Excalibur Owners: Please Reply! - Page 8

BLACKJACK · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 12:43 PM

HI, MARK - -

WELCOME TO THE "GANG".

WHAT I HAVE SEEN OF AN EXCALIBUR "OWNERS MANUAL" IS RELATIVLY WORTHLESS - - - AS POINTED OUT EARLIER.

HOWEVER - - I HAVE FOUND A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION IN THE "CLASSIC ROADSTERS" MANUAL WHICH IS ALMOST THE SAME SIZE AS THE FIRST VOLUME OF BRITANICA.

ALTHOUGH THE CARS ARE NOT "IDENTICLE" THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE EXCALIBUR AND THE CLASSIC ROADSTERS. I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A LOT OF HELP IN SEVERAL AREAS.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

Gumball61 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 09:36 PM

Thanks for all of this useful information fellas...I can see that this is a tight fraternity and will prove to be an invaluable source for me.

I live in Maryland, not too far from Annapolis and I must tell you that in the past 2 weeks since I got this car from Vegas I have logged 650 miles....I'm definetly bitten! Now I can die a happy man.

As far as my wiring dilema, it is mostly concerned with the bundle of white and black wires underneath the dash....I am experiencing some sort of power drain and would like to locate it. My car stalls when I have the headlamps on at the same time that the radiater fan is operating... the previous owner must have installed a manual switch for the fan...I don't know why. I t would seem that this is part of my problem....any advice would be most appreciated....again, many thanks to you all.
Mark

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 09:58 PM

Manual switch for the fan was "standard" issue. Now that you mention my cig lighter quit working recently (not the fuse). I guess I to will have to go under the dash. I wonder whats under there??? LOL

Ernie

BLACKJACK · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 06:18 AM

HEY, MARK - - -

LIVING IN MARYLAND YOU MIGHT WANT TO "CHECK-OUT" YOUR LOCAL GANG. THE CAPITAL AREA COBRA CLUB. CACC IS A VERY ACTIVE GROUP OF 60 + MEMBERS WITH NEARLY 40 COBRAS/ GT-40S ETC.

I THINK WE HAVE MORE FUN PER GALLON THAT JUST ABOUT ANYONE.

CHECK US OUT AT www.capitalareacobraclub.com WE MEET EVERY SATURDAY MORNING AT THE VIENNA INN FOR THE "GREASE-UP". A WEEKS WORTH OF CHOLESTEROL AT ONE SITTING.
WE GATHER AROUND 07:45, HAVE BREAKFAST UNTIL ABOUT 10:00 AND - IF THE WEATHERS DECENT (DOESN'T HAVE TO BE "NICE"), WE TAKE OFF ON AN IMPROMPTU CRUISE TO "ANYWHERE" - - OR WE JUST HANG OUT AT THE VIENNA INN AND THE AUTO PARTS STORE BEHIND IT.

WE HAVE FOLKS DRIVING IN EVERY SATURDAY MORNING FROM ALL OVER MARYLAND, DC AND VIRGINIA.

COME VISIT US.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

PS::::: MY NAME ON CACC IS "SUNDANCE" - - - DON'T ASK, IT'S ABOUT A 3 BEER STORY. AT CLUB COBRA YOU GET TO PICK YOUR OWN "NAME" AT CACC YOU "EARN IT". ONE EARNS A NAME BY DOING SOMETHING EITHER REALLY GOOD, REALLY COOL OR REALLY STUPID. THEN THE NAME IS "ASSIGNED".

DavidFagan · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 07:13 AM

I've cranked quite a few miles on mine, I drive it to work everyday when weather permits, I didn't buy it to make the next person who owns it happy

I wonder if the previous owner was twidling with the fan due to the heat? Mine typically will run the 210-215 and possible into the 220 in stop and go, that just seems hot to me but ford said that was normal. However after I shut it off, I know it will climb up maybe to 230. If I start it, it jumps right back down but runs rugged for about a minute.
As for the power drain you did the p... alternator test? Start, disconnect the battery and turn on the lights?
Another thing I used to just Bi... at the convertable top. I finanally took the time to really adjust it right. What a moron I should have done that long ago....
I've also just finished the final, at this point cosmetic welding on my new headers. I think I have good support and stress relief plan so these ones won't crack.

