A few reminders to all owners & a good read for soon to be's

[freddiehebert]

PART 1 A reminder to all owners & a good read for soon to be's

Driving a Cobra Replica

"If you want to just gas and go, and never have to worry about replacing an alternator, or snuggling down the header bolts, or getting a wet leg driving in a rainstorm, or learning how to set your carb float level, or driving in traffic on a warm winter day
with "winter gas" in the tank, get a Corvette. "

With a Cobra Replica you have to remind yourself that you
are driving a hand made race car on the street. There is no compromise for anything other than pure speed. These cars are brutal and unforgiving, with all the refinement of a medieval battle ax. Like being in a relationship with an exotic dancer, you can never take anything for granted. These cars don't have millions of miles of testing refinement before you get yours. For any trip longer than an hour, you need earplugs, and goggles, and carry Advil and eye drops. You will need to learn to "read" the clouds for rain in your path, and have experience in un-wrapping your frozen fingers from the MotoLita. You will experience lady passengers "wetting" the passenger seat when you merge into traffic from an on ramp, and then nearly burn their calf getting out of the car.

You will have all the invisibility of a burning Hindenburg, and flee from underground parking lots when uncountable car alarms are screaming your departure. When you shop, you will remind yourself that these cars get more attention than a dead body in a parking lot.

With a power to weight ratio better than almost every supercar, you will find your 1/4 mile times traction rather than power limited. On the other hand, when you stage, out of the corner of your helmet's visor you will see almost the entire audience lining up at the fence, most with cameras up. If you track on a road course with a Porsche club, owners of expensive German machines will come to the fence to watch you power out in smoking oversteer. You won't even try to start your engine in the garage, but push it out onto the driveway, else your loyal watch dog will croak from the exhaust fumes. If you idle next to other "sports" cars at a traffic light, by the green, their girlfriend will be coughing green phlegm into her hanky, yelling at her date to just go! When you refuel, you might as well prop the "bonnet" open, because you are going to have to show your motor to just about every other guy there. When you order your wings at Hooters, your waitress will whisper in your ear "take me for a ride." When you stop at the red light, the girl in the convertible next to you will invite you to "take my top off too."

When you slowly pass a troop of Harley riders, they will look over and give you thumbs up. When you want to ease out into traffic, other cars will immediately pause to let you go ahead of them. When your engine has its hot, crackling, intimidating exhaust side-pipe aimed right at the flank of the GTO, or the Z28, your exhaust pulsation's slowly unscrewing his lug nuts, the other car will remain motionless, as if the slightest quiver of his car will cause your car to stomp it dead. When you leave it open in a parking lot, and come back to find your sunglasses and cell phone still sitting on the tunnel, it is because your car has sullenly warned those who came over to admire it "touch me and I will rise up here and kill you dead."

When you put that tiny silver key into the ignition, and begin your start countdown, your car will whisper "take me for granted, and I will kill you."


When other drivers just hop in and snap up their belts while backing out of their parking space, you will still have two more minutes before you even get all the Simpson's properly on and snugged down. Pulling up in a Cobra Replica is like landing an F4U at an ultra-lite convention.

In summary, very, very few drivers want this kind of attention, or can tolerate all that a formidable Cobra Replica demands. These cars are intolerant mistresses.

But remember, there will come a day when you have to hang up your car keys for the last time. And perhaps you want to say then "I did it."

[freddiehebert]

Ten Cobra Driving Safety Tips
1. The two most dangerous words in aviation are, “Watch this.” The same goes for driving a Cobra. Humility is a wonderful personal trait to have for driving a Cobra safely. If you’re not humble now try thinking you’re a hotshot driver in a Cobra for awhile – you will get humbled, as they say down south, “…right quick.”

2. “You don’t even know what you don’t know”. Huh? Well think about it – if you’re not a professional race car driver, you’re kind of out of your element in a Cobra. I saw a video of a Cobra going out of control and rolling because the driver missed a downshift at speed in a sweeping turn. This caused the rear wheels to momentarily lock up and the rear end to slide out and thus the rollover. I didn’t even consider that as a possibility when I’ve been downshifting all this time, did you? That’s my point; I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. That short wheel base Cobra you’re driving can introduce you to all kinds of nasty things you never thought possible. Be careful out there and learn from others. The problem with learning from the school of hard knocks is that the tuition is too high.

