I hurt the motor in the Cobra about 5 months ago and it took me a month to even recognize that I had to do something because I did a leak down, compression check and removed the pan and saw no problems. Then after buttoning it all back up I took it around the block and heard more metallic noises when I engine braked the car when I came up to a stop sign. Then another two months to determine if I was going to use this block or buy a new motor.
Once I was able to determine that the block was salvageable the Machine shop purgatory began. 351W bored and stroked to 421 with Cleveland mains, Victor Jr heads, Eagle H-beam rods, Forged pistons and crank, Lunati hydraulic roller cam and Pro-Mag rockers. I got the short block back about three weeks ago and then I did the final assembly two weeks ago. I finally was able to put the motor back in the car yesterday..
I was able to press the distributor gear off today and install the new brass gear. I was hoping to fill the coolant system today but I need to chase down a small leak after I put a gallon in I saw a drip but I can't see right now where it came from. Other than that if I can find time in the next few days I can fire this ole girl up..
The original carnage...
This really shows the piston damage.. It sounded fine running down the road until I would engine brake it then predetonation would occur and pieces of the piston would get sucked back into the intake and deposited in the adjoining cylinders...
After determining that what I have was rebuildable the parts ordering began and the machining began as well
I did slam the motor back in yesterday with the efforts of a number of friends... Mike L, Bill B, Mike M, Eric and Tommie.. Thanks guys for your efforts.. I should have her fired before Christmas or shortly after.
Dave