has anyone built there own shelby kit car?

[MOE1]

i was looking into it for a project on the side. has anyone done there own?

[VPT]

I haven't done a kit car but I have restored and built more than a few cars.

All I have to say about building cars is that faster you throw money at it the faster it will get done.

[Coupebuilder]

Originally Posted by MOE1

i was looking into it for a project on the side. has anyone done there own?

I have built a half dozen or so, PM me if you have questions.

[zapster]

Kit car?
Nope.

From scratch car?
Yup.

See Sig.

...zap!

[porta mill]

kit car yes. Do your home work on the on the company you plan purchasing the kit from. I did a kit form classic motor carriages in Fl . and it was a night mare. If i am not mistaken they are out of business. I hope you have alot of time and patience .A full frame up build takes time . good luck post some pic's of the build.

[mafiacustomz]

if your going to drop a bunch of money into a project car use a real car not a kit.

[anickode]

I've been looking into and seriously considering building a Locost (Lotus seven replica) for a few years now... IMO the best way to go if you want to build, especially as a first homebuilt car. The chassis is mostly built from square tube, which greatly cuts down the fabrication time and specialized tools required. The body is all simple sheet metal fabrication with no compound curves. They're simple enough to build, and depending on the donor car you choose (wrecked mazda miata or similar), can be fairly inexpensive, so it won't ruin you if you don't have the time to finish it, or really screw it up.

Plus there's NOTHING like the thrill of driving an open-wheel sports car, especially one you've built.

[brianjk]

I have a friend who built a Factory Five Shelby Cobra type kit car. It is his street/autocross car. I have auto-crossed it, and it drives very very well. I think his final expenses were about $25k, but that I think about 6k of that was for a very nice paint job(the racing stripes were under the hood too). He has been talking about selling it and building a Coupe from the same company, so I guess he had a good experience with them overall. From what I read and understand, Factory Five is pretty highly regarded in the motorsports world; The Cobra rep.(challenge car) has it own racing series if you want wheel to wheel competition. So I guess it could be said these "kit cars" are the real deal...
http://www.factoryfive.com/
http://www.ffrchallenge.com/

The Locost is also a good option. Lots of good info out there. I drove one with a worked 1200cc (GSXR?) motor and gearbox and it was absolutely nuts...750lbs, 150hp(suposedly), and slicks on 13x10 keizer wheels. The G forces were pretty incredible. I hope to build one like it some day. And that day will probably be when that car's new owner returns to our SCCA events with it and begins total domination...

[Coupebuilder]

Originally Posted by mafiacustomz

if your going to drop a bunch of money into a project car use a real car not a kit.

Ummmmm maybe because if you really like the looks and style of the Cobra, a "real car" would run you a quarter million or more?

BTW what is your definition of a "real" car? The Cobra's I have built and driven ( and many other Cobra's for that matter) typically do about 120-140 mph and 10-11 sec quarter mile times. Most of the engine combo's we use produce 450-550 hp in a 2200# car......seems kinda "real" to me.

[TozziWelding]

My buddy worked at Factor Five for years, there kits are pretty straight forward to build.

[KENLUDE97]

I haven't built a Shelby kit car, but if i was to it would be a Factory Five.

But here is a old pic of my Locost build.


blog
http://kenbuilt79.blogspot.com/

[anickode]

That's uhhhh... A pretty big engine for a locost. +442 chassis I'm guessing?

And those front shocks dont look like they will work too well...

[Shox Dr]

Originally Posted by Coupebuilder

Ummmmm maybe because if you really like the looks and style of the Cobra, a "real car" would run you a quarter million or more?

BTW what is your definition of a "real" car? The Cobra's I have built and driven ( and many other Cobra's for that matter) typically do about 120-140 mph and 10-11 sec quarter mile times. Most of the engine combo's we use produce 450-550 hp in a 2200# car......seems kinda "real" to me.

The difference is if you buy the right one, then it will have a full space frame chassis, instead of a ladder chassis with more twist than Chubby Checker.


I don't know what the Kitcar market is like in the states. Here in the UK, it has a good selection of kits. Including possibly the best AC reps

[KENLUDE97]

Originally Posted by anickode

That's uhhhh... A pretty big engine for a locost. +442 chassis I'm guessing?

And those front shocks dont look like they will work too well...

Yup it's a 3.0l turbocharged V6 motor. It's a LOT of motor, but I never want to be left wanting more motor, and I figure this should do it. I also went from 1" frame to 1-1/4". But yes it is a 442.

Yes the front shocks are just to keep the good qa-1's wile I'm fabricating.

[speedfreak87]

I haven't but from the couple people I know who have, they used factory 5 and had an awesome experience with the company..