3. “Know Thyself”, was said by the Greek philosopher Socrates. How true it is when it comes to driving a Cobra safely. I know that for myself I’m unqualified to be driving my Cobra anywhere near its performance limits. I have virtually no racing experience, very little training and I’m in my 50’s so my reactions are not what they used to be. Instead I have the advantage (I hope) of wisdom. It is said, “The superior driver uses his superior judgment so as to not have to use his superior skill.” The most important thing here is recognizing limitations, do you?

4. I saw a video of a Cobra going out of control when the passenger door was not closed properly and the driver tried to close it while underway. The lean of the body when reaching for the door caused the throttle foot to press on the pedal. Probably not a problem in a regular car but in a Cobra that does 0 to 60 in less than four seconds it’s a recipe for disaster – especially when you only have one hand on the steering wheel! What’s the lesson here? If something falls on the floor or to the side of the passenger seat from g-forces or whatever, wait until you’re stopped (in neutral) before reaching to pick it up.

5. Beware of the club ride. It could be that you will be surrounded by some guys driving bullets (it’s been said you don’t shift a Cobra – you just chamber another round) who are in denial or unaware of their limitations and driving experience. These guys and I’m including myself, have good intentions but are young at heart so the “two teenagers in a car” phenomena is in effect. You know how it goes; they say “This is so cool, let’s do something crazy!” Two teenagers in a car will do things one teenager in a car would never do. This effect can take hold in a club ride. Use caution and don’t get caught up in it. Be a defensive driver knowing someone, because of the above, may do something totally unexpected right in front of you.

6. Street racing kills. Its stupid and only the completely self-centered do it. It can kill you, or worse yet it can kill innocent bystanders. So just say “no” and go to a track. When that Viper pulls up next to you at the stoplight and revs his engine, then if you must, yell “Ace Raceway [or whatever your local track is called], this Friday, 6 PM.” You’ve just saved face and saved lives -- and I bet he never shows.

7. Take command of your Cobra. You can’t be afraid of it or else timidity will prevent you from taking the decisive action necessary to stay out of trouble. Now you must respect your Cobra, but not be afraid of it. Analyze yourself privately deep down and determine if you’re kind of afraid of the car. If you are, then its time for some professional training or time to sell the car. This is supposed to be fun and if you’re afraid of the car why deal with it, it will only cause trouble. A Cobra isn’t for everyone and there’s no shame in that.

8. Don’t let anyone tailgate you – ever. Folks behind you might want to get an “up close and personal” look at a Cobra and end up tailgating you. If you have to brake hard for some reason your car will stop much faster than theirs. You have no head restraints, virtually no crush zone and you’re basically sitting on top of a gas tank. Get the picture? Pull over to the slow lane and slow down if you have to in order to get them off your tail. Attention comes with the territory when driving a Cobra and the distractions can be dangerous.

9. Do “what if” scenarios in your head. Quickly now, what would you do if you were going down the freeway and your throttle return spring bracket let loose and you went to full throttle with no throttle control. Too late, you’ve already crashed. My answer is instantaneous and simultaneous controlled braking, clutch in, neutral gear then ignition off and coast to side of the road watching out for traffic and then and only then think about what happened. The key word here is “instantaneous”. You can’t do this quickly if you haven’t considered it beforehand. Be graphic and realistic in your scenarios. What would it sound like and feel like if you went to full throttle unexpectedly going down the freeway? How much time would you have? My engine has an electronic RPM limiter so I’m not going to worry about blowing my engine by depressing the clutch at full throttle. And so what if I did blow my engine – my life is at stake here. “What if” scenarios are wonderful because they’re free, they can save your life, and as my dad used to say, they “tickle your brain.”

10. Don’t go for a drive in your Cobra to clear your head. Clear your head then drive your Cobra. This ain’t the car to be driving when you’re distracted.

11. A bonus tip: Have fun – safely.

12. Leave the alcohol for the end of the day. Maybe, a single beer with a meal, but no more. These cars can go from fun to "OH S*^T!!" faster then just about anything I've driven.



“There's nothing nice about a Cobra, it's stripped down to the essentials – a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires trying to keep the whole business on the pavement. It's loud, smells like gasoline, and shakes, shudders, and bucks. It makes your arms tired and your feet hot. You nearly crash about once every ten minutes. It's so damn wonderful you can’t believe it


Cobra heard whispering to the owner: circa 1963

"When you put that tiny silver key into the ignition, and begin your start countdown, your car will whisper "take me for granted, and I will kill you."
__________________

[2FAST4U]

Excellent and so true!

