.

Pics:

 

[2112]

Wow, what a fantastic color. Would loose the Roush Valve covers yesterday though, look a lot better with finned factory Valve covers; Cobra Powered by Ford.

 

[Sinovac]

Unless someone is nut about authenticity, the small block 427s are the way to go. An all aluminum Windsor based 427 is compact, very light and reasonably priced from a reputable engine builder.

 

[Xcentric]

Wow, what a fantastic color. Would loose the Roush Valve covers yesterday though, look a lot better with finned factory Valve covers; Cobra Powered by Ford.

Agree. The paint is Lamborghini.

 

[twobjshelbys]

Unless someone is nut about authenticity, the small block 427s are the way to go. An all aluminum Windsor based 427 is compact, very light and reasonably priced from a reputable engine builder.

I concur. A 427FE will be a monster on the track and can run for hours on end (which was why Shelby/Ford used them) but a Windsor 427 will be good for the street.

The exception to the rule would be to drop a 427 SOHC ("Cammer") in, but all Cobras require modification to the footbox and trans. tunnel area to do that. Most will build to accommodate if you specify. Watch Jay Leno's Cobra video to see it.

 

[GTHunter]

The best cobra in my opinion for value , looks , reliability and authinticity would be the Superformance , I attached a picture of my SPF beast

If you think the FORD GT is exciting to drive , you wont know what exciting is until you sit behind 600 horses in these cars , just plain scary but I love it

WOW! Beautiful car!

 

[2112]

I concur. A 427FE will be a monster on the track and can run for hours on end (which was why Shelby/Ford used them) but a Windsor 427 will be good for the street.

Windsors have great oiling and are very durable as well. With a Steel crank and H-beam rods, You would be hard pressed to break one.

Do you know the weight of the all aluminum FE?