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What's it like?

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Matrix 7 post s 16-Feb-2008 8:20 AM	As I have said, I down own a Cobra, and I don't see me owning one in the near future. It feels good that the people here make you feel welcome, regardless. Now the question posed in this thread would be, what is it like to drive one of these fearsome beasts? Can anyone give me a first hand description of running one of these cars, hard? Thanks, in advance. Steve
Ron75 151 post s 16-Feb-2008 9:24 AM	Matrix, I don't know what kind of fast cars you may have driven, but a Cobra, original or replica is unlike anything else. I have had several high performance cars during my life and currently have a 1969 Ford NASCAR Cobra, but nothing can even compare to these short wheel base over powered cars. I have always taken any new car that I got out and driven it in every way for a week or so before I would take anyone for a ride with me. I really believe that in order to get insurance any person buying or building one of these Cobras should have to go through a High Performance Driving School. I drove mine hard as I have always loved road racing, but they handle different than any car you will ever drive. They are loud, hot, unbelievably quick, and will get away from a person in a heart beat. I have seen several wrecked within a week or so of the person getting them finished because they had driven high performance cars before and thought they knew all about it. The closest I ever came was doing a 360 when I went into a corner a little hot and there was gravel on the track that you couldn't see until you were already in it. But to really get the real feel you have to either go for a ride with a good driver or drive one. Ron
Matrix 8 post s 16-Feb-2008 10:21 AM	Thanks Ron, that is great! They sound very exciting and a little bit scary! I am going to try and get to some of the meets and try to get a ride in one. I am sure I will be leaving skid marks in my pants! Hahaha!
Nomad 38 post s 16-Feb-2008 11:15 AM	I like your question Matrix, but it would be easier to describe the Theory Of Evolution, than to put into words what The Cobra Experience is all about! I concurr with young Ron75, there is NOTHING like piloting a Cobra. I too have had a multitude of very high horse, outrageously quick cars, that I have driven on the street, and on the Dragstrip, and Road Courses. And NOT ONE OF THEM came remotely close to my Cobra. Lets put this into prospective, a wheelbase [90 inches] that is HALF A FOOT shorter than a sheet of plywood!!! Okay, now bolt 500 plus horses to that plywood, add 500 ft./lbs of torques, and you may get a glimpse of what we are talking about here. You have to "play it" as you would an instrument, very smoothly, and it must be an "extension" of your own body. This is a car that I pick and choose who I take out in it. There is a tendency to go that "little bit more" when you are "demonstrating" a car. You DO NOT want to go there, with a Cobra. Best you just drive it solo. At the end of the day it's capabilities far exceed mine, and that must always be in the back of your mind. It is a total "experience" driving my car. It is not a machine that you jump into to pick up a quart of milk! I have to be "up" in order to drive it, on my game, and very, very cognicent of what I and it are doing. It will swap ends in a heartbeat, and is as predictable as a Mistress. [or so I've read] LOL. When you come home your mouth aches from smiling, your back is killing you, [1 inch of foam in a Butler Restraint Seat!], you are deaf in your left ear, you are hot, and you are glad that you both made it home in one piece! So there you have it, and if you lived near me up here in the Frozen White North, I would certainly take you for a cruise, because I feel that you would appreciate what it is all about. I have always said that Cobra's do Function over Form. They are a singular purpose beast, and you will never tame it. And any operator of a Cobra should always remember my mantra: This car will last me my Lifetime, if I drive it fast enough! Cheers, Nomad.
