Cobra Front to rear weight balance

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I'm not stating that there is a weight difference, there is. However the balance of the car is not affected that much.

I have see SB cars with more weight percentage wise on the front than some BB cars. A lot depends on the car make, options and such.

100% Wrong. It makes me sick when somebody says they have a 427 and it is a small block. They just say 427, not 427 small block. I love to tell people I have a 454. They say Chevy, I say no FE, (.030 over 27 with a 28 crank).

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

100% Wrong. It makes me sick when somebody says they have a 427 and it is a small block. They just say 427, not 427 small block. I love to tell people I have a 454. They say Chevy, I say no FE, (.030 over 27 with a 28 crank).

Okay, what am I 100% wrong about?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Okay, what am I 100% wrong about?

I think Jeff was just venting after a bad day.

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Okay, what am I 100% wrong about?

Boy, I screwed that one up. I don't know if I was getting threads mixed up or what. What I was trying to say, it is just wrong to put a small block in a big block car.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

Boy, I screwed that one up. I don't know if I was getting threads mixed up or what. What I was trying to say, it is just wrong to put a small block in a big block car.

Well in that case Jeff, you are 100% correct.

[mdross1]

As many years as I have been in the business of restoring and building muscle cars it never fails someone will inevitabally pick things apart.First time I overheard a couple of purists or whatever it kind of ruffled the feathers.Now it makes me grin cause I could care less.Having my name on the title is all that really matters.Besides that I am always 100% happy with the outcome of my projects.My car is badged 460 when in reality it is 468" You can bet the purists have picked up on the badging as they have the 385,the fiberglass,the Tremec,etc etc etc.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by mdross1

As many years as I have been in the business of restoring and building muscle cars it never fails someone will inevitabally pick things apart.First time I overheard a couple of purists or whatever it kind of ruffled the feathers.Now it makes me grin cause I could care less.Having my name on the title is all that really matters.Besides that I am always 100% happy with the outcome of my projects.My car is badged 460 when in reality it is 468" You can bet the purists have picked up on the badging as they have the 385,the fiberglass,the Tremec,etc etc etc.

I agreed with the BB part, not necessarilly the FE part.

I wouldn't take an FE if it was given to me, but I love my 385 series.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I wouldn't take an FE if it was given to me, but I love my 385 series.

... and I was going to give you an FE for your next birthday. Well, that settles that....

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... and I was going to give you an FE for your next birthday. Well, that settles that....

I'm happy to know I saved you the trouble.

When I was young and FE's were the only available Ford BB, I was a Chevy BB fan. Had a number of them in different vehicles. So I just grew up being a non fan of the FE's.

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I'm happy to know I saved you the trouble.

When I was young and FE's were the only available Ford BB, I was a Chevy BB fan. Had a number of them in different vehicles. So I just grew up being a non fan of the FE's.

I too have always been a BBC fan just sold our 69SS .030 over 454 Chevelle.When getting up to speed for the Cobra build knowing it was to be big block powered considered a 454 Chev.A friend adamately pointed out the Cobra needs Ford power.At that time never considered the rivalry especially when talking Kit Cars, oh the lessons we learn.It would not have mattered the 385 was the only choice for me,all things considered.My fender badging says what it is almost, 460, when in reality it's .030 over.Wanted a Cammer,Wow Big $$$$$$$.
Scaled our car up with me in seat,battery right rear and 1/2 tank of fuel.Presently have BFG's considering the enviornment we live in they are good enough,and you can bet I know their limits.

[Silverback51]

Okay, finished it up Friday evening and got it as close as I could.



This works out to a 47.8% - 52.2% front to rear weight bias. Not bad for a 385 series BB.

And here is a picture of how I set/check ride heights.



I machined up a half pin plug and use a machine square level to ensure it's set correctly. Then have some painters tape on the fender lip to make sure I always measure to the same point every time.

Got to drive it yesterday, but my son-in-law was with me so I did not push it to see if it made a difference.

[Silverback51]

First picture is just rolling the car on the scales.



Now with my fat butt in it.




This was just to get me an idea of what I had.

I then disconnected the sway bars.

Once again, just the car.



And then with me in it again.

[fordracing65]

Have you driven it yet after the change, can you notice a big difference, if so where did you notice it most, turns or straight or both, starting or stopping, etc.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Have you driven it yet after the change, can you notice a big difference, if so where did you notice it most, turns or straight or both, starting or stopping, etc.

Nope, not driven it yet. Still need to tweek the last 1%, and it's also raining again. Long range forecast is for rain until Friday. That works for me as I only have to work 8 hours on Friday so I can come home and finish it up then.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Nope, not driven it yet. Still need to tweek the last 1%, and it's also raining again. Long range forecast is for rain until Friday. That works for me as I only have to work 8 hours on Friday so I can come home and finish it up then.

Genuine question. Is this really necessary?

I mean wont your fluid levels (fuel in particular) bugger that number up anyway, not to mention a passenger, or gym bag, or tools in the boot.

I was of the impression that close in enough is good enough, unless your racing for $$$ whereby every tenth counts...

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Genuine question. Is this really necessary?

I mean wont your fluid levels (fuel in particular) bugger that number up anyway, not to mention a passenger, or gym bag, or tools in the boot.

I was of the impression that close in enough is good enough, unless your racing for $$$ whereby every tenth counts...

Speaking for myself, yes it's important. I bought the car to drive, not show. And the corner weights are being set for when I'm by myself in the car, since I don't push it that hard when a passenger is with me. And when I'm by myself, I do like to push it a little hard in some corners.

My tool bag is in the car in it's normal position. Fuel? All you can do there is set up the car with approximately a 1/2 tank. That way you are as close as you can be. In my case I'm closer to 3/4 tank as I never let it get below 1/4 tank. Also fuel in a static setting during the set up of the car balances out between the left and right sides. It will for the most part equal out. During cornering it will always slosh to the outside of the turn. It's a little better if you have a fuel cell as it does not move as quickly.

I guess this is why I do not cut corners on tires either. For me, since I like the look of 15 inch wheels on a Cobra, I go with either the Goodyear BB's or Avons. More expensive, but worth it to me.