[Movieman]

This made me smile, then laugh, then shake my head..:)

[David Hodgkins]

Good, required reading for all gonna-be Cobra Replica owners!

:)

[wesmantoothAZ]

You pretty much summed up exactly why I'm going to have one someday :)

In a twisted kind of way, anyone who wants to enter this world needs to be a little crazy, highly passionate about these cars, and very patient through the planning, building, and owndership process.

[tcoon]

Kudos! Well said. In four seasons of Challenge series racing I have spun mine MANY times, and can tell you it happens unexpectedly and in the blink of an eye. And that's with an "experienced" racing trained driver! Unless you're John George or Scott mcKay you need to tread lightly...and yes they spin too!

[shinn497]

Good advice!

I'm sure this will apply especially to many of FFR's other models. Especially I think the 818 will should not be trifled with.

[LuckyWinner]

Thats why all of us here on this forum, building or driving, get along so well. Most of us have never met face to face, but we are all brothers.... We all have that strange desire to tame the beast. We are all Snake Charmers.

[David Hodgkins]

I combined the two threads. Good reminders for those new to our hobby!

:)

[carlewms]

Fred,

As a newbie to this world being at the start of my build, I very much appreciate your words of wisdom and advice.

As one in the building phase of ownership, these words also emphasize the need for quality in our construction of these beasts. I dare say that for many of us this is a first time experience and following the manuals, good practices, and the advice of those that have gone before us is also important.

I am not a racer or track experienced driver, but I have owned several high performance cars over my life. Modern sport cars are wonderful engineering marvels, but these vehicles also have ABS and dynamic traction control systems that keep us out of trouble (in most circumstances) but also give us a false sense of security when it comes to these replicars without them.

Again, thank you for the reality check! It will make us all safer!

[Pedalmasher]

Bravo!! Well said!!

[GTM RACER]

owning a ffr for 14 years, this is the perspective truth of owning and being a part of a roaster of this nature!

Thanks for reminding us of the fun and dangers of owning a vehicle like this!

[Mr. Barry]

Very well said....As a former motorcycle rider, I am always aware of what is going on around me, and consider the fact that other drivers may consider me some kind of target! This either due to wanting a close up, or to see if they can go faster than you can....All of which , as said, is a recipe for disaster.....
It IS the most fun you can have on four wheels, even after 11 years of driving it.
Edward

[Doutie]

I recently bought 5004 MkII, a very nicely built and beautiful roadster and drove it 1200 miles home. From Arizona to SW Washington in two days. The seller never used the side windows in Arizona and hadn't installed the gourmets in the doors to except them. First day was great, 600 miles and we made it to central California.
Second day started at 5 am pouring down rain which changed finally to showers in central Oregon. Cheap raingear and not much choice about the weather leds me to add one thought to the above cautions: The 2300 lb. curb weight and wide tires that make these cars so much fun to drive also makes an unlimited hydroplane with 4 tires. Don't worry about your precious baby getting wet, worry about it floating out from under you.

[skullandbones]

I've seen part I before and love it everytime I read it. Part II had a more sobering effect on me. After getting registered day before yesterday, I'm actually free to drive it anywhere. Now I have to get used to "the beast". It really feels like I'm mounted on a wild stallion with no saddle. It's like you are more along for the ride than completely in control. I'm sure that will improve with seat time but not yet. I will take my friend's advice and do some handling exercises in a wide open space. Not knowing what you don't know probably sums it up the best.

With just one drive under my belt, it's still the best time I have ever had in any hotrod or supercar ever!

[Hottrodder427]

very intriguing, i cant wait i'm saving for mine i have driven what i believed to be fast cars but after reading this i dont think i have

[289FIA_Cobra]

I think Freddie posted this for me and John... nah, must be a coincidence!

[JL1958]

Excellent read as I sit here pondering my upcoming purchase. Having owned many fast cars, I have never owned such a beast and for all the reasons you posted, I can hardly wait!!

[chopthebass]

Lots of truths there. My UK cobra build caught me out a few times when I first started driving it. You can't treat these like a Honda Civic as I found out changing down a gear and caning it to overtake a caravan. Managed to recover it without hitting anything, but was still behind the damned caravan!

