The decision is made!
 

Performance engineering will be doing the engine build. The 557 looked great but Eric agreed with me that maybe we should use a Ford Racing 4 bolt new casting and go a little bigger. It'll be 590 cu in when it's done. I'll keep you all posted on the numbers once it hits the dyno. Stay tuned. Needless to say I'm excited.

Sounds awesome! I am leaning towards a similar set-up with Eric. Any guess for the final hp? What tranny will you go with? Any mods necessary stock SPF rear end, etc? Any details that lead you to the big decision would help me in my decision - like why the different block? When's you chassis getting in? Congrats - can you tell I'm as excited as you probably are??

Mark

Yikes!!
 

590 cubic inches!!?? Sounds like it's going to be a fire-breathing dragon. What did Eric estimate for HP and TQ?

You better upgrade your sidepipes and go for the 17" rims so you can put a good set of tires on that bad boy.:D

Hard for eric to put a number out there for a build he's never done. He did think that it should easily put out better numbers than the 557 cu it which is at 675/710 hp/tq. Frankly, if it comes in at the same numbers I'm happy as the engine will be done with a new block, 4 bolt at that, and probably won't have to work as hard at getting those numbers and do it with a larger AUC (area under the curve). The different block is simple. For the money I get a block that's new and has a 4 bolt bottom end. Plus you've got to bore a 460 block to it's max to get that 557 number, whereas I've got at least one rebuild left in this block if I choose as it can go to 600 cu in. I figured for the money this whole thing is going to cost why not a little extra cash for a new block? My chassis should be here in about 3 months but you know how that goes sometimes :) I'll keep everyone posted as to the numbers when they come in. Oh yeah, if the rear end needs mods he didn't mention it. I am going with the 3" side pipes and TKO600 too.

3" pipes and 17's are a done deal. Still getting the 15's too for when I want the old school look.

Your build sounds like too much fun. Keep us posted on those numbers.

What bore/stroke are you using?

Jerry

It will be an amazing package when its done. With a 4.5 stroke, you will need a 4.570 bore to achieve 590. whos pistons and rings are you using? I havent seen a build of that size (not that I am an expert) Im in the process of collecting parts for an aluminum 598. 4.500 stroke with a 4.600 bore. What heads will you be using? With an aftermarket aluminum head, it should make north of 750 hp no problem.

Jason

I haven't built any that big on the 460 block but those bore sizes are scary and does that stroke clear the camshaft?

Jerry

"You'll shoot your eye out!"
 

You'er getting into the "not drivable" catagory with a super-light weight, 90" wheel based car!

"You'll shoot your eye out!";)

There was a reason they used to take bets on how soon each newly purchased Cobra would be back, wrecked!

These things are a handfull with 400hp.

Good luck with that beast, I think you'er gonna need it!%/

jdog
P.S. Scarry fast is real fun for about a minute, then, well?!?:eek:

On a serious note. Owning those type of bragging rights on a 2400# street car could cost you dearly.

The heads are SCJ heads. Actually I guess the size is 588 at 4.5 stroke and 4.56 bore. I guess it could make 750 depending on the cam, intake and carb combo.

Agreed it's going to be a handful. It is all about how you drive it. I have quite a few high horsepower machines so I know about respecting a car and it's power. I would venture to say that it's the guys with more money than brains that go out and wreck the car and not the guys that are into going fast. It surprises me how many people that aren't what I would consider "gearheads" buy these cars with no idea about the dynamics of driving a car with, as you pointed out, a 90" wheelbase and very little weight. I appreciate your statements and I will be very careful for sure.

Good on you for going big, treat it with respect and it's driveable. 100% agree regarding how you handle the power. As you are aware how many times have you jumped into something that scares the pants off you for about two weeks and then... so what, you need more. Man... there is nothing better than a fire breathing big block crusing at 50mph in top gear changing back to second and nailing it. The sound and the feeling is what these cars are all about.
Forget those guy's that talk small block and too much HP it all depends on what you want. Hey if your into chopping out a few seconds around some corners, buy a Lotus; if your looking for street cread and something that will keep you excited forever go big block power. I wonder why Carroll built the Super-Snake could it be he got bored with a measly 400HP?
These cars are all about what you want, full credit to those guy's who want the FE etc etc and spend hours pouring over a bits but at the end of the day regardless of the cars pedigree they are all replicars; Some better than others. The SPF is a beautiful hand built factory car, you won't fault the build quality and they love Big Blocks.
The TKO600 is perfect but give some consideration to those 17", there's a far better tire selection range. What final gear .64 or .82?

Actually, I am getting the 17s as well as the 15s as stated in a previous post. The final gear is going to be the .64. Considering that this monster will make low down torque, a .64 will allow low rpm highway cruising ability when needed. I do agree as I've had quite a few cars, including my '07 z06 vette, that were unbelievable at first but soon required some "modification" to keep my interest. I have nothing against small block cars as I'm sure they handle great but in this instance I want a big block and a BIG big block at that. Honestly, a cobra is a death trap no matter what's under the hood so if it's going to kill me I want to have a smile on my face :D

I think your biggest problem will be controling engine temperature.. What do you have planned for that?
Tim

Actually, that has been on my mind but we've not addressed it as of yet. Any suggestions? I know that there are quite a few 500+ cu in. engines out there in these cars so I'm sure that it's been dealt with, however, I have yet to ask. Anyone have any input?