BLACKJACK · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 07:38 AM

I'M NOT CERTAIN WHERE I READ THIS BUT SOMEONE STATED THAT THE VDO TEMP. GAUGE READS ABOUT 15 TO 20 DEGREES HIGH.

MY TEMP - ON A HOT DAY - WOULD GET UP TO 215 TO 220. WHEN WE CHECKED IT - WHILE READING 215 THE ACTUAL TEMP WAS 195.

I'VE SINCE INSTALLED A HYPERTECH PERFORMANCE CHIP AND THE ACCOMPANYING 165 DEGREE T-STAT. THE ACTUAL COOLANT TEMP STAYS (ALMOST FOREVER) AT 165 WHILE THE GAUGE READS 185.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 09:26 AM

Quote:

I didn't buy it to make the next person who owns it happy

Aint that the truth!!!! I'm second owner on mine, the first owner rarely drove it. And that is typical of MANY of the Cobras. I drive mine every chance I get, it is for ME, not the next guy!

Mine runs about 210-220 (as shown by the gauge).

Cracked headers? Whew, I've had mine welded 3 or 4 times over the last two years, and they need welding AGAIN!

I'm buying Headers and Side pipes from Don Scott (Classic Roadster). Of course I don't have to run catalytic converters here so thats why I can do that.

Ernie

Spoony · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 10:47 AM

My first Cobra was an excalibur, what a great car. I sold it to an exotic/classic car dealer in St. Charles and he made it has own personal car. Mine was White with red stripes...347 stroker with a 175 kick of NOS. She ran well...11.70's in the 1/4...

DavidFagan · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 06:06 PM

That's where I got mine, when I took it he said there wouldn't be anymore and gave me all the brocures they had. Also a picture of the last one they had, White w/ red stripes. I suspect I have a picture of your old car.
That hypertech sounds like a winer, I'm going to check on that....

MilwDoug · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 06:54 PM

Hey Guys,

It' nice to see the Excalibur thread jump back to life all of a sudden.

Mark, welcome. Sounds like you're really enjoying your car. I think we all love ours. Doesn't have the power that a lot of the other Cobra's have, but that can easily be added. I have a friend who has his small block Ford up to 850 HP, so there really is no limit to what can be done. Of course he has a Mustang which leaves room for a supercharger. We have to figure that one out, fitting a supercharger under the hood of an Excalibur.

But other than power, I think they're one of the nicest ones made. Great build quality, more room, look better with longer wheelbase, great interior's etc. I love mine BUT I want More HP.

Jack, how did the HYPERTECH PERFORMANCE CHIP work out? Big difference?
How much do they cost? Easy to install? Seems like the fastest and easiest way to get a good performance boost.

By the way, the temp gauge reading was from me on an earlier thread. Jens G. the last owner at Excalibur told me that when I visited just before they closed. He said the gauge runs about 20 degrees high. Looks like that's been verified by Jack.

Doug

BLACKJACK · #11 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 04:54 AM

HI, DOUG,

THE HYPERTECH CHIP MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE. OTHER MODS THAT I DID WERE (1) GETTING RID OF THE EXTREMELY RESTRICTED "MUFFLERS" AND REPLACING THEM WITH "GLASS PACKS FORM LUCIEN DINOFRIO. (2) ELIMINATING ALL OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. ADDING AN MSD INGNITION UNIT. THE NEXT PROJECT IS TO REMOVE THE SMOG PUMP AND OTHER AND OTHER "USELESS JUNK" FROM THE ENGINE BAY.

THE EXCAL REALLY PERFORMS WELL. I HAVE NOT HAD IT ON THE DYNO BUT I WOULD GUESS (REASONABLY) THAT THE H.P. IS ABOUT 270 TO 280. THE EXHAUST MODS ADDED ABOUT AS MUCH PERFORMANCE AS THE CHIP.

I'VE STILL NOT GIVEN UP ON THE INSTALLATION OF A KENNE-BELL BLOWER THOUGH. I'M JUST NOT HAPPY WITH THE IDEA OF MODIFYING THE HOOD AND MESSING UP THE REALLY CLEAN LINES.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

DavidFagan · #12 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 07:34 PM

After reading these last post I went down and ordered a hypertech. $239 put it in, this is a must have. I have no equipment to test this so it's talk for what it's worth but it sure seems to run better. However the most important part I do notice the difference in the engine temp absolutely is noticable difference for the comfort level in the car it's 40 degree's! Additionally before if I shut the car down for short period (and the temp climbs) when I started it again it ran very poorly for a minute or so until the water circulated.

ohekk · #13 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 04:25 AM

David,

Perhaps I missed it?

