ERA vs CAV

I am sure this has been disscussed, but please be patient I am new to the site. I am looking for a GT-40, and was looking for thoughts on which car was better. The ERA or the CAV. It seems the CAV is a better value, but is it a better car.

Rob
 
There's no universally accepted definition of "better" when it comes to replicas. Do a search and enter CAV & ERA as keywords and you'll get a lot of info from past discussions.
 
They both look like pretty good cars.
The main question is - do you want to
build it yourself, or just put in the engine
and transaxle? If the former, then ERA
is your only choice (out of those 2).

CAV is less expensive, and you will get it
delivered faster (ERA has a long waiting list).

But, there are some things the ERA has that
no other kit does out of the box -
The inner and outer body panels are epoxied
and gasketed together, CAV glasses them
together IIRC.
ERA has a great cabin ventilation system -
the NACA ducts on the front clip are fully
functional and ducted into the cabin and
brakes, and there is a rear vent on the roof
that has adecent water trap/drain.

The requirement for a ZF in the ERA is a minus
costwise, but depending on your powerplant,
the ZF is a good thing. And if you want
something as close to original as possible,
then you will want a ZF anyway. CAV can be
set up to take a ZF as an option.

Ian

[ December 10, 2002: Message edited by: Ian K ]
 
I've heard of over a 18 month wait for a ERA . that's along time to wait..I also researched the pricing, big difference,equally equipped gt40's about $40,000.00 difference..CAV took three months to deliver,HRE MOTERCARS powered it up in five days. Either way you go, they're both excellent cars...
 
What we should probably do is compile a feature list (including things like build options, chassis options, wheel options, gauges, drivetrain options, ...) of all the currently available kits and put it in the FAQ section...
 
The CAV is a better value if originality is not your highest priority.

The ERA is the better car with respect to
originality, but it is not a perfect copy.

Several folks are working on even closer
chassis to the original, and should come to market in 2003.

MikeD
 
Don't forget that quality goes beyond the components. A LOT has to do with the execution. The CAV "kit" should have consistent quality since it is "factory" made by experienced hands.

Home built kit quality can vary all over,
even starting with the same components.

MikeD
 
I've just returned from a visit to the CAV facility in Cape Town. Truely impressive!!!
I'll but one in a heart beat. Need to sell the 993tt first.
grin.gif
 
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