[TechJunky]

"take me for granted, and I will kill you." will be on an engraved dash badge over the ignition switch.

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Ten Cobra Driving Safety Tips

12. Leave the alcohol for the end of the day. Maybe, a single beer with a meal, but no more. These cars can go from fun to "OH S*^T!!" faster then just about anything I've driven.



“There's nothing nice about a Cobra, it's stripped down to the essentials – a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires trying to keep the whole business on the pavement. It's loud, smells like gasoline, and shakes, shudders, and bucks. It makes your arms tired and your feet hot. You nearly crash about once every ten minutes. It's so damn wonderful you can’t believe it


Cobra heard whispering to the owner: circa 1963

"When you put that tiny silver key into the ignition, and begin your start countdown, your car will whisper "take me for granted, and I will kill you."
__________________

I will have a (one) drink with a meal and still drive my Cobra but I NEVER give anyone a ride after I've had that one drink (my wife doesn't count in this, she's ridden in it 100's of times).

[Hans944]

This should be required reading for all new owners. I've owned my Cobra for about 3 months and have referred to this post many times. I've kept these thoughts in the back of my mind. Many of these scenarios have already played out for me. Like a guy in a Hyundia Genesis with nitrous who tried to race me. I wanted to do it but didn't.

The Cobra actually reminds me of driving a high performance boat (i.e. Cigarette) on land. It's a little gritty to drive for any amount of time similar to riding a street motorcycle (crotch rocket).

I like being a good Ambassador for the car. I'm always polite to everyone who approaches me from Doctor's wives to young guys with performance cars. Not one person has ever not liked the car. They are great vehicles and must be respected. They can kill you.

Well written post!

[Movieman]

Excellent post!

[fireman2343]

This is why I have my Cobra and not a vette!!!!!

[rwantin]

Great read, thanks for this, particularly since I just got my car on Saturday.

I will, in fact, be adjusting the float levels this evening.

[Plebeian]

6. Street racing kills. Its stupid and only the completely self-centered do it. It can kill you, or worse yet it can kill innocent bystanders. So just say “no” and go to a track. When that Viper pulls up next to you at the stoplight and revs his engine, then if you must, yell “Ace Raceway [or whatever your local track is called], this Friday, 6 PM.” You’ve just saved face and saved lives -- and I bet he never shows.

__________________

The problem is most dragstrips won't let our cars run if we're faster than 13.5 seconds in the 1/4 (yet snowmobiles and motorcycles are free to run 9's). I would love to race some Vipers at the strip.

[blkctsv09]

I've attended Skip Barber racing school, done 3 Richard Petty driving schools, raced 11 years with the SCCA in improved touring (last race in 96). The Cobra is a different animal, like it's namesake if you don't respect it it will bite you. i love my car but I love my rear end more. You can enjoy your car-just respect it.

[teesalmon]

Great post, can't wait to share this with my friends. I am somewhat trained, know a bit about vehicle dynamics, and work in a group with a bunch of trained drivers. I am in total agreement with all of the suggestions and advice. I haven't even received my kit yet, but I have been thinking about driving something with this power to weight ratio, wheelbase, and no electronic controls.... on public roads. This is something I will approach slowly with great respect. I told my wife yesterday, if I should die suddenly for some reason, my son is not allowed to drive the car without formal training from somewhere like Bondurant, or training from some of my colleagues. I've also seen some You Tube videos that could have been avoided if the advice above was taken.

[Tom Wells]

I do believe Hal Copple wrote PART 1.

[Tom Veale]

I send the Parts I and II to my good friend and fellow FFR Roadster owner, Terry W, for his review. He's the current owner of The Pumpkin Racer. I originally raced the Pumpkin from around 2003 through 2010 but then passed it on to Terry. He's actually put far more miles on it since and had taken the car all over the country.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35263&d=1414770083

Here's what he replied:

What a great article and rings true in almost every paragraph. I especially like the phrase,' take me for granted and I'll kill you.' So many times I've taken Pumpkin out either on the track or street, mashed the throttle like a stone vice, and nearly come full circle.

