[eschaider]

KrackShot,

To your original desire to use an 03/04 Terminator powertrain, I think you will be very happy. Those engines can easily put over 600 RWHP to the ground and have a table flat torque curve from below 2000 rpm all the way to redline. They will cruise on the highway below 2000 rpm without bucking and farting or other unpleasantries - and deliver 25 mpg when your foot is not in it. When you are on the loud pedal it is an 8 mpg or so experience.

Like all high powered Cobra's you will have to be attentive in first second and third gear. Because the torque curve is so flat and so early it is quite easy to light the tires without intending to. This usually leads to all type of squirrely behavior that only is a problem in traffic or near trees and other such items. Big rubber in the back will go a long way to moderating the problem but in the end it will always be your responsibility.

The Terminator engine is massive in size. It is actually larger (only slightly) than a 427 SOHC. That's the bad news. The good news is that if you use an aluminum block the engine, size not withstanding, it is as light as a SBF. Mine with a Whipple weighs in at 450 lbs. This makes for a nice light car with stunning throttle response.

Because of a lot of things, including size, the 03/04 Terminators only fit a few cars easily. They can be made to fit any Cobra if you are willing to do some fabrication and modification to accommodate their size. That I am aware of Factory Five, BDR and Superformance have chassis specifically built to accept the engine and also have installation kits with stuff like mounts and headers to match up with the side pipes. There may be other manufacturers today.

When you open your 'bonnet' you will literally be greeted by wall to wall engine with a blower mounted top center just where you intuitively though it ought to be. When it comes time to resell the car (if that time ever comes) the more traditional SB Windsor and BB FE powered cars could easily be more attractive to your buyers especially if originality is important to them.

When you choose to build a Terminator powered Cobra you are straying from the beaten path and building just for yourself - which is OK. You just want to go into it with your eyes wide open. The 03/04 Terminator engine will be unlike any performance engine you have ever experienced before.

Ed

p.s. The Terminator engine does have the right DNA though, after all it came from a modern day Cobra ...