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 unwrapping 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 sidepipe 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 ultralite 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."
Ok Gregg that is pretty well written! I have had a number of hot rods and driven a few Cobras. I have had a taste of what you have so well described. What I am really looking forward to is the non; air-bag, traction control, ABS, stability control feeling and lots of tail wagging power. Thanks for watching, Pete.
Thank you for all the info and Love the channel. Anyone who speaks Cobra speaks my language. I actually ended up putting money down on a Shell Valley Cobra and can't wait to get started. I'm going to be doing a build video as well although not sure how much footage I will get or how well it will be done but I want to document it at least for myself. Keep us updated and thanks again.
I just retired and i have been thinking about building a Cobra for a few years. Curious why you selected Hurricane? Everyone knows Factory Five..... I hadn't even heard of Hurricane until recently. Moving to Colorado Springs in a few months and we will ONLY buy a house with a 3 car garage... because of the upcoming build. Would really like your thoughts on why Hurricane. Congrats!
I get the 3 car garage issue, we moved to Utah a year ago, my first 3 car garage!;) Factory Five is a great kit, well built and a good looking car. They are up front about making changes on the car to make it "Better." I really want a car that is pretty accurate. The body mold on the Hurricane was pulled off of CSX 3132, FFR has been massaged, larger cockpit and so on. I wanted floor mounted pedals, like the original cars. FFR uses dash mounted pedals. FFR made the fender openings match 17 & 18 inch wheels and tires, I am using 15 inch wheels with period tall sidewalls. Also, I called back there a couple times and talked about deleting some parts, front brakes for instance, I was going to source my own. Let's just say they were less than receptive about making changes. So, it depends on what you are looking for, I have never met someone with a Cobra that says, "I wish I did this different." Build it and you will love it! Thx, Pete.
I ordered mine as a turn key minus. I went the building myself route back in the 80's with an ERA. I'm stuffing a 427 S.O. in it. Keep up the great videos. Thanks.
I am guessing your car is the cannon ball car. I saw it in the paint booth when I was there last October. That will be very cool. I could not justify the cost of a nice FE, I have thought and rethought that a lot. May be on the next one.
While there are a lot of reasons that make this a good idea. The Cobra was designed to beat the Cobra and so on. I have heard of them in fact I found, www.cobrasnvettes.com/ the Cobras N Vettes site. Corvettes are a larger platform than a Cobra so the body would not be very accurate. Who knows maybe Zora and Carroll became friends in the afterlife… Thanks for watching, Pete.
Everett Morrison builds quality replicas. 4" Mandrel Tube frame,120/1000ths thick wall. Fiberglass is tough as nails and the gel coat is second to none. Had to sell mine. Wish I had it back. (Punched out 460 CI- Borg Warner 4 spd.-338 rear with jag rear suspension. 1/4 mile clocked at Sears Pt. ; 10.2 . In street tires.) Everett-Morrison are supportive of their cars, whether you purchased from them or another source.
😳Thanks for pointing out Everett-Morrison.I had heard their name years ago but I have never seen one and I never heard them talked about I thought they were gone. Looking at their site they sound interesting I will contact them and maybe add a episode about them. You car sounds awesome! Thanks for watching, Pete.
PS, I emailed E-M asking for some info about their kits so I can do an episode. Do you have any pictures of your Cobra I could use? If do email them to me. Thanks, Pete. PetesSnakeBiteKit@gmail.com
E-M had 3 wheelbase to choose from,,the original 90" , and 93" or 96" wheelbase available for taller guys these days. If you're 6 foot or taller I recommend the 96" wheelbase for more legs room with thinner inner doors panels for extra elbow room and come with backup lights .
Pete- any thoughts or research done on Ultimate Classic Cars/Lone Star Cobra replicas? I am 6'4 and 240# and need room and really like these kits. I know they are 4" longer and the purists cringe, but I don't want my head sticking up over w/s and my feet crammed sideways in the footbox. They are also in Texas (I'm in Dallas). ???
I have not seen a Loan Star up close. I don't think I would make the size a major factor, most Cobra manufactures have made allowances for bigger guys. That being said having the compony close by would be really nice. Thanks, for watching, Pete.
Hi Doug, I have seen a couple Loan Star Cobras, I have heard of Evert Morrison I think they have been in the Cobra business for a long time. I just covered the top 10 I knew I little bit about. How do you like your UCC so far?
I bought a complete Everett-Morrison and the fit and look of all E-M parts are great. The frame is more substantial than a FF5 (I am told by a pro that has worked on both). The E-M people were very helpful dealing with California DMV.
Good one your funny. I have liked the Cobra since I was young. 55 now and I still love them. I understand what they are, fucken scary, and they ain't modern. Windsor and Tremec streetable daily driver dream car!!!
Thanks, I have about 650 miles on my Cobra, all debugged. The body is off for paint. It is Honestly the coolest driving experience I have ever had. Maybe it’s time for your dream car?