Those wise phrases; Both feet in when in a spin, touch the peddles like a egg shells, smooth in equals smooth out, and one the most famous from a good friend and mentor (Tom V), "The only thing crazier for non-professional racers than racing in the rain is them practicing in the rain." I have had some good times in Pumpkin and I think some day it will be time to turn over the keys,

I think some of my best memories of life after the Navy have been those connected with Pumpkin.
- Breaking down in a small town in Texas and have ex-pro wrestler (huge guy) push-start the Pumpkin
- Drag racing at Great Lakes Dragway against a Pro Fueler, and receiving my best time because I was afraid of being run over
- street racing against Ryan Braun, the Brewers player, driving a smart looking Masserati with a hot chick next to him, and having my son next to me as I smoked the tires to the next light.
- Giving these three migrant workers rides from the Motel Parking Lot in Memphis
- Being stopped by the cops because they were not sure what I was doing with 3 small children in the front seat driving around Elvis's mansion. At the end they escorted me at a spirited speed back to the motel where we were all staying the night.
- While driving around with a young woman I was dating, I gave Pumpkin the gas and the next thing you know her halter top flew off on the interstate. We had to find an exit, turn around and find the item (seemed to take for ever:) ).
- Driving in a car parade with 100's of the finest roadster and rods on the earth this past spring near Wisconsin Dells at the HRPT
- driving a race car at Road America, WOW
- breaking down in the middle of Las Vegas in 8 lanes of traffic, have 3 local squad cars stop traffic and help me tighten a front wheel bearing.
- going for a ride in Nevada and having two amazing looking women watch Josie, my dog, for the day as I go for a ride. Then later finding out these lovely ladies were Show Girls.
- and the people I have met with Pumpkin have been amazing. All shyness is erased when I start the engine and their childhood dreams come right out of their mouths.
- taking my adult son for fast laps around Road America and have him say, "Wow Dad, nice driving!"
- I'm sure there are more...

For that I owe you a great deal of thanks for introducing me to the Pumpkin Racer and bringing those moments to this old sailor.

All the best Terry

Before Terry bought the Pumpkin Racer from me I'd shared it with Edgar B, Peter W, Andy B and Doug McM at various times. I'm sure each of them would have their own stories to add to this discussion.

Best regards,
Tom Veale

[chopthebass]

I bet you knew exactly what would happen to the halter top! Bet you asked her to wear one...

[Goodmanners]

Fantastic writing. Best thing I've read in a while and something I will consider before I get started down my own path towards owning a Cobra.

[emrld65]

Glad I read this!! Found all this out for myself. Laughed at first then all the sobering thoughts came up. They are like owning a wild animal. Give them love and lots of respect.

[Yrag]

Just got an mk2 used, and went for first ride...I went slowly and respected the power of the beast...302 HO with supercharger. My second ride was with my brother in law...he wanted to feel the power......pulled out of my community on A1A shifted from 1st to 2nd, thinking to my self, go easy....well tires screamed, back broke loose like on ice...got off accelerator and straightened back up...all is well...Lesson learned...Cobras power must be respected or you will probably die. Don't let anyone influence you to do something stupid. Only you are the one that knows how a cobra can bite you..defensive driving and safety first...most men are born with a stupid gene....realize that and understand what you are driving. Control your self and you can control your beast. Post should be required reading to all newbies like me.

[SSNK4US]

DEFINATELY a good read and some really important things to think about. I've been through two professional driving schools, Skips and Bobs... The picture is a BMW M roadster. ABS, DSC, air bags bla bla bla.... I've had it on a track numerous times. When I first saw the car it reminded me of a cobra.... If you look at the specs on it and an FFR they are almost identical. Except the BMW weighs about a thousand pounds more. HIGH horsepower SHORT wheelbase are a little scary and a little different animals. I've been "stupid" in the car, but in the case of the picture I wasn't at all. True accidents do happen, and lots of ponies in a short wheelbase car can come back to bite you. I broke my neck.....
Please take heed in the original post and the rules he posted. They all make sense.....
Enjoy you cars but always keep in mind and they are Cobras, one of the deadliest snakes on the planet.

Drive safe, and responsible

Kurt

59529

[Rome]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant

[Vette1972]

Excellent articles and advice. Probably should be included in the build manuals. Might be good to forward this to a new member as they register on the site. It opened my eyes, even though I have driven a Corvette for over 20 years. Thanks for the post.

[1932]

How does driving the 33 compare to the cobra?

[4Tuggin]

And I have a 789hp 514 I plan on putting in the new kit I just purchased!