427SnakeSC 195 post s 16-Feb-2008 11:41 AM	Ron, Nomad, very well put! You guys missed your calling. You should have been writers! Matrix, I have had a few high performance cars in my life and everyone of them I got used to. After a while they no longer thrilled me. I got a Classic Roadster SC a few years ago. It had a pretty mild 302 in it. The first time I took it out, I was somewhat disappointed in the performance. I had some work done on the motor and then it was the car I had read about. It was exciting then. Now the difference between a SB and BB, is un-imagineable, I am told. I have been told that when I do get my car, it will be like learning to drive all over again. I talked with a friend yesterday, he has a CSX with a sideoiler in it. He told me, they are like driving on snow all the time. I am looking forward to getting the car but I am a little apprehensive too. Should be fun! What part of the world are you from? I'm sure one of the members would be willing to take you for a ride if you are close to them. ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Ron75 154 post s 16-Feb-2008 11:45 AM	Nomad, If things work out I am going down this afternoon and see how the guy is getting along on my Coupe. It won't be to long until the weather will start to get better. I had that racing computer and the fuel injection taken out and went back to a carb so I can drive it and enjoy it. That dam thing would run well for a day and then go all to crap. And to tune it right you have to do part of it with the car sitting and then have someone do some of it while you are driving. I will lose some horsepower, but the car will still be track legal and it will still get me a ticket. I only wish I had room for more than the 11 gallon fuel cell. Any trips I may take will have to be planned around gas stations. Ron LOL
Matrix 9 post s 16-Feb-2008 11:53 AM	Guys, I really want to thank you for your experiences. You guys are really passionate about these cars, and rightfully so, I would say. Nomad, as you said, maybe someday, I will get one of these cars then I will be able to post my impression here too. Thanks.
Ron75 158 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:05 PM	Matrix, If you like the cars never give up a dream. Some places, California especially, it is hard as the devil to get one registered, but there are some great used ones at really good prices. And yo don't have to have 600 horsepower to go fast and have fun. The originals that won the world championship ran 289s rated at 390 horse. Even the 427s back then were only rated at around 450 horse except for a special few full out comp. ones and the two he made with the twin super chargers. You need to watch or listen to Bill Cosby describe the one Shelby made for him. I like Cosby and he was on the Tonight show some time ago and Jay Leno asked him about it. When he first got it and made that album I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. So don't give up and don't hesitate to ask any questions that you may have. Especially about getting one into Canada. (Insert Laughter Here). Ron
427SnakeSC 202 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:25 PM	"Especially about getting one into Canada. (Insert Laughter Here)." Ron, I fail to see the humour in that!(LOL) I have that vid, with Jay Leno and Bill Cosby, here on the vid page. Matrix, have a look at it. Good stuff! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Shelby Fan 21 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:34 PM	I just read what you guys have to say about these cars. I have ridden in a few, but have never had the pleasure of driving one. Maybe that is a good thing! The rides I have had are kind of a mixture of pure terror and something like euphoria. The burst of speed these things do, when accelerating is quite unbelievable. I remember hearing that Carroll Shelby would put a 50 dollar bill on the dash and tell his passenger he could keep it if he could reach it, then he would unleash the hounds from hell! I do believe it. ---------- "Don't sweat the petty things, just pet the sweaty things."
Matrix 10 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:39 PM	427SnakeSC I am in New York. If you get your car soon, I would love to come up for a visit and I would certainly not turn down an opportunity to go for a ride in it! Does that sound like a hint. LOL
427SnakeSC 204 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:41 PM	Matrix Consider yourself invited. Not quite sure when it will happen, but hopefully we can get you a ride this summer. Keep you posted on the progress. ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Matrix 11 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:45 PM	427SnakeSC Thank you very much for the invite! I hope that you can get your car soon!
Ron75 161 post s 16-Feb-2008 12:54 PM	Matrix, What part of New York are you in? When I was in high school my Father worked for M&K construction and he was an over seer on one of the locks in the St. Lawrence Seaway. I lived in Lawrenceville for the time we were there and really loved it. Great people, great scenery and we only had to drive a few minutes to be in Canada which I loved. Of course we took our car across the border in one piece. LOL Ron
427SnakeSC 209 post s 16-Feb-2008 1:20 PM	Ron, that is good news about the coupe! Gotta keep us posted on the progress. Can't wait to hear what you have to say, when you get it back on the road! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Matrix 12 post s 16-Feb-2008 1:53 PM	Ron, I just watched that video of Leno and Cosby. That was hillarious! I have the album "200 mph" So funny! Thanks for the heads up, Snake.
Matrix 13 post s 17-Feb-2008 5:01 AM	Ron, I live in Buffalo, New York. Not too far from the Canadian border.
