Stimpy If you are buying a Kirkham aluminium body car, you would be foolish to not go with period correct motor. Pond or Genises sell a correct date FE motor block. Period correct. As far as the rest, Stroke and Bore it to a min of 482 cids. Compression in the high 9's to low 10.0's. The motor will run on pumped gas. Build a torque motor. Max rpms 6,250 with limit to 6,500 rpms. As far as fuel system, FI system work overall better than a carb setup. Carb setup is easier. FI system can adjust for air temp, altitude, baro pressure. Carbs can only adjust with jet changes. HP ratings goes to carbs. Overall drivibility goes to FI system. A good FI system is in the $7,000.00 range for a top of the line adjustable system. If you are looking for a weber look, TWM's are the way. You need the small screens to keep out the dirty air.
If you ar looking for a investment and good money return on a cobra sc body, an FE is the winner. If the car is an FIA body style, a windsor stroker is the answer. For tranny's you want a 5 or 6 speed with over drive for the car. A 2.60-2.80 is the first gear in the trans ratio. final gearing for the rearend should be in the 3.07- 3.54. any thing higher is a waste of motor and gears. You want the car to cruise at 70 mph and have the motor about 500 rpms into the torque band. With a motor this big, a nice roller camshaft with a 112 LSA and .600" lift will work great, just a little lope in the idle. power from off idle will be crazy fun. Keeping down the rpm's will extend the life of the motor and drive train for many years. Basic maintainance will be the only thing. Couple of things to recommend for the car,
100 amp alt for power and charging the car correctly
5 or 6 speed trans with a 600ft rating of torque
power assist steering
aluminum motor, block heads, and intake manifold.
Find a REAL pro FE builder for the motor that knows all the inns and outs of the motor. There are a couple of the best FE builders here on this forum.
Safety and respect of this car is needed more than any other car you have owned. Short wheel base, big power, quick to respond to drivers inputs.
This is a good start to your question. IMO mod motors don't belong in cobra body cars. I have seen a couple of them and these cars are some of the fastest. If you are looking for a special look, Build a 427 CAMMER. that will have them talking. Rick L. Ps alot going to depend on how much money you have. figure about 40-50% more of what you are thinking for the whole bill. This doesn't include getting it inspected, registered in your state, and good old taxes. The smile on your face will be priceless.