What is the MFG# of your Excalibur? Color etc?

Do you know of any others?

Milw Doug brought his to the weekly cruise last night...what a beautiful car!

Thanks
Tom

PS We've located 42 to date!

DavidFagan · #14 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ohekk

David,

Perhaps I missed it?

What is the MFG# of your Excalibur? Color etc?

Do you know of any others?

Milw Doug brought his to the weekly cruise last night...what a beautiful car!

Thanks
Tom

PS We've located 42 to date!

I thought I posted this, maybe not ....
If you need all the numbers let me know but it ends with 138 so I think it's very near the end of production. Ford 95 5.0
Yellow w/ black stripes
Don't know anyone other then on the site.
Problems. Cracked headers
Have new ones which are much stronger.
So far I have replaced the right which was totally trashed and put in a support bracket down to take the weight off the headers. I hope this was a weight and not a rigitiy problem or I'm going to have to revist this again because you could lift an engine with the exhaust system STIFF! The left side is just starting to crack but I want to drive the car and put this off until the winter. Support on that side will also be more like real work due to the wiring and brake lines. I suspect I'll also have to pull the steering column but I've done that before to modify it, it was to wiggly for me.

jayscobras · #15 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 03:23 PM

ON SUNDAY I AM GOING OVER TO A GUYS HOUSE THAT HAS AN EXCALIBER THAT HAS BEEN IN HIS GARAGE FOR FIVE YEARS OR SO. I KNOW NOTHING MORE THAT THAT OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT I HAVE TALKED WITH HIM AND HE SAYS THERE IS LESS THAN 1,000 MILES ON THE CAR. SEEMS THAT HE TOOK THE CAR IN SETTLEMENT OF A BAD DEBT......FILM AT ELEVEN.

JAY

P.S. EXCALIBER 106 RUNS AT ELKHART LAKE ROAD AMERICA THE FIRST WEEKEND OF SEPT.

ohekk · #16 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 03:13 AM

Jay,

Were you able to get that number?

and while we were out for dinner last night, a beautiful red Excalibur pulls into the lot.

#006

BLACKJACK · #17 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 05:45 AM

QUESTION ABOUT REAR END FLUID. (NO - - I DON'T MEAN "FLEET", "PREP. H", OR EVEN - GAWD FORBID - "KY").

I HAVE A FORD 9 INCH WITH LIMITED SLIP IN MY EXCALIBUR AND IT'S "BEEN A WHILE" SINCE THE FLUID HAS BEEN CHANGED.

WHAT ARE YOU GUYS USING??

** SYNTHETIC OR DINOSAUR JUICE ??

** WHAT - IF ANY - ADDITIVES ??

** WHAT WEIGHT ??

** ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW ??

THANKS - - AND - - Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

jayscobras · #18 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 10:27 AM

JACK TRY ROYAL PURPLE 85-90 WITH A TUBE OF GEAR CLIMBING OIL JUST FOR GOOD MEASURE. WORKS GREAT IN ALL OF OUR CARS. JUST ABOUT ANY 80-90 OIL WILL WORK IF YOU CAN'T FIND ROYAL PURPLE.

OHECK, NOT YET WE MISSED EACH OTHER YESTERDAY. WILL KEEP AFTER HIM THO.

JAY

BLACKJACK · #19 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 12:08 PM

HEY, JAY - - -

THANKS VERY MUCH.

WHAT THE HECK IS "GEAR CLIMBING OIL???

WHAT DOES IT DO??

WHERE CAN I GET IT??

DO I TAKE IT WITH AN OLIVE OR A TWIST??

GONNA TRY TO CALL YA AGAIN.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKKACK

leslie.files · #20 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 02:23 PM

I have talked with a couple of you guys online about my excal body that I took in for wages that were owed to me. I got the body from a company in Fargo that is no longer business (NOT CR) and am just now really getting started on it. I have built a custom frame under it and had to modify the hood to fit the 351W. It was to tall in the mounts to clear the hood. I am using a CR cowl bar and am looking for door hinges if any one can help me there. Am also looking for another hood, wife threw something in the rafters and it came down the other side through my hood. Could use a little help, thanks T.