Ron75 169 post s 17-Feb-2008 6:59 AM	Matrix, I was in Buffalo a couple of times while we lived back there. I tried to visit and see as much as I could. Of course that was long ago in a different lifetime and I am sure things have changed dramatically by now. Ron
Venam 31 post s 29-Feb-2008 9:50 PM	Ok I want to thank everyone for scaring the crap out of me. I am close to finishing my build. I never had the pleasure of driving one but it has been a dream. I have little if no experience with speed. I try not to speed. I guess I am the odd ball who loves the car for the looks and the history and could care less about the track. But why is it when anyone asks "hey what's it like driving a cobra" every answer is related to danger and out of control....and every uncomfortable known adjective? and why not pick up milk or go through Tim Hortons drive thru? I think all the accidents are speed demons by "nature" not by lack experience. I will be careful knowing that snakes will bite. Heck I barely trusted my 72 TR6 with a 6 banger. Come one folks, lets strive to be different with this common question and give a new answer with out the fear....please (for my wifes sake)...lol My opinion. Last Edited on 29-Feb-2008 9:52 PM
427SnakeSC 269 post s 1-Mar-2008 3:01 AM	Venam, I have had and driven many high horsepower and high performance muscle cars and sports cars. I think everyone will agree with me on this. These cars, the Cobra, is very, very easy to get into trouble with. I think it is the combination of short wheel base, high horsepower and big torque numbers. I cannot stress enough, how careful and how much respect you need to give these cars when you drive them. When I get another car, and it will have a BB, I know I will be learning how to drive all over again. I was talking to a friend last week. He has a CSX with a 427 in it. He told me it is like driving on snow or ice! Pretty scary when you think about it. But on the other side of the coin, think of the rush you will get! P.S. Don't tell your wife any of this! LOL! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Ron75 196 post s 1-Mar-2008 7:52 AM	Venam, Bruce is correct. I have had all kinds of high performance cars including a dual 4 Tunnel Port 427 that wouldn't run under 5,0000 RPM. They all have their quirks, but a Cobra just does not feel or drive like any other car. And yes, you can drive it down to the store as I have driven mine many times when I had it. You still have to be careful with the throttle until you really get the hang of it. Acceleration is instant and if you are turning into a driveway or around a drive in for instance you can very quickly wind up looking at the person behind you face to face. We aren't telling you just negative things, these are the nature of the car. If you really want to hear scary things I could tell you of some of my experiences on a track or mountain road that we use and that was long after I learned all about the quirks on mine. On mine the steering was so positive that just a twitch of the wheel and it would start turning. Not like your normal car where you can move the steering wheel a fraction and not feel it. Ron
427SnakeSC 271 post s 1-Mar-2008 9:55 AM	Venam, I just re-read your last comment. To give you a more positive spin on these cars is easy. That is why we have them. In our minds they just are the coolest things in the world. IMHO Some of the good things with these cars, there are just too many to mention. Here are some, the smells, the sounds, especially sitting at the lights and you listen to that lumpity, lumpity idle. Cruising, alone one cool evening, listening to the clatter of the engine, the rumble and bark from the exhaust. Taking a corner, just right, feeling like you are in the zone. Accelerating onto the highway from the on ramp and being up on step in a heart beat. Accelerating away from a set of lights, going through the gears. Smiling at everyone who wants to run you. There are very, very few cars that will even keep up with you. You just smile, knowlingly. These are just a few of the sensations you will love when your car is on the road. I'm sure you will find many more of your own. There are just too many to list. Enjoy, but you gotta give respect or these things will turn around and bite you quicker than you thought possible! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Venam 34 post s 1-Mar-2008 11:21 AM	Folks, I am getting a better and clearer image now thanks. I will try to be an extension to the car and become one. For safety reasons. I don't intend to speed therefore do you still recommend performance school? CAR FOR SALE 98% Complete????
427SnakeSC 272 post s 1-Mar-2008 3:20 PM	Venam, don't sell the car! You will regret it! When you complete the car and take it out for a drive, treat it like a lethal snake. You have got to respect it! It will be fun and you will enjoy it, you just give it a healthy dose of respect until you get to know it. Trust me, you will fall in love with this beast! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Nomad SENIOR MEMBER 370 post s 22-Sep-2008 8:19 AM	Does the Site Moderator have any updates to this Post? ---------- Airplanes don't kill people, gravity does.
