Superformance
Irvine, California
www.superformance.com
Owner Info
Name: Frank Liautaud
City, State: Mission Viejo, California
Vehicle
Year and type/model: 2004 Superformance Mk III
Pricing
Price of Kit: $40,000
Total Price as Tested: $73,000
Manufacturer Estimate of Hours to Build/Complete Vehicle: Unknown
Chassis
Frame: Superformance
Wheelbase: 90"
Rearend: Dana 3.46:1
Rear Suspension: IRS enhanced with Progress Technology
components
Front Suspension: IFS enhanced with Progress Technology components
Shocks: Progress Technology
Rear Brakes: Wilwood
Front Brakes: Wilwood
Brake Lines: Superformance
Master Cylinder: Wilwood
Brake Booster: Superformance
Steering: Superformance
Front Wheel Make & Size: Halibrand 17"
Rear Wheel Make & Size: Halibrand 17"
Front Tire Make & Size: Michelin Pilot Sport (275/40ZR-17)
Rear Tire Make & Size: Michelin Pilot Sport (335/35ZR-17)
Body
Paint Brand/Type: Dark Silver (Metric PPG) with Diamond
Black stripes
Windshield/Glass: Superformance
Top: Superformance
Rollbar: Superformance
Bumpers: Superformance full hoop
Lights: Superformance
Mirrors: Superformance
Emblems and Trim: None
Fuel System: Superformance
Fuel Tank: 17 gallon
Interior
Gauges: Smiths & Lucas
Wiring: Superformance
Steering Wheel: 14" leather
Seating: Superformance leather
Upholstery: Superformance
Material: Leather
Drivetrain
Engine Brand: Ford/Roush
Engine Type: 327R (302ci Ford V-8 stroked to 327ci)
Water Pump: Roush
Radiator: Superformance
Air Cleaner: K&N
Ignition: MSD
Headers: Superformance (silver ceramic coated)
Exhaust System: Superformance (black ceramic coated)
Transmission Type: Tremec TKO 600v
Shifter: Jordan
Battery: Delco 12 volt
Engines Brackets: Superformance
Accessories: Fire extinguisher, battery shutoff switch, Progress Technology "tuned" shock and suspension system, Progress Technology antisway bar system, 17" painted wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tire package
Performance
Acceleration
0-60 mph: 4.47 seconds
Braking
Minimum stopping distance from 60 mph: 132.38 feet
Handling
Lateral acceleration: 0.90 g
Balance: Oversteer
Slalom Speed (420-foot slalom): 48.5 mph
Lateral seat support: Good
Test Conditions
Temperature: 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: Less than 5 percent
Elevation 52 feet above sea level
Location El Toro Marine Base, El Toro, California
KIT CAR Performance Testing Day, 2008
Driving Test
Impressions on following criteria:
Car #: 7 (Frank Liautaud's Superformance Mk III)
Test Driver: Nick Licata, editor of Camaro Performers
Interior Layout / Ergonomics: Very comfortable, everything was easily accessible
Overall Comfort: One of the best Cobra's I've driven. The cockpit was built with driver comfort in mind.
Steering (feel, turning, radius, etc.): Steering was very smooth and ratio made turning easy and predictable. The car works well in street and performance driving.
Shifting (transmission, clutch, etc.): The clutch was easy to push, while each gear change was smooth and easy.
Brakes (feel and performance): The brakes were predictable with no surprises, especially when getting used to the car.
Throttle Response: The car has a great throttle response for a small-block. It's very quick, but didn't overpower the car like so many big-block-powered Cobras.
Suspension: The suspension was also pleasantly predictable. It was plenty smooth for street driving, but aggressive enough to make cornering fun. Again, no surprises, and it didn't take long to get used to.
Other Comments: I've driven about 15 Cobras. This is one of if not the most comfortable one I've driven. Too many times big-block cars have too much power for the weight of the car, and the weight distribution makes the car tend to be very loose while performance driving. This car was set up correctly for performance and street driving. The ride on this Superformance Mk III provided the best of both worlds.