Cobra power, how much is enough?

[mdross1]

I had never been into the dyno thing until the Cobra always tuned by seat of the pants and the way the cylinders were burning.Caved to it just to see what I might be dealing with.Actually since the dyno run have done many upgrades to the motor and drivetrain.Will stick with seat of the pants and the way I learned a long time ago.Course always open to new ideas,part of the fun of owning these hot rods.

[GRUF78]

My motor dyno'd at 594 HP and 601 TQ on the initial break-in. Installed in the car , it probably makes 450 HP at the wheels or so.

The car is 99.9% correct, every nut and bolt. (427 SO/Toploader/rear/etc, etc)

Near uncontrollable in the first 2 gears, but OK in 3rd and 4th. It will still spin the tires at 60-70 MPH in 3rd.

500 HP in a 2200 # car is way enough IMO unless your going to road race it on big tracks or drag it.

If I do another 427 (Will be a street car vice S/C), it will have 100 less HP than the one I have now.

GRUFF

[Stentor]

The amount of HP that is enough/feasible is to a large degree dependent on getting the suspension of the car dialed in and investing in a good set of tires.

A quick query--how many guys posting that 400/500 hp is too much are running good tires (e.g., Avons, drag radials, Billboards)?

For whatever reason, a lot of guys settle for running junk tires (e.g., Radial T/A)--which can be downright dangerous in these cars.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by Stentor

The amount of HP that is enough/feasible is to a large degree dependent on getting the suspension of the car dialed in and investing in a good set of tires.

A quick query--how many guys posting that 400/500 hp is too much are running good tires (e.g., Avons, drag radials, Billboards)?

For whatever reason, a lot of guys settle for running junk tires (e.g., Radial T/A)--which can be downright dangerous in these cars.

Hey, I use BFG radials T/A on my van, and they are fine.

[wideglidejoe]

If you listen to what the guys on here say, you get the impression that a stroked FE connected to an IRS is a very difficult thing to launch.

I've got a stroked FE (428 bore 4.13 X 4.25 stroke) in a 3.27 IRS car. I'm not sure how it compares upon launching compared to 3 or 4 link, but its not like its out of control or unmanageable. Then again, I'm used to 11 sec 1/4's on 2 wheels too. I haven't driven a roadster w/FE in a 3 or 4 link to compare it to my IRS. Granted, I don't do a water burnout like at the strip then pull into the staging area where its super-sticky, but as long as the tires are warmed up, spirited street driving and launches aren't a problem. I think it is what you get used to.

My engine wasn't dyno'd, but with a list of all the parts in it, most experienced engine folks tell me it would probably be 520-530 at the flywheel.

Anyway, it is a moot point now, as I blew the whole bottom end out of it last Sat at Hallett Raceway west of Tulsa. Now I'm planning my next FE stroker.

Anyway, my opinion........500-600 hp at the flywheel is about right, but you know how opinions are.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Stentor

The amount of HP that is enough/feasible is to a large degree dependent on getting the suspension of the car dialed in and investing in a good set of tires.

A quick query--how many guys posting that 400/500 hp is too much are running good tires (e.g., Avons, drag radials, Billboards)?

For whatever reason, a lot of guys settle for running junk tires (e.g., Radial T/A)--which can be downright dangerous in these cars.

It never ceases to amaze me the number of Cobra owners that will invest thousands in their car increase the HP, but won't invest in a good set of tires.

Mine had Goodyear GTII's on it when bought it. Not a bad tire, but they are garbage on a higher HP Cobra. As stated, you could break them lose at 60 MPH in 3rd gear. Generally the BB's or Avons will never do that.