427SnakeSC Administrator 1202 post s 22-Sep-2008 10:28 AM	Yes, I guess I would have something new to add. I am no stranger to high performance, high speed machines. My last Cobra was extemely quick, but this new one is a completely different ball game! I think I know why so many people go in these cars, lose control and get killed. When I went out, I am not ashamed to tell you, I was nervous. Very much the same feeling I fired a .44 Magnum the first time. You hear all these stories how this gun will break your wrist and so on. I found the first drive was so very easy. These cars are extremely easy to drive. I would assume it is because of the great amount of torque. Very easy to pull away, don't have to rev to get up on step. Very deceiving. It think what describes it best, is, it lulls you into a false sense of security. You begin to believe, you have nothing to be afraid of, all the other people must have been wussies! Not so, I did not really let it go, but punched it a couple of times. I can tell you, in all honestly, it would only take a heartbeat for one of these cars to claim you as another victum. I for one, know these cars deserve as much, if not more respect as a .44 Magnum! Period! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Ron75 SENIOR MEMBER 623 post s 23-Sep-2008 3:50 AM	There are some great pictures over on CC in the Bay Area Cobra Club that are great. It is in their Snakes To The Lake thread and some of them show a nice Cobra setting down over the hillside and the rest all lined up to help. I couldn't see how he got it over the berm and down into the brush so I asked. They think he just let it get away as they were on a long sweeping curve and the car is pretty new and the driver has little experience. Damage wasn't to bad and no one was hurt so that was fortunate. Ron ---------- Ron Widener
Ross154 43 post s 27-Sep-2008 11:13 AM	Having driven only a little over 700 miles in my Cobra I still can't completely descibe it. When first sit in it is when you start to feel the difference between this and other cars, you don't get in it, it's more like you put on a Cobra. You spend about three minutes buckling in, and you are now wearing a Cobra, you hands fall naturally on the shifter and the wheel,and feet are on the pedals, forget about armrests and reclining. Now, give the gas pedal and quick pump and turn the key, if there are people within a hundred feet they will jump at the sudden throaty roar. The Cobra is now awake and waiting, put the clutch to the floor move the shifter into first, ease out the clutch and move out onto the road. You ease through the gears, if you are on a winding road it is akin to driving a gocart. The handling is precise and responsive, the feedback is such that you feel every stray rock, you swear you can feel the highway lines through the steering wheel. Everything about these cars are like that, the brakes will stop you in incredibly short distances, the throttle is expodential, with each extra millimeter the g forces increase. People of all ages are nudging each other and pointing, whether it is the car they are pointing at or the person with the idiotic grin I'm not sure. This is my take on it, my wife loves cruisin' with me but is not a speed fan, she describes it as "Stupid fast", the only other time I have seen her look that way was on a roller coaster. Sorry for the long post (and I'm cuttin it short), but with a question like that what do you expect. ---------- Ross. Last Edited on 27-Sep-2008 11:14 AM
427SnakeSC Administrator 1220 post s 27-Sep-2008 11:37 AM	Ross, excellent description! Bang on the money! Good one! You missed your calling! LOL! ---------- "There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It's stripped down to the essentials, a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires 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 10 minutes. It's so damn wonderful that you can't believe it."
Joe Wicked 59 post s 27-Sep-2008 9:49 PM	2nd on the excellent post. I have only been fortunate enough to drive 1 Cobra. It was an ERA that is local to me. I kept it easy on the throttle and it was enough to make me realize how much more the car can do than I can. This car has a Keith Craft 482 (stroked 427 Side Oiler aluminum block) I only ever gave it about 1/4 throttle and it was more acceleration than my Mustang at full throttle. Ross, you should be a writer.
Nomad SENIOR MEMBER 377 post s 28-Sep-2008 6:23 AM	"Ross, you should be a writer". That's funny, that's what his present Employer is wishing he had chosen! ---------- There are three kinds of people: those who can count, and those who can't count.
Ron75 SENIOR MEMBER 639 post s 28-Sep-2008 8:43 AM	Well written Ross. You and Hal Copple over on CC are great with words. I go to other sites that Hal is on just to read his posts. Ron ---------- Ron Widener