[Fred Douglass]

Bill,
I am presently researching the SPF, which seems to be the best of all worlds for me. In doing this, I've read a huge amount on wheels, tires and engine options. Because of my choice of car, I've restricted my e-mail search to SPF owners. What I learned from these men DOES apply to other makes of Cobra replicas in some areas. One would be engines. Rather than rattle on about a type of car and an engine type I don't presently own, I'm sending you the names or e-mail addresses of the guys who have been virtual encyclopedias of information.

I DO know that if you go with a NEW block, you're miles ahead. Even if a motorshop magnafluxes or x-rays a used block,
and even if they rebuild or replace the running gear, you are buying a USED commodity. Others argue, however, that a used block is a seasoned block, having gone through hundreds of cold-hot-cold cycles. Your choice. If you aren't doing your engine yourself, find the best engine buider NEAREST you. My meager and experience is mostly with marine engines. They have a tendency to show their faults more quickly.

Flyin Freddie points out the Dennis Olthoff runs a 351W stroker (406 ci) in his race-car. His is an ALLOY block. That may be outside normal budgets, though. I wouldn't reccommend buying one from Ol' Shel'---he's liable to charge all outdoors, if his car prices are any indication. Flyin' Freddie has recommended that I call the Olthoffs. Sound advice. In fact, ALL of what Freddie writes you is sound advice.

Here's a short list of people who've been incalcuably helpful and informative (they're all ClubCobra members and are not ranked in any order):


Flyin' Freddie
HalCopple
RonDaveley
mstenhouse
mike-eckhaus (Mistress motorsports)

Good luck,

Fred Douglass