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Cheers Pete, Cobra I wish. That'll be a lottery buzz I think unfortunately. But if I do win guess what Steve's getting ?.....cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿
CSX 2000, CSX3000 are real Original Shelby Cobras, CSX 4000- 7000 are continuation replica Shelby Cobras Everything else "Cobra" is a component car. Only the original Manufacturers can make replicas. AC Cobras made in England are also Original Cobras but with Shelby drivetrain. The best Cobra is the one you can afford to own. Jay Leno does not own a Shelby Cobra.
I wish I could afford the real thing! I am trying to make this as close as possible, with the hood shut. I saw a video clip of Jay leaving a studio driving a cobra, and I heard him refer to building a replica with a Cammer. I guess he sold it? Thanks for watching, Pete.
Hi Pete, I will soon be takng the same path... Just tired of modern plastic cars, loaded with electronics, not to even mention EVs. Those are just a nightmare for me. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and afterwards the best driving pleasure possible when finally riding it like you should !
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Well, now that you mention it.. Yeah, I have a few questions. Would it be possible to get your e-mail address or something? Thanks in advance!
EVERETT MORRISON BRAND IS BY FAR THEE ABSOLUTE BEST !!!! IVE OWNED ABOUT 15 DIFFERENT BRAND KITS AND EVERETT MORRISONS ARE LIGHT YEAR BETTER IN QUALITY MORE THAN ALL OTHERS !!!!!
Interesting, I hit the ones I am familiar with and have seen. I had heard of EM but never spoke to anyone that had one. E-mail me some pictures if you like and the High lites that sets them apart and I may do a tune up video of them. Thanks for watching, Pete. PetesSnakeBiteKit@gmail.com
Blah blah, good or bad? Either way thanks for watching. But seriously, this was one of my first videos and I would clean it up a lot if done over. Which one would or, did you chose? Thanks, Pete.
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 unwrapping 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 sidepipe 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 ultralite 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."
Ok Gregg that is pretty well written! I have had a number of hot rods and driven a few Cobras. I have had a taste of what you have so well described. What I am really looking forward to is the non; air-bag, traction control, ABS, stability control feeling and lots of tail wagging power.
Thanks for watching, Pete.
If 2020 reminded us of anything, its that life is short and unpredictable.
Thank you for all the info and Love the channel. Anyone who speaks Cobra speaks my language. I actually ended up putting money down on a Shell Valley Cobra and can't wait to get started. I'm going to be doing a build video as well although not sure how much footage I will get or how well it will be done but I want to document it at least for myself. Keep us updated and thanks again.
Very excited for you Dave. Dana is a great guy and I sure you will be treated well. Best of luck, Pete.
Hahaha! You officially earned my subscription in 1 minute 33 seconds. You have a good sense of humor!
Thank you!
I used to go to San Clemente cars and Coffee all the time. Great time. Best one I've been to in the whole country.
It really is!
I just retired and i have been thinking about building a Cobra for a few years. Curious why you selected Hurricane? Everyone knows Factory Five..... I hadn't even heard of Hurricane until recently.
Moving to Colorado Springs in a few months and we will ONLY buy a house with a 3 car garage... because of the upcoming build. Would really like your thoughts on why Hurricane. Congrats!
I get the 3 car garage issue, we moved to Utah a year ago, my first 3 car garage!;)
Factory Five is a great kit, well built and a good looking car. They are up front about making changes on the car to make it "Better." I really want a car that is pretty accurate. The body mold on the Hurricane was pulled off of CSX 3132, FFR has been massaged, larger cockpit and so on. I wanted floor mounted pedals, like the original cars. FFR uses dash mounted pedals. FFR made the fender openings match 17 & 18 inch wheels and tires, I am using 15 inch wheels with period tall sidewalls. Also, I called back there a couple times and talked about deleting some parts, front brakes for instance, I was going to source my own. Let's just say they were less than receptive about making changes.
So, it depends on what you are looking for, I have never met someone with a Cobra that says, "I wish I did this different." Build it and you will love it!
Thx, Pete.
Hi Pete. Congrats on the purchase of your Hurricane Cobra. I own 2025, just ahead of yours. Love to see the progress of the build.
Very cool, how is yours coming, engine and options? Thanks for watching, Pete.
I ordered mine as a turn key minus. I went the building myself route back in the 80's with an ERA. I'm stuffing a 427 S.O. in it. Keep up the great videos. Thanks.
I am guessing your car is the cannon ball car. I saw it in the paint booth when I was there last October. That will be very cool. I could not justify the cost of a nice FE, I have thought and rethought that a lot. May be on the next one.
What about the Cobra kit, that fits on a corvette frame.?
While there are a lot of reasons that make this a good idea. The Cobra was designed to beat the Cobra and so on. I have heard of them in fact I found, www.cobrasnvettes.com/ the Cobras N Vettes site. Corvettes are a larger platform than a Cobra so the body would not be very accurate. Who knows maybe Zora and Carroll became friends in the afterlife…
Thanks for watching, Pete.
IIRC the Everett-Morrison Cobra used Vette suspension.
