588R big block

[Buzz]

I'm not a fan of the BDR shape, but their many customers seem quite happy. If I were to build a modern interpretation of a Cobra with up to date steering, suspension and brakes (sorry - I just can't bring myself to do the dual padded roll bars), I would go all in with a modern power plant as well; and in that case, there is no better choice to me than this:
The Corvette Z06's Supercharged LT4 Powerplant Now Available as a Crate Engine - Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle
Smaller, lighter, more potent and just plain better than the Coyote, it's a no-brainer. Carroll Shelby had no engine brand loyalty hang-ups whatsoever - so why the heck should I?

[Cashburn]

If you are considering a Backdraft, then the engine under the hood is not as critical as if you are trying to fool people with your replica. So build the engine that fits your budget and performance goals.

I really don't think a 385 series engine is the WTG at all in these cars. The video you saw online was the 588R we did, it was nowhere near as thrilling or enjoyable to drive as our higher power 427 Tall Deck options or supercharged varieties of Coyote engines.

[tnc110]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

If you are considering a Backdraft, then the engine under the hood is not as critical as if you are trying to fool people with your replica. So build the engine that fits your budget and performance goals.

I really don't think a 385 series engine is the WTG at all in these cars. The video you saw online was the 588R we did, it was nowhere near as thrilling or enjoyable to drive as our higher power 427 Tall Deck options or supercharged varieties of Coyote engines.

Cash...I watched some of your youtube videos, you have built a lot of bada$$ cobras. I saw one of them put nearly 800hp to the ground.
So tell me, in your opinion, what would your ultimate Cobra be?
I'm not looking for a car that is as original as possible, but I don't want a Coyote or anything modern looking under the hood.

I have no desire to track race the car. Maybe a run or two down the drag strip, just to see where the car is performance wise.
I do plan on a few road trips a year....this thing isn't going to be 5 years old with 2k miles on it...I plan to use it!

No small blocks.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by tnc110

Cash...I watched some of your youtube videos, you have built a lot of bada$$ cobras. I saw one of them put nearly 800hp to the ground.
So tell me, in your opinion, what would your ultimate Cobra be?
I'm not looking for a car that is as original as possible, but I don't want a Coyote or anything modern looking under the hood.

I have no desire to track race the car. Maybe a run or two down the drag strip, just to see where the car is performance wise.
I do plan on a few road trips a year....this thing isn't going to be 5 years old with 2k miles on it...I plan to use it!

No small blocks.

Always building the next ultimate one... If I want all around from a price, performance, and plan to keep it long term (and the costs associated with maintaining it properly) it's hands down 427 SBF. With one of the newer FI systems it's on...

If I plan to keep it a few years and want sports car performance and nearly no maintence it's straight up Coyote. If I want to only use half the pedal and scare the **** out of myself then put an SC on it.

If I want to make maintenance a headache, kill the balance of the car, put a tiny air cleaner on to clear the hood and choke the engine, and generate a ton of unnecessary heat then a 385 series might be it.

I did build a car with an all aluminum FE for a buddy of mine and it is an excellent sounding and driving car. It simply is a stretch for the $ vs results and he really does not ring it out too hard for he fears ever having to replace it.

I can find something in each one I really like, it's just a matter of which does the most and for how much.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Always building the next ultimate one... If I want all around from a price, performance, and plan to keep it long term (and the costs associated with maintaining it properly) it's hands down 427 SBF. With one of the newer FI systems it's on...

If I plan to keep it a few years and want sports car performance and nearly no maintence it's straight up Coyote. If I want to only use half the pedal and scare the **** out of myself then put an SC on it.

If I want to make maintenance a headache, kill the balance of the car, put a tiny air cleaner on to clear the hood and choke the engine, and generate a ton of unnecessary heat then a 385 series might be it.

I did build a car with an all aluminum FE for a buddy of mine and it is an excellent sounding and driving car. It simply is a stretch for the $ vs results and he really does not ring it out too hard for he fears ever having to replace it.

I can find something in each one I really like, it's just a matter of which does the most and for how much.

What EFI systems do you find yourself using on your stroked windsors? I don't think the self learning applications really live up to their expectations when it is a performance platform......it really looks like its a Holley or FAST market. I really like the look of the Holley system but it says their throttle body Terminator setup is limited to 600HP. I would think the it is hard to beat the cost of a throttle body EFI setup with the laptop programmable ECU's and a solid tune. Are you doing any in-line pump EFI or is everything in the tank and return style?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Ace23

What EFI systems do you find yourself using on your stroked windsors? I don't think the self learning applications really live up to their expectations when it is a performance platform......it really looks like its a Holley or FAST market. I really like the look of the Holley system but it says their throttle body Terminator setup is limited to 600HP. I would think the it is hard to beat the cost of a throttle body EFI setup with the laptop programmable ECU's and a solid tune. Are you doing any in-line pump EFI or is everything in the tank and return style?

There's a newer player in the market we are in beta with. Those others I would not use given the option....

[twin turbo]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Always building the next ultimate one... If I want all around from a price, performance, and plan to keep it long term (and the costs associated with maintaining it properly) it's hands down 427 SBF. With one of the newer FI systems and twin turbos it's on...

Fixed it for you, lol.

