[Dwight]

I build a small block 302 (380 hp) and over the years have increased the motor to a 354 (347) with 500 hp at the flywheel. Mine is fuel injected so it's easier to drive on the street and get 20 mpg.

But I have driven my buddies big block Cobras hundred of miles and love them.

One, a Hurricane with KC 428 stroked to 461, about 600 hp.
A Unique with a 427 s.o. stroked to 487, 620 hp, another KC motor.
And Coach's new Unique with a KC 482 with 620-630 hp.
All three are easy to drive on the street. Nine and a half to 10 compression ratio motors with great street manors.

I think you need to look at changing your clutch. You may have a street/strip clutch that is more strip than street. When with changed the 487 clutch it was a big different in the way it drove. Not a leg killer at the red light. If you don't do nasty burn outs and drag race your Cobra you can use a street clutch that is easy to push in.
One of our guys has a 525 hp 408 with a Centerforce clutch that is as easy to work as the clutch on my 06 Mustang.

Are your sidepipes ceramic coated? Ceramic hold more heat inside and cools a lot quicker than paint, stainless, chrome.

All three Cobras get 10 to 12 mpg. Hodge's 408 was gettting 6.7 till Coach tuned the QuickFuel. Now it gets 13 - 14 mpg.

I think you should fix what is wrong with the Cobra you have. Lots cheaper.
And if you like to color and everything about it, I think fixing it is the way to go.

Dwight