588R big block

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by 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.

Absolutely. A true period correct build with the intention of replicating an original Cobra would mean aluminium bodywork, authentic chassis and suspension, interior, switches, etc. etc., and of course, the correct drivetrain.

Once you have a fibreglass body, altered wheelbase or shape, rectangular tube chassis, different suspension, dual roll bars, TKO transmission, modern brakes, EFI, etc. etc., then it's a custom build and from there it's just pointless to pontificate about the "correctness, authenticity or originality" of putting a Ford FE engine under the hood. If you do so because you love FE's and that's what you want it's all good - but it won't make your customized build "more of a Cobra" than the next guy's with a stroked Windsor, a 385 series or a Coyote.

[Joe's Garage]

Seeing how tnc110 is the OP, talking in the 3rd person is really not necessary - unless tnc110 wishes to remove himself from direct dialogue based on an erroneous assumption

[RodKnock]

One simple truism when it comes to Cobra replicas.

Any replica choice is fine. As long as the color isn't beige.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Any replica choice is fine.

No, some are better than others. But others are better than none.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, some are better than others. But others are better than none.

Patrick,
Are you saying that some are "none"?!
Great. Here we go again!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Patrick,
Are you saying that some are "none"?!
Great. Here we go again!

No, some, by definition, are always better than none.

[patrickt]

... and as to the color, a couple of weekends ago I had the gas contractor out to service the gas fireplace in the "man cave" that adjoins the Cobra garage. When the kid (late 20's) saw it, not only did he go absolutely nuts over the color, but he insisted I use his phone to take a shot of him kneeling down next to it so he could send it to his father. Of course, I was happy to oblige....

[Large Arbor]

I second what others say regarding FE's. They look great, period correct, and can produce lots of hp's. I am kind of light in that category at just over 500 hps, but as others have said, once you get to a certain point your just spinning tires. I love the sound of mine but on long trips the noise gets to you a bit. Earplugs work, but the sound is just fun to enjoy.

However, there are lots of choices but the experience of the guys on this site is excellent. Listen well to these folks....

Phil

[Ace23]

I myself was thinking of a big block just a few weeks ago. I think it would sound really cool and be one heck of a ride. I then sank back down into reality and thought do I really want a 6mpg car that probably wont hook up until 4th gear......not really. From what I have researched a properly built stroked 385 series can make 750hp and 700+ torque. This amount of power is pretty awesome but I just think you would have one hell of a time getting it to not blow the tires off everytime you rolled into it. From the little seat time I have spent in mine a 6500rpm pull in 3rd gear gets you to 110-120mph and that's moving in one of these cars on the street. If you get under one of these cars and really look around it will scare you when you realized its a big fiberglass coffin lol. If you were to really crash one of these things you would be done. I actually laugh everytime I strap on my 5 point harness and look at the fire extinguisher.....its on the same level of WTF as when you put on a seatbelt and go 600mph in a Boeing 30,000 feet in the air. Take a ride in a car with a stroked Windsor or something that makes 500+ hp and see what you think. Whatever you do just make sure you buy one and don't sit on the sidelines thinking about it!

[Tom Kirkham]

385 engines are heavy.
If handling means anything to you then,
I would be inclined to go with an all aluminum small block.
Small blocks also have a lower center of gravity...

[tnc110]

Cash, are using an original BDR rear end with the super charged coyote?

[Bernica]

Cashburn seems to know his way around the Coyotes!

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by tnc110

Cash, are using an original BDR rear end with the super charged coyote?

Diffsonline built rears with polished gears and 40% lock custom ramped etc. or should I say our LSD option. But we make a few other upgrades if we are going north of 650hp. Mostly to the mounting and suspension though.

[Large Arbor]

I still am in favor of an all aluminium FE as that was the reason I bought mine when I did.

Phil

[Cashburn]

Beta test...

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Beta test...

I just hope this "better mouse trap" is something you're in on, usually beta testing starts in-house to protect the technology as well as iron out the bugs, then a broader validation phase follows

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Joe's Garage

I just hope this "better mouse trap" is something you're in on, usually beta testing starts in-house to protect the technology as well as iron out the bugs, then a broader validation phase follows

It's on the market for sometime (under a different company and name). It's beta in our house. They've released some upgraded versions that look promising. Met owner last week at SEMA and reviewed the product and latest developments.

Not too hard to figure out who/what... But why make it easy?

Our intent is to virtually abandon the carb from primary offerings. This system may allow that.

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Beta test...

Thanks. Any hints about the new system?

[Joe's Garage]

Well best of luck, the only thing that comes to mind is GDI, a wag at best.

[D-CEL]

tnc110,
That level of power is not hard to achieve from a 385 series and a competent builder. Like has been said by others, I would shop around. I think you would be startled by what could be had in a 385 at $20K (or less).
Sigh.....and as you can see all you have to say is "385 series in a Cobra" and they come running!
Years ago there was a guy called DR.385. What did he used to call them?.....Oh that’s right he referred to them as, “xx”tards. But I won’t go there…..
You can absolutely count on them to inject “xx”xcrement into any and all possible Non-"Fe" Cobra conversation. You can expect the stench of "Fe”XXX from the mouths of Pat & Rod in whatever they type about 385s. Tom Kirkham? Really? I expect more from you.

(How heavy do you think this going to be Tom? How does less than 600lbs sound?)
"They are not O-R-I-G-N-A-L" ) How sad is it when the .01% moan about “engine correctness” in their REPLICA COBRAS. Nobody cares but them.
The hard facts are impossible for a "Fe"xxxx to swallow (already full I think)
1) 385 series are plentiful. (As we have been told many times, they filled nearly every engine bay of
every station wagon, ambulance, tow truck and garbage scow Ford built during for the last 30ish
years. Hmmm, just like Fe’s before them)
2) 385 series are FAR less expensive than any Fe’s at equal power levels.
3) 385 series are far more durable at higher power levels when compared to any Fe.
4) 385 series are comparable in size and weight to an Fe when similarly equipped and
Plain and simple: Anything that can be done to the ridiculously antiquated Fe platform, can be done for less money at a higher level of performance with another engine family, be that Stroked Windsor or 385.
Building and maintaining an Fe is like building a flat head. Cool to look at (if you like that sort of thing).
It’s not about performance, it’s about nostalgia.


Jason