Everett Morrison builds quality replicas. 4" Mandrel Tube frame,120/1000ths thick wall. Fiberglass is tough as nails and the gel coat is second to none. Had to sell mine. Wish I had it back. (Punched out 460 CI- Borg Warner 4 spd.-338 rear with jag rear suspension. 1/4 mile clocked at Sears Pt. ; 10.2 . In street tires.) Everett-Morrison are supportive of their cars, whether you purchased from them or another source.
😳Thanks for pointing out Everett-Morrison.I had heard their name years ago but I have never seen one and I never heard them talked about I thought they were gone. Looking at their site they sound interesting I will contact them and maybe add a episode about them. You car sounds awesome! Thanks for watching, Pete.
PS, I emailed E-M asking for some info about their kits so I can do an episode. Do you have any pictures of your Cobra I could use? If do email them to me.
Thanks, Pete.
PetesSnakeBiteKit@gmail.com
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Black 427SC registered 1965. CA plate "BLKVNM" It is a beauty. I will search for pics/
E-M had 3 wheelbase to choose from,,the original 90" , and 93" or 96" wheelbase available for taller guys these days. If you're 6 foot or taller I recommend the 96" wheelbase for more legs room with thinner inner doors panels for extra elbow room and come with backup lights .
@@INYOURFACE-1 Now that~ I did not know. I am 6'5"- That was the only thing I hated about my EM Cobra.
Pete- any thoughts or research done on Ultimate Classic Cars/Lone Star Cobra replicas? I am 6'4 and 240# and need room and really like these kits. I know they are 4" longer and the purists cringe, but I don't want my head sticking up over w/s and my feet crammed sideways in the footbox. They are also in Texas (I'm in Dallas). ???
I have not seen a Loan Star up close. I don't think I would make the size a major factor, most Cobra manufactures have made allowances for bigger guys. That being said having the compony close by would be really nice.
Thanks, for watching, Pete.
If your cobra wasn’t made in the 60s then it’s a kit car!
Include UCC (Ultimate Classic Cars) formerly Lone Star Classics, popular Cobra manufacturer here in Texas. Everett Morrison is another one.
Hi Doug,
I have seen a couple Loan Star Cobras, I have heard of Evert Morrison I think they have been in the Cobra business for a long time. I just covered the top 10 I knew I little bit about. How do you like your UCC so far?
I bought a complete Everett-Morrison and the fit and look of all E-M parts are great. The frame is more substantial than a FF5 (I am told by a pro that has worked on both). The E-M people were very helpful dealing with California DMV.
Good one your funny. I have liked the Cobra since I was young. 55 now and I still love them. I understand what they are, fucken scary, and they ain't modern. Windsor and Tremec streetable daily driver dream car!!!
Thanks, I have about 650 miles on my Cobra, all debugged. The body is off for paint. It is Honestly the coolest driving experience I have ever had. Maybe it’s time for your dream car?
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Cheers Pete, Cobra I wish. That'll be a lottery buzz I think unfortunately. But if I do win guess what Steve's getting ?.....cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿
You forgot a Canadian made replica "johnex" built until 2010 near Hamilton Ontario Canada
Great information.
I am glad you likes it, thank you for watching, Pete.
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching, Pete.
CSX 2000, CSX3000 are real Original Shelby Cobras, CSX 4000- 7000 are continuation replica Shelby Cobras Everything else "Cobra" is a component car. Only the original Manufacturers can make replicas. AC Cobras made in England are also Original Cobras but with Shelby drivetrain. The best Cobra is the one you can afford to own. Jay Leno does not own a Shelby Cobra.
I wish I could afford the real thing! I am trying to make this as close as possible, with the hood shut. I saw a video clip of Jay leaving a studio driving a cobra, and I heard him refer to building a replica with a Cammer. I guess he sold it?
Thanks for watching, Pete.
Hi Pete, I will soon be takng the same path...
Just tired of modern plastic cars, loaded with electronics, not to even mention EVs. Those are just a nightmare for me.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and afterwards the best driving pleasure possible when finally riding it like you should !
Thanks for watching, let me know if you have any questions, you can also look at my playlists to help you decide on a brand etc, Pete.
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Well, now that you mention it.. Yeah, I have a few questions. Would it be possible to get your e-mail address or something?
Thanks in advance!
Sure, petessnakebitekit@gmail.com.
@@PetesSnakeBiteKit Thanks man, really appreciate it!
I'll be in touch soon via email 👍
EVERETT MORRISON BRAND IS BY FAR THEE ABSOLUTE BEST !!!! IVE OWNED ABOUT 15 DIFFERENT BRAND KITS AND EVERETT MORRISONS ARE LIGHT YEAR BETTER IN QUALITY MORE THAN ALL OTHERS !!!!!
Interesting, I hit the ones I am familiar with and have seen. I had heard of EM but never spoke to anyone that had one. E-mail me some pictures if you like and the High lites that sets them apart and I may do a tune up video of them.
Thanks for watching, Pete.
PetesSnakeBiteKit@gmail.com
Dunder Head waffle
Dunder paper is the best.
Thanks for watching, Pete.
Blah Blah Blah
Blah blah, good or bad? Either way thanks for watching. But seriously, this was one of my first videos and I would clean it up a lot if done over. Which one would or, did you chose?
Thanks, Pete.