[Scowally]

Excellent advice as I am contemplating purchasing a cobra in the next few weeks. I am reminded of the old aviator saying... there are old pilots and there are bold pilots but there aren't any old bold pilots.

[JCLipka]

Lol..

[Mark Eaton]

This such great advice. I like the idea of inscribing the dash with "take me for granted, and I will kill you." But I will add " and we shall perish together in each others arms!"

[slshearer]

Great Article, Glad you took the time to explain the facts!!! Thank You!

[Brian697]

Outstanding article -it was an eye-opener for me! Am in process of acquiring a garage queen, and looking forward to getting it running. Track days and auto cross are on the agenda, all with an extremely large dose of respect!
Thank you for the article. I concur with the idea that it should be included with every new member registration.

[Rick1916]

As others have said, so very well written. My personal rules include: NEVER drive my beast after a cocktail (yes I know that should go for any car), always check rear tire pressure to make sure they’re near equal. Why? You can put the car sideways in a heartbeat if you deliver enough power to break the rear loose. Ask me how I know.

[Fixit]

My wife read the article... and now "when that thing's done I AM GOING WITH YOU ON EVERY "CRUISE" RUN"... No Hooter gals or stoplight flip-tops for me. <G>

[ArmyflightPA-C]

Very true! Although I am going to build one these beasts, I already have a deep respect for what I am about to create. I have always thought to myself when I get this completed I will take it to the road course and have a professional teach me how to drive this monster without killing myself.

[Railroad]

I am building a roadster. I have never driven or ridden in one, but read the advise with full acceptance as "fact". I must have read some accounts of driving the AC roadsters in their greatest races and wonder if there is any way to relate to the talent and reflexes those men must have possessed. Adverse conditions, primitive tires and suspensions, massive amounts of torque and power, all thrown in at a max for lap after lap. They were masters of reflexes and driving.

[Megascott]

As a former Open wheel Modified NASCAR racer and also former Cobra builder/owner, these comments are spot on.

I remember after 12 years of racing, I brought my hand made Cobra to the Track for use as a "Trophy car" I can't count how many times other Racers commented on my custom made Cobra, first looking underneath at the NASCAR suspension with full floater 9 inch and Wide Five NASCAR Modified hubs on all four corners. 357 CI of Ford NASCAR V8 under the hood, I should have sold tickets....

I am shortly building a MkIV here in Thailand. I am purposely not installing a fire breathing 500HP mill in it. Most likely it will eventually get sold to a (Thailand Rich) local kid who does not have experience with driving a car like this and even though I will be adding traction control, these cars can and will kill you in a heart beat. I will try to make the car as safe as possible, but there's only so much I can do. I figure 331 cubes and 400HP is good enough power for Thailand, even so, I will have to advise any prospective owner to always wear the Brown pants, you know, just in case.

Scott

[ztoolman44]

Great post! One of the best reads on the forum.

[HopsFreak]

Well said. I sold my Harley - the wife and I just didn't get into touring like we thought we would. Not sad about it. I have been a distant observer of Factory Five and Cobra replicas for a few years now and have known a retired gent who built one. I think this is the direction I am going to go as a bucket list item. Just joined the forum today and started with your posts...glad I did. Oh, not dissuaded from buying a Mk 4 roadster, oh no...but your wisdom puts the brutality of the car in perspective. Good advice and I will use it. Thank you.

[mike223]

Well said. I sold my Harley - the wife and I just didn't get into touring like we thought we would

<snip>

Oh, not dissuaded from buying a Mk 4 roadster, oh no...but your wisdom puts the brutality of the car in perspective. Good advice and I will use it. Thank you.



If you treat it like you're riding a Harley (with all the respect that choice deserves / demands) you'll be fine.

10' tall and bullet proof - will not end well...

[Kmcallahan]

This is great insight.

[Aircontroller]

“F4U at an ultra-lite convention“ and “take me for granted and I will kill you”

EPIC! :cool::cool::cool:

[Mike Garrett]

Thanks for the good advice, I needed it. My mk4 is on order with 5.0 for power.

[BMR12]

I'm new to this forum, should pick up my build in July if all goes well. I appreciate the honesty, experience and wisdom from everyone's replies. I totally understand how a car can get away from you when hitting the throttle and losing all traction. I think with all performance modified cars, if we don't respect it, it will kill us! Never driven in a Cobra, but I have greater respect for what it can do now.

Looking forward to going through the rest of posts for the Cobra builds specifically.

