[rustyBob]

The best thing to do is RESEARCH............
you will find all kinds of power plants in Cobras.....
there are purist and there are the "I'll do it my way" people.....
contact a local club and talk to the members about there cars
and go for a few rides(if possible)and ask 10 thousand questions
about everything.............
set a budget up for yourself and plan on going over it........
deciede what you want to use the car for race,race/cruise,cruise......
as you said small light fast and lots of fun BUT safety should come first
(know your limits)most people cant handle a car with 400hp and some
of these are built with well over 600hp......
good luck on your search for a Cobra that will fit your needs/wants........
and welcome to C.C.