557ci. Cobra

Way2Fast · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 07:13 PM

There has been an orange Cobra with a 460 stroked out to 557 ci on Ebay recently. This car looked well put together except for a large "hole" cut in the hood to clear the air filter/manifold. I have never seen another Cobra that needed the hood cut open to allow a 460 block to fit. It seems like the engine was somehow mounted too high in the vehicle. Has anyone any idea why the engine wouldn't fit without cutting the hood for clearance? It looks hooky having a huge air filter sticking up thru the hood where the hood scoop used to be.

Tim Brewer · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 09:07 PM

Two reasons: 1) improper motor mounts, sometimes you have to make them yourself to get the engine down while still allowing proper clearence for the oil pan.
2) Poor choice of intake, there are some intakes that add great HP, but if they are too tall, you can't use them.

marcocsx3121 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 06:03 AM

Must be all those cubic inches.

redd · #4 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 08:50 AM

I saw the same car the original add said 750 hp then it was changed to 500 hp so i e mailed the person and he said it dynoed at 500 hp at 4000rpm 600 tq that seems a little low on hp for a 557.

Way2Fast · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redd

I saw the same car the original add said 750 hp then it was changed to 500 hp so i e mailed the person and he said it dynoed at 500 hp at 4000rpm 600 tq that seems a little low on hp for a 557.

With all the stuff quoted to be in that engine, 500hp is VERY low. I thought the original ad said it had 650hp ??

Fordzilla · #6 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 02:28 PM

Maybe it has the very rare snorkel option?!

ERA Chas · #7 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordzilla

Maybe it has the very rare snorkel option?!

Or the much less-rare BS option...

Fordzilla · #8 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 04:55 PM

Or Both!..........

mdross1 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 11:44 AM

My 460 with Canton pan approx 4" off the asphalt,an Edelbrock Performer RPM,Holley 850,dropped base air cleaner sized to feed the motor into 6k if needed,had to cut the hood.Cut/Fit and fiberglassed in a Harwood scoop that looks great full of K&N filter.Function had to take place of form in this case.

Gunner · #10 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 11:59 AM

I'd be pretty suspicious of any Cobra engine that didn't make at least 1 horse and 1 fp per cube. It's either underbuilt (owner couldn't stand anything but a street-car idle, or pinched pennies on the wrong parts) or flawed.

Some owners might prefer a milder build and that's acceptable - but my engine is about as mild as they get and exceeds the 1:1 ratio by a good bit.

BAD ASP · #11 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 01:23 PM

I had a 544 cu. in. engine using the ford racing 460 block, which had the c460 heads that could only be used with a matching intake. the matching intake raised the carb about 3 inches if I remember. I have a superformance and bought a spare hood but ultimately changed my mind and went with a turbo small block instead. I think it's possible that the owner may have had the same heads causing the change to the hood.Take a look at the attachment and you can see the manifold. On top of that went a demon 1295 cfm double pumper if I remember. jm2c fwiw.

mdross1 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 07:15 AM

Bottom line is the fun factor,for me the added plus of not being able to see the ground,because of the big block.Cannot deny that whenever anyone wants to look at my car,there are always comments made when I lift the hood.My car was designed and built to please one person and he is typing this note.After all it was the single reason why I bought my kit in the first place,to experience the Cobra and all it's capabilities.The only way the stock hood will ever be put back on my car will be by another owner.So to those of you intimidated by the Jones's, those that know nothing about the hobby and finally those that are fortunate enough to own the real deal,make your cars all they can be.We only have one shot at this life,no doing it over.

jdean · #13 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 07:28 AM

Those power numbers (500hp/600tq) for a 557 look good if it were on a chassis dyno, if not I agree those are on the weak side for the engine only.

Gunner · #14 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdross1

My car was designed and built to please one person and he is typing this note.

You must not have pleased him all the way or he'd be out driving instead of typing your notes.

HI Cobra · #15 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 10:51 AM

Hey Gunner - he lives in Maine so he may not be driving now!

Gunner · #16 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 11:37 AM

Ah, Mainers drive in any weather.

We have family there and I've visited in both summer and winter. In fact, I just missed stopping to see a Cobra with a twin-Paxton setup the last time we were there in the summer. We went from NYC up to Maine, stopped at ERA, planned to stop and see this 800hp beast... and I'd forgotten to bring the contact info. Probably drove within five miles of it...

mdross1 · #17 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 05:59 AM

Actually I do drive in most weather,my car is set up for it.I might add most weather does not include ice and snow for obvious reasons.This year though we focused on getting all big and expensive things done setting ourselves up for retirement.All my hobbies took a back seat to that.With the motorcycles,antique tractors,and now gardening it left little time for the Cobra.It borders on thrilling just seeing it sitting in the shop,knowing what kind of a ride it is capable of giving.Like all our toys it is very well maintained,pampered,whatever you call it.Happy holidays to all.Mike Ross