[GTBradley]

You’ll be cautious enough in the beginning, it’s when you think you have it under control that it will sneak up and scare the boldness out of you. It’s the short wheelbase you have to get used to, mostly.

Welcome to the forum and FFR build community, you’re going to love it!

[Fixit]

"Disrespect me and I will kill you".

Add up the following:
Roads are cold but dry
Tires are cold
450HP on tap
Short wheelbase
Occasional puddle/run-off/wet on the road

I'll save you the trouble... it equals "spirited straight acceleration turning into a 1/2-lock powerskid don't snap the throttle shut or overcorrect keep your goddam foot off the brakes holy **** that retaining wall is close damn I saved it and need to shake the turds out of my pants" in less time than you took to read that.
(and I wasn't even on it "hard")

#9365 & I just rolled 2650 miles. I'm not afraid of him, but I'm still not confident in my abilities. These cars accelerate, turn, and stop better than ANYTHING that people have ever driven before. It will be on a track, or skid-pad, or driving school environment before I even attempt to find my limits - I know going in that I'll not come close to the limits of the car.

[Ernie67]

Words to live by-and still enjoy the ride!

[mike223]

I'll save you the trouble... it equals "spirited straight acceleration turning into a 1/2-lock powerskid don't snap the throttle shut or overcorrect keep your goddam foot off the brakes holy **** that retaining wall is close damn I saved it and need to shake the turds out of my pants" in less time than you took to read that.
(and I wasn't even on it "hard")



I always say it can kill you faster than you can say "oops", or "aw sh*t".

[ldee]

Great read. I'm looking forward to owning one. Are there any groups in the Houston area I could hook up with and learn some of the building process to decide if I want to take on the building of one or just purchase. Recently retired and always wanted one. I am in the Southwest Houston area.

[RR20AC]

yep all that and more. Two months ago I drove the cobra out of a garage not normally used. It was cold and not heated like the one it is usually in, as I was using that one for a stereo replacement in my wrangler. Left the garage at 38 degrees and headed for a light that changed yellow as I approached. Some throttle but not full to make it through the light and I was sideways into oncoming traffic! Just the cold tire difference was the chance I could die or loose it all. Be careful out there. Jim

[ToddinTexas]

Ok. Completely skeerd now. Mostly just confirms my desire to build a 289/302 lower HP version :D

[svrabob]

That is why I am drawn to the FF Cobra:cool:

[Deplane]

Thanks Freddie, great words, a must read for people like me, Newbies!

[juddster]

Thank you...

[M. Townsend]

Street Racing? DON'T DO IT!

Public roads are no place to be foolish. There may, or may not be people present that want nothing to do with the risk of high-speed motor racing. Respect them, respect yourself.

I spent 8 years as a Turn Marshal and witnessed many drivers who pegged their fun meters. Thankfully, in all the incidents I witnessed, most drivers walked away, a few made visits to the hospital, all survived. Everyone at a track has accepted the risks involved or has at the very least been warned. "The only safe place at a racetrack is outside of the entrance gate(s)."

Take your monster to a track and let it scare you and the rest of the risk-takers in the place it was truly built for.

[msbrown6]

Great reminders for us all. Will reread this many times in the years to come. Thanks!

[narly1]

How does driving the 33 compare to the cobra?

IMO both are front-engined, short wheelbase, lightweight vehicles so similar.

To me the (horse)power to weight ratio and gearing you choose along with how well disciplined your right foot is will be the biggest factors in how drivable your creation is.

[WCPaynter]

TYVM for these excellent words to live by while behind the wheel of what will be the most exotic and powerful car I have owned. Looking forward to the build!! Will never get started or completed soon enough!!

[GoDadGo]

TYVM for these excellent words to live by while behind the wheel of what will be the most exotic and powerful car I have owned. Looking forward to the build!! Will never get started or completed soon enough!!

WC,

I see this is your first post.
What a great way to start the journey of building your dream.
It took me about 2-3 months to work my way up to my current 6,000 RPM rev limit.
Knowledge is power and you are off to a great start.

Welcome Aboard!

Steve
Dark Side Factory Five MK-4 #8,515
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

[Mike63]

That was awesome made me laugh and cry. very well expressed and written nice job!

Mike .

[Mastertech5]

Best advice on staying alive I've ever read. Like drinking, have fun but in moderation. Respect the machine and keep your head screwed on straight.

