theoretical build question...

[Nelff]

So, I'm trying to decide what to build... and it's still going to be awhile when I do but, here are the issues:

I work out of state so just running out to the garage will not be available for at least two years.

I have A '96 Cobra that has a full Griggs suspension, bolt-ons to make 300hp at the rear, T56 6-speed, 31 spline 430 rear. That's my donor...

What I want is a replacement for my M3. I'm really retired so having to commute isn't a big deal, you know, run down to the grocery store, take the wife out on the town, run errands... I've always wanted to build a Cobra, wife has too. I'm wanting something a bit smaller that my Mustang Cobra and my M3, lighter too, something fun to drive.

But... Is a FF Cobra going to fit my needs? Errands are okay topless but windy. Taking her out is still windy... Yes, she will drive a small SUV so it's not like we will have to drive a FF Cobra in the snow. Does anyone else have the same set of circumstances?

David

[skullandbones]

David,

I just got to drive mine (gokart) yesterday so excuse the bias. I think the roadster is going to be a blast to drive every time you strap in! It feels like you are about to leave the ground when you take off. I have a 4 link rearend and it rides great! I also have power steering and it is better than everybody said it would be. I don't think I will have to do any tweeking to it. Most of my "errands" are under 10 miles one way so I can see me driving the roadster at least 50% of the time (small SUV as DD). We have 350+ days without rain so there are very few rain outs for your driving plans. I will likely fabricate a soft top just to keep the sun and wind off. Yesterday I came back with my hair permanently swept up like a crew cut! It was a funny sight.

If you want to get the most use out of a roadster, the soft top is probably a real consideration. But you should go for it. That donor of yours will create a beast of a roadster, I think.

Good luck,

WEK.

[riptide motorsport]

Yes the roadster will fit the bill.

[Bigtim01]

Yes the roadster will fit the bill.

I have been using mine as a daily driver for the past 2 years. The only concern I see is the sound of the side pipes.
My wife and I both use ear plugs to make the drive enjoyable.
HTH
Tim

[CraigS]

Absolutely. Not sure where you live (pls add that to your signature line) but it's all doable. Make sure to plan for a top. If it's cold it will hold in the heat. If it's hot, it will provide shade as long as the side and rear windows are removeable. The top reduces the wind slapping the side of your head to a nice breeze. My top is never off. A mild 400hp/351 will be more than is needed and very street drive friendly. I've had mine for 7 yrs and drive it every excuse I can find.People see me at home depot w/ 8 ft pieces of wood trim sticking out through the open window of my hardtop and give me a thumbs up. I just take a roll of tape and a towel to wrap around the trim to protect the paint. Hell of a lot more fun than my Tacoma.it's been raining for 3 days here but was supposed to be dry today. I was super pi$$ed when i woke up and it's raining again. The pipes can be quieted fairly cheaply (<$100) so they are not an issue other than burning your legs so plan on shields. I plan on driving mine until I physically can't which i hope will be quite a while as I am only 64. Oh, and you will make a bunch of new friends who also enjoy these cars. I go to breakfast every Sunday that I am not autocrossing w/ anywhere from 2 to 10 other cobra owners and have two autocrosses this weekend where there will be two other FFRs running. Sometimes there are 6 of us. BUILD ONE!!

[Nelff]

Thanks all :) to answer one question, Kansas, and I will fix that post haste.

I always kinda thought that I could get along with a Roadster as a DD. My thoughts were kinda drifting to the 818 but... My wife still likes the Cobra look. And I have a donor that if I tried to sell I could get about nothing... Sooo, I guess I need to start making plans!!