November 2004 Featured Ride:

Congratulations: Sambandit (Scott Mallot)

Before the Paint Job:

Where do I begin???

I didn’t set out to buy and 03 Cobra.  All along I was looking for a 96-98 that I would supercharge and drop a 6 speed into.  Man,  it was tough to find one!  Then I got a call from a friend that works at a dealership.  He said, “Scott,  you gotta come and check out this car!”  Turns out he had a black 03 Cobra available that somebody ordered and then backed out of.  The old coot couldn’t get the money he wanted to trade in his Vette so he decided the deal was off.  Turns out to be good luck for me…

So,  I went to the dealership and asked Randy to let me see this thing.  Boy,  it had a sweet stance to it.  Then I took her for a spin.  I was impressed to say the least.  Felt real strong and tight,  and I knew the mods would be easy as I had read up on the car a bit.  Had everything I wanted including the supercharger and 6 speed!  It was a no-brainer!  Not only that,  but I got the thing for invoice way back in July of 2002 which was unheard of at that point.  This was quite an improvement over the 2001 Cobra we had for awhile.

So,  since then it has been pretty interesting.  I have always been a car nut and had several other hot rods before the 03.  Each car in the past has always disappointed me.  I’d spend thousands of dollars and pick up 2 tenths at the track…. Big deal!  This car has surprised me with it’s power from day one.

I first took the car to the track stock and was hoping for a low 14 second time slip.  Here in Colorado,  that is a pretty fast street car.  Most Vettes and F-bodys run in the mid 14’s here in stock form.  Anyway,  first pass was a 14.2 and I was impressed.  Had no idea I would leave with a 13.79 stock later that day!

Since then I have been a modding fool.  I don’t even care to think how much money I have spent on this car.  Let’s see if I can remember the mod list…  2.93 upper,  6 lb lower,  Kooks LT’s,  JDM catted H,  Bassani CB,  Steeda CAI,  Accufab TB,  Apten ported Eaton,  Predator,  Cobra Sidewinder seats,  SSR GT3 wheels,  CCW slicks and skinnies for the track.  I know I am missing tons of stuff but that is the major stuff I believe.

I love going to the dragstrip.  Since modding the car I am pretty consistent at running 12.0’s here at altitude.  It’s become a pretty good bracket car.  It is pretty surprising for most people that have racecars that can’t outrun a street car.

Recently I took a trip to Georgia.  The only reason I bought a black car is because I knew I wanted to get flames on it.  Black,  in my opinion,  is the best color to flame over.  Anyway,  got those done and they turned out just like I had hoped.  Then I had a chance to run the car at sea level.  Holy cow,  that was the craziest thing I have ever felt.  Nothing like bolting on 90 hp to your car just from adding some think air!  Can’t believe the way the car runs down there!  The phrase “raped ape” comes to mind.   Did get the thing to the dragstrip and ran a best of 11.1 at 125 even though I think with better traction,  the car had more in it.

In the future,  I am looking to do a few things.  I would like to upgrade the rotors,   purely for looks,  and add some A-pillar gauges.  I also need to cage the car and get all the safety requirements done to run in the 11’s here.  Our tech at the track is pretty tough.  Also need to get the Edelbrock nitrous kit I have sitting here on the car.  Looking for those 10 second time slips here at elevation. HAHA.

The thing I like the most about the car is it’s streetability.  This isn’t a race car for me although I like my time at the track.  It’s fun to have the power you need to roast 95 percent of the cars on the street yet drive around with the AC on and tunes blaring.  You’ll never see me replace the Eaton, (unless in blows up…lol)  and you will never see an auto or solid rear end in my car.  I love it the way it sits.

I’d like to thanks SVTSnake.com for the opportunity to share a little more about myself and my car.  I’d also like to say,  this car has been a blessing in many ways.  I can’t believe how many great people I have met,  and how many will become life-long friend just because of this simple common bond.

Thanks, and boost the crap outta it I always say!

by: Sambandit