Well, the original 427 had 475 horsepower. the 289 had less. the 260 had even less. The 260 is what was originally intended, then the 289 was better, and the 427 is what we came to know and love as the Cobra.
So I'd say it was intended to make about 475 HP. Figure maybe our cars are heavier so 500.
But, Street Stalker, the original cars were also originally intended to be raced by professionals. I've seen too many guys who "THINK" they understand what 500 horsepower is get in my car and f--- up pretty bad.
So, for someone who has limited RACE wheel time and hasn't really harnessed the power, short wheelbase, 50/50 weight, and light weight of a car like this, I think anything over 400HP is ridiculous.
If you know what in the h*ll you are doing, that is a much different story. But I've had many hours on race tracks trained by pros and so far I've got 1100 miles on my Cobra and still have a LOT...I mean a TON to learn about driving it in anything except a straight line. I don't even know if I have straight lines down yet.
FWIW...
JP