500 HP 460 Cobra, streetable or ?

donraye · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 12:50 AM

I am new to this having just recently been bitten by the Cobra "must have one" snake. I have owned high performanc cars all my life and alway wanted a Cobra but am just now finally getting one after owning many Corvettes, Porsches, ZXs, etc.
I have found a beautiful Cobra that my wife and I both want to purchase but some of my friends say I shoud not because it has a 500 HP 460 big block in it. I keep being told that it is not a "street" car and that it will not be drivable under normal street conditions.
I only wnat to use the car for nice weekend days for short back-road trips to nearby towns for lunch and a nice drive, etc.
My question is: Is a Cabra with a 500 HP 460 big block a "streetable" car or is it for the drag strip or show use only? I know you guys will be able to answer this as you all own one. Please let me know if I would be making a poor choice buying a 460ci 500 HP Cobra just for weekend fun.
Thanks, Don

NHVANA · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 02:01 AM

Don,

You will love the 460/ 500hp combination; totally a street car just don't get on the gas unless your pointing in a straight line.
With the big block you are talking muscle car, the deep rumble and massive torque, fantastic.
On the down side you will be lugging some weight in the front so be prepared to give away a little nimbleness on the twisty bits. Has the car your'e looking at got alloy heads?

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 02:35 AM

Yes, it's very streetable.

To those that think the throttle is an Off/On switch, it's not. You have to learn to control the throttle at least in the first 2 gears and maybe even 3rd gear depending on the real HP and your tires/traction.

I have dual 4's on mine with mechanical secondaries. I can barely crack the secondaries in first before the tires break loose. Second gear I can get to about 1/4 throttle. Needless to say, you don't want to mash the throttle part way around a corner, or you will be going throught the woods backwards.

You will love the power and sound of a big block. Go for it, but realize you are going to have to learn how to drive it, and what the limits are. This may apply to both the car and yourself.

Enjoy.

JCoop · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 03:51 AM

If the 460 is not "worked" with an agressive cam and high-lift rockers, then it is cheap hp and torque. Torque to me is more important, as that is really what you feel. My SPF with a crate 460 is more streetable than my previous SPF with a 351 Windsor. That one would buck while driving below 2000 rpm in high gear. The 460 will lope along even in 5th at 1500 RPM without any complaints; an accurate measure of "streetability". Yet, step on it and it will pull your cheeks back for a wide grin.