[Detroit Bill]

I did see a naturally aspirated 5.0 Coyote this weekend being put into a Factory 5 car. It was interesting. I think with a supercharger it would be very interesting. The shocking part is the price tag. $8K for a naturally aspirated crate engine. I am not sure what supercharging does to the price.

I am not trying to fool anyone with my FE. Its just what I wanted.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

I did see a naturally aspirated 5.0 Coyote this weekend being put into a Factory 5 car. It was interesting. I think with a supercharger it would be very interesting. The shocking part is the price tag. $8K for a naturally aspirated crate engine. I am not sure what supercharging does to the price.

I am not trying to fool anyone with my FE. Its just what I wanted.

I'm really liking the Coyote motor. Just got to figure out what I would put it in.

[rodneym]

588FE?
That might be tough.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by rodneym

588FE?
That might be tough.

Yup. And me thinks you won't build something like that for around $20k either!
We are talking pretty exotic stuff to build something like that if even possible.

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by Bernica

I'm really liking the Coyote motor. Just got to figure out what I would put it in.

I agree. A cobra is raw. It is supposed to be raw if you are going for a duplicate of the original. If you are not I would think about an Aerial Atom. A much better, faster open air car.

From my experience a Cobra at full song is sensory overload.

First the sound, I don't think a modern motor can give the raw sound of an old, big cam, big block.

Second the wind/turbulence, it multiplies the effect of speed greatly. It is not a modern convertible.

Third the smell, the exhaust, what area you are driving through.

Fourth the front fenders heading for the sky.

Fifth keeping track of traction in any gear so you don't end up in the weeds.

It takes a while to be able to wring out a Cobra because when you first start driving it is like going into hyperspace. There is so much going on and it is happening so fast. The senses are overwhelmed. As you become more comfortable it is easier to focus.

When I first got the car I was shifting by sound because looking down was out of the question. I was thinking wow that is an experience. I was sure I was at red line. Over time I got comfortable and looked down at the tachometer. I was shifting at 5,000! LOL. Shifting at 6,000 is definitely more of an experience.

The modern motors are awesome don't get me wrong, they are an incredible value. I am just not feeling it for me in a Cobra Replica.

If I was going to do a Resto-mod that I wanted to drive a lot it starts to make sense. If you did the whole suspension, brakes and steering why not.

[Joe's Garage]

I've learned two things from this thread.
One must keep up appearances.
Beauty IS only skin deep.

[Joe's Garage]

Just using the OP's example of a Roush 588, personally I think Buzz has it right regarding a BDR, a Kirkham would likely be a different story.

[RockBit]

X2 on Brent Lykins. He is building an all aluminum 427 FE SO for me in which he selected the components to give me the drive ability and power level that I want. I also went with Brent for the transmission and clutch assembly. I just let him know what I wanted, and let him choose the combo to deliver it. He is very fair on pricing.

[olddog]

The fastest car I ever road in was a Cobra with 385 series stroked to 532 cid.

I would say the least expensive Ford engine to make 400 Hp - 600 Hp is hands down the 385 series engine.

With that said I have looked at quite a few Cobra with the humongous bock engines in them. It looks like they had to use shoe horns, smoke, and mirrors to make them fit.

You really need to check some out. I have heard a lot of talk on milling off intakes and special air filters to end up with almost no hood clearance to spare. Headers are very close to foot boxes. Certainly they will fit, but I do not think it is easy. The hot foot box may be true for the FE, as well, but likely more so with the 385.

I have to say I would lean toward the FE, too. They are a tad pricey and if you do not pick an experienced FE builder, you could have a lot of trouble. Other than that, I cannot think of a single reason not to go with an FE.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by olddog

I have to say I would lean toward the FE, too. They are a tad pricey and if you do not pick an experienced FE builder, you could have a lot of trouble. Other than that, I cannot think of a single reason not to go with an FE.

There is nothing like an FE! You can buy the 385's all day long and they are stump pullers. But an FE is just different. They are expensive and finicky, leak oil and all of that. But those who know them love them!

[scootter]

I bought my first Cobra with a Ford 514 600 plus hp. Wouldn't have changed that for anything. The next motor I have been looking at is 514 BBF Street Crate.

Scott

[mdross1]

Back in the early 90's when I first started looking for something to power my Cobra hot rod considered BBC and all the BBF. The Cammer and Boss engines were out because of cost and inherent problems with both. FE's were plentiful,but was talked into the 460 because of it's ability to make easy hp and it certainly is a Ford product. The fender badges display 460 nothing to hide. Sometimes think it would be so cool to have another 100 ci or so.

I do understand the loyalty people have to the Cobra's I have it with the outward appearance and interior. Would never criticize anyone elses choices of vendor will never understand why some feel so compelled to do so. But then we are surrounded by those very types every where we turn. Life for me is too short to be so wrapped up in trying to impress the neighbors.

[DanEC]

I think the important thing if you go with a 385 series would be to use as many aluminum parts as possible to get the weight down (heads, intake, water pump, etc). That would probably be step 2 after making sure it will fit in the engine bay.

Nice thing about an FE is it is actually reasonably compact for a BB engine and depending on how far you go with aluminum components (nice that aluminum blocks are available) it can actually end up pretty light weight. Even an all-iron 390 is lighter than a similar BB Chevy or 385 by quite a few pounds. Bad thing is they have a few oddities in their design and assembly to deal with.