[jimfil61B]

Definitely need to be a little bit mechanically inclined to build one and to drive one especially after a few maiden voyages trying to get all the gremlins out of the cobra but once you've figured it all out there is nothing better than driving this race car.

[R. Button]

it's been now 25 years since I pulled ol'Blue out on the road and headed out the interstates.

On the Open Roads...
Over the hill from Calif. coming down into Flagstaff I found out what soft rain tires felt like driving on ice pellets! Next to be sure I understood the first warning, I was reminded early one morning as I pull out into the intersection to turn left... only to find I was now spinning sidewise in the middle of the intersection. I had forgotten it was cold that night in Little Rock! Again I was "politely" reminding what soft sticky rain tires are going to wake you up real fast on cold concrete! They are like bricks! I just smiled at the audience who were waiting at the light as I did a K turn to get pointed down the road.
Pay what you have to to get not just good tires but great tires!

Yes every minute you need to be focused on driving. Hence no radio in my car just the sound of the wind (oh and out on the interstate I'm usually singing "Amarillo by Morning...") No one can hear me anyway :) over the exhaust sound!


Adventures along the way... be prepared for a different attitude from the people you meet! There are REALLY nice people out there.

And you're going to get wet!
I was driving through the pouring rain, on the interstate, in bumper to bumper traffic coming by Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, and a lady in an motorhome had a window open asking if I wanted a towel! I thanked her and told her I have one in the trunk I'll pull out later once I'm out of the rain!

Frequently on the interstate I would catch up with large groups of motorcycles. They typically are lined up in two very long lines of bikes usually in the right lane. One time the rear bikers saw me coming behind them. I think he flipped his lights to get the attention of the bikes in front of him till like a wave the long line of bikes opened up wider and I was motioned on through up the middle of them! With a mixture of being scared, nervous - don't want to mess this up! Hold the steering wheel straight, I was honestly shaking as I drove up through them and thinking DON'T HIT THEM! I made it through to the waves and thumbs up, etc. As I wiped the sweat off my hands!

I have managed to attend track events on the east and west coasts. Met a lot of people along the way and a lot of kids with their families at rest stops and gas stations. A normal car gas and go is about 5 minutes. Mine are closer to an hour! The best part is you're at the pump filling it with gas, and people that normally would never peek around the pumps are looking at the car - and the discussions begin. Usually people in the line of vehicles behind you are impatient to get their car filled up and back on the road again. Instead they are out of their cars, have come up to look, and ask about the car. I now carry little 1/32scale ac cobra metal cars in the trunk to give to the kids.

I even managed to get out on THE track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for some hot laps with ol'Blue!

Stuff happens!
About three years ago, one night, I took out a deer on the driver side of ol'Blue. I got lucky as I managed to get far enough into the shoulder, gravel to hit him with the left headlight leaving him to bounce along the side of ol'Blue. No frame damage just the cracked left fender and the headlight shattered.

A new body was prepped, and painted. Painted bandywine with oyster white stripes, by high school students in their shop class. "Brandy" is back on the interstates.


Enjoy the ride, knowing that you have one of the faster "guns", just smile when they pull up to street race you as you wave them off. It's so tempting to smoke them off...

For me no more track events - seems my reflexes are not nearly as good as they used to be. But Brandy and I still go out on trips singing "Amarillo by Morning...!"


183305 183320183307 183308
Tech at Indy Crossing the Bricks The Deer encounter little Miss Brandy

[GoDadGo]

Bumping This Thread Since Many Are Just Starting To Enjoy The Driving Season!

Steve

Dark Side Factory Five MK-4 #8,515
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

[M22_COBRA]

The "take me for granted and I'll kill you" quote will likely be on a plaque on my dash.

[Alan_C]

I agree with everything said regarding driving our cars. However the same mindset needs to be applied to the quality of the build and yearly maintenance. When building our cars, we need to think the same way. There can be no shortcuts as a mechanical issue can get you in trouble just as fast as your right foot. Yearly maintenance including checking and torqueing all the fasteners is a must. For those of us who built our own cars we know them well. For those you have purchased their cars, take nothing for granted and get to know your car mechanically. Trusting a prior owners building and maintenance skills could get you into trouble. These cars are not daily drivers, they require respect when driving and when preparing them for each driving season.

[herb427sc]

First time reader, and I bought the kit in 1999.