Starting Again

[Christopher]

I ordered a complete roadster kit about 4 years ago and then canceled it due to kids, time, money, etc. I am back at it again and doing my research again trying to understand all my notes and chicken scratch and order that I cancelled but my memory isn’t all that good. I’m looking for a dependable driver with least amount of maintenance, horsepower and loud most important. Looks is secondary although the “old school” look does attract my eye. Not sure at all about manual versus automatic or transmission. I do want IRS for what sounds like the best ride and I think widest tires they offer because I like that look. I currently have a 57 Chevy bel air with 5 speed manual tremec that doesn’t give me problems but pondering automatic in case other family members of mine want to drive. So many choices and decisions and curious and seeking help and advice although I understand “to each is own”.

[egchewy79]

Great way to teach other family members to drive stick! You'd want to consider a seat slider if you plan on having different drivers. I have a SBF but added EFI which helps w/ some of the reliability/tunability concerns I had.

[CraigS]

I know I may be crazy, and I know that the twin turbo super Cobras had auto trans, and I know that the good auto trans now are just as fast as a stick, but still, no way in he11 would I own an FFR w/ an auto. I'd let others drive the 55 and keep them out of the FFR. I even bolted in my seat w/o sliders. I'd say, Aaah, sorry, I might let you drive it but you won't fit. In my mind, you want to drive it? Ha, ha, NFW. If you like the old look, I'd go w/ a 351W but with a modern efi setup that looks much like a carb. Yes to IRS.

[Mike.Bray]

A Cobra with an automatic will be very tough to sell one day. A Tremic TKX with a (Tilton) hydraulic throwout bearing is actually a very easy car to drive. If your family members want to drive it they'll learn to do a stick. Be sure and do power steering.

"the “old school” look does attract my eye" this and you mentioned loud points you towards a pushrod engine, most likely a short deck or tall deck Windsor. 347 and 427 are the most popular choices and either is more power than you need. Go with the right cam and EFI and you've got a loud lopey but dependable engine. The Coyote guys will try to sell you on it, and the Coyote is a great, great engine, but it's a BUFF and not old school looking at all. And at idle it kind of purrs like a kitten.

Good luck!

[cv2065]

Definitely IRS. If you want the least amount of hassle and least amount of loud, I’d go with a Coyote. It’s not old school looking but the most reliable and hassle free. The EFI modules on a pushrod can have their challenges as well. As others have said, I wouldn’t go automatic.

[JMD]

I made my decisions on what options to pick and drivetrain with a combination of the following criteria:

1) Drivability. I’ve had overbuilt muscle cars that were loud and snotty. They’re super cool but not something I want to drive around a lot. I wanted something that gives a muscle car feel and sound but without the bad habits and obnoxiously loud noises. Something that isn’t annoying to hop in and take to the store. Slightly loping but not temperamental engine. Smooth and easy clutch, power steering, EFI, Gas N touring pipes, etc.

2) Old school vibe. I didn’t want it to look like a modern car. EFI that looks like a carb, traditional air cleaner, old school intake manifold, 15” wheels, etc.

3) Simplicity. Everything has a specific purpose and is executed as simply as possible. Some options to make the car livable, but nothing extravagant. No need to upgrade except for a specific purpose or reason.

I’m a fan of the Sniper 2 EFI on a warmed up 302. Good manners, powerful enough to be fun, but not overly dangerous. This setup should be fairly easy to maintain by myself or most any other traditional mechanic. The Coyote is probably one of the most hassle free options, but definitely a different vibe.

[GoDadGo]

Caroll Shelby stuffed an automatic transmission in CSX 3178 and it sold for $1,375,000.00 to a gentleman by the name of Peter Klutt.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo16/lots/r194-1965-shelby-427-cobra/

Mr. Klutt, owner of Legendary Motor Cars, restored the car back to it's original livery including a manual transmission.
The car was then sold for a whopping $5,400,000.00 which can be viewed in the video linked below:

https://youtu.be/M-rNwHqfIew

Unless you are building a Super Snake Replica, which sold for $5,000,000.00, or have some sort of disability, then I wouldn't go with an Automatic Transmission.

https://youtu.be/MQnvogCBep4

Good Luck Configuring & Building Your Dream!