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levy racing or whitby motors?

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2.4K views 15 replies 15 participants last post by  KC Wildcat  
#1 ·
anyone have a cobra built by either of these two companies, levy racing / whitby motors? im sure many have and im sure there are a million posts on here concerning the two but apparently i am terrible at searching posts.

i have determined that building a cobra is not for me. i also know that although everyone on here probably considers their cobras safe, id prefer the piece of mind i will get from a professional build. therefore buying used is most likely out (but not completely out).

If anyone could let me know how they feel about these "turn-key" builds by either of these two companies i would appreciate it. i see that the base build cost by levy is 32k, is this roughly the same for whitby? has anyone had any negative experiences? id like to of course hear the positive and negatives. please just lay it on me to help with my decision. also if anyone knows of a company closer to Tampa, FL that would of course be helpful. thanks!
 
#2 ·
Wayne Presley @ VeryCoolParts.com is right here in Enterprise, Al. about 30 minutes from Dothan and 80 miles from Panama City. Great Guy!! COOL cars!
 
#3 ·
Truthfully I think any of these 3 companies could build you a car you would be happy with. If I thought you were being steered down the wrong path I would tell you that too. I commend you for doing your research and asking questions. We would be happy to furnish you with references if no one chimes in here. For what it is worth I really like those guys at Whitby.
 
#4 ·
Another option is to look in the classifieds - this is a great time to be a buyer but not a great time to be a seller. You can pick up some good bargains if you look around a bit. It may not be built exactly how you want it, but it will likely be a good deal.
 
#5 ·
An option you might be comfortable with would be to buy used but have one of the professional builders go through the car front to back. They can inspect a lot of the work including the most critical aspects like suspension, steering, and brakes.

I had mine checked over after I completed my build and was glad I did. They found a few things, had some good recommendations, and gave me piece of mind.
 
#6 ·
I did not alot of the work on mine but ended up having Whitby's finish it up for me. Did an excellent job and i am extremely happy with them. Willing to work with you 100 percent. Also heard nothing but good about Levy and Wayne.
 
#7 ·
Levy (AZ), Whitby (NC), VeryCoolParts (AL), NorthRaceCars (MO), and Gess (IL) are all professional builders, active on here, and have good reputations.

I recommend you write down some ideas, specs, etc. How you will use the car, some parameters you want in your car (engine size, HP/TQ range, tentative budget, wheel/tire combo, rear suspension (3.4.5 link, IRS). I would talk to each of them get their thoughs on a car for you, determine your final specs, then talk to each of them again getting a bid/estimate & potential timelines. Then I would go with whomever you feel comfortable working with. I think you will be happy with any of those 5 (am sure there are a few other good builders out there - sorry guys).

I would also watch the classified forum here, there are a lot of good cars for sale - for much less than you could build a comparable cobra. Some of them for sale where built by professionals. Just last month, FFR sold Dave Smith's personal/FFR show car (never titled) on Ebay - built by Richard Oben with a 427FE, IRS, and pin drive wheels. It went for like $32k ( http://www.ffcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202430&page=2&highlight=Dave+Smith's+car )

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
#8 ·
My .02. I bought a 95% complete MKII, and made it my own. Having said that, you CAN NOT go wrong with any of the folks KC mentioned, they all are great, do a great job, and have a unique style that you should compare with your style.

I always consider proximity, so Very Cool Parts and Whitbys are who I turn to, but have ordered parts from some of the rest as well.
 
#10 ·
I can offer up my experiences with some of the mentioned vendors/builders in no specific order and what they provided.All rated 110%
Whitby's(parts and service) , Gordon Levy(parts), North Race cars(parts) ,Very cool parts (parts,) Mike Forte (parts /service). TeamIII (parts) I went with the closest one to me(Whitby's) for the work I was scared of (paint) . All really nice people ,all quality service and parts .I hope I didn't forget anyone Bob
 
#11 ·
Big,

I had Gordon build mine, delivered 12/03, and it has been great. Able to get the car with just the options I wanted, the color I wanted and was able to drive it from day 1. I went with Levy Racing for the all of the reasons above plus not really having the time to figure it out and put it together myself in any forseeable future at that time.

I bought the car fairly basic and have been adding / changing things since. So there is always that option if you like to tinker.

The car came with a one year warranty that I never used probably because Gordon had put on some miles shaking the car out before delivery.

When ordering my experience was to go with Gordons reccomendations after he knew what I was wanting. The only exception is I did add the heater which was the only thing my wife wanted in the car. It sure is nice while she is driving it.

Added bonus is any questions I have about the car I can call Gordon and get an expert opinion.

Let me know if you have any questions.

AC
 
#12 ·
I found Gordon at Levy Racing to be one of the most knowledgable "cobra" guys Ive talked too since I built my car 5 yrs ago. I bought the racing brake and suspension package from him recently. Im sure all the vendors would do a good job building your car, but Levy would be the one I would pick. My 2 cents.
 
#15 ·
Nice work Gordon

Gordon makes some big power with his engines also, a buddy Richard Bailey who came to RunNGun with a new Levy 408 and was scallding fast!!
 
#16 ·
Sincityvogel - Ford Racing does not assemble FFRs. BigDuke is looking for someone to build an FFR roadster for him, not where to get an engine. You are right, Ford does have some good engine deals - but so do a number of other engine builders. I believe Smedding offers a 3 yr warranty. Hmmm does American Express still double the manufacturers warranty????