Small block Chevy in a cobra?

[olddog]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If I had been able to choose things it would have some sort of Ford and IRS. I'd probably go with a Windsor based engine too. I might go with some sort of tranny with dogs instead of synchros too.

It is pretty fun as it is.

When it is well put together and runs great, why spend a bunch of money fixing things that are not broken? Economically it makes no sense. That is why I never changed a lot on my own Cobra.

If money were no object for me, I would buy a Kirkham and drop a 427 FE in it. If I owned an original I could not enjoy risking it on the streets, so I would choose a Kirkham over an original, if money didn't matter and I had to choose one. Otherwise I would own both.

My second engine choice would be a 390/445 stroker FE. My next would be a Windsor or a Clevor. I also have to admit that the 385 series is a great engine to make a lot of torque for little money. It's a tight fit, but they will fit.

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by olddog

...
If money were no object for me, I would buy a Kirkham and drop a 427 FE in it. If I owned an original I could not enjoy risking it on the streets, so I would choose a Kirkham over an original, if money didn't matter and I had to choose one. Otherwise I would own both.....

its the same money to fix a Kirkham or an original after an accident ...

[olddog]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

its the same money to fix a Kirkham or an original after an accident ...

But if it is a total loss, a piece of history would be lost forever.

PS

Any car that is in pristine original condition is worth more than one that was wrecked and repaired. Let's just say a 20% reduction in value. So a 2 million dollar car would loose $400,000 in value, and a $150,000 car would loose $30,000 in value. Even though the cost to repair them would be the same the economic loss is quite different.

Even though the economics says crashing an original is worse, my real reason is risking a lost piece of history forever.

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by olddog

But if it is a total loss, a piece of history would be lost forever.

PS

Any car that is in pristine original condition is worth more than one that was wrecked and repaired. Let's just say a 20% reduction in value. So a 2 million dollar car would loose $400,000 in value, and a $150,000 car would loose $30,000 in value. Even though the cost to repair them would be the same the economic loss is quite different.

Even though the economics says crashing an original is worse, my real reason is risking a lost piece of history forever.

how many are in original condition and never damaged? 2%? normally any original car was damaged or modified, so it is pretty meaningless if you damage it again, total losses aren’t existent btw, only if you had placed all your paperworks in car when it totally burns

[Ace23]

I wouldn’t think twice about a Chevy engine if that is what you want. A nice stroker LSX block making 700hp+ On pump gas with a hydraulic roller and OEM fuel injection would be pretty awesome.

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Ace23

I wouldn’t think twice about a Chevy engine if that is what you want. A nice stroker LSX block making 700hp+ On pump gas with a hydraulic roller and OEM fuel injection would be pretty awesome.

There are gobs of FE making 700hp and more. In fact Shelby built two with ~900 hp. The surviving one (his personal untouched Cobra) went at auction around $6,000,000.

People put EFI on FE too. You don't like FE? Well a EFI Windsor can easily make 700 Hp. Want something newer? You can make 700 hp out of a Modular to.

Exactly what is so awesome about it?

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by olddog

There are gobs of FE making 700hp and more. In fact Shelby built two with ~900 hp. The surviving one (his personal untouched Cobra) went at auction around $6,000,000.

People put EFI on FE too. You don't like FE? Well a EFI Windsor can easily make 700 Hp. Want something newer? You can make 700 hp out of a Modular to.

Exactly what is so awesome about it?

Just a personal opinion based off no facts. I would think the LS platform would be more reliable than an equally powered FE build based on the thousands of them running around. I also would expect the availability of the OEM electronics and fuel injections setup to be far superior of anything available for an FE. I have zero issues with a higher powered FE but I assume you really pay to play at that level.

If it’s a higher HP build I was driving all the time I want something I can easily get parts for and people know how to build. I have a dart block windsor but I will be making a change at some time as I want a bit more power...I’m running around 575hp/575tq with a t56 and 4.30 gear. I haven’t come across many 700hp+ pump gas Windsors that are not running rollers or higher compression. I spoke with Jim Kuntz before he passed and he convinced me he had a recipe. I now see that Bennet Racing located in AL offers a 445w windsor that looks like a nice offering.

I may have missed the original post but the value of one of these cars doesn’t mean much to me. I view them all as kits or replicas. I just want it to be fun to drive. So whatever floats your boat is good with me.

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by Ace23

I wouldn’t think twice about a Chevy engine if that is what you want. A nice stroker LSX block making 700hp+ On pump gas with a hydraulic roller and OEM fuel injection would be pretty awesome.

Mine is 850 hp, and you can drive it easily in traffic or on a 95 degree day. On top of that, it gets 22 mpg on the highway on pump gas.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by joyridin'

Mine is 850 hp, and you can drive it easily in traffic or on a 95 degree day. On top of that, it gets 22 mpg on the highway on pump gas.

That is awesome and I am jealous of that power and fuel mileage. I haven’t been on the site in awhile but if I recall you were running a turbo setup. I’ve never been in a turbo cobra. I’m more of a NA or twin screw supercharger guy. I would love the option for a blower on my windsor. I had a 600hp turbo charged Hayabusa that made 320hp on pump gas...what a riot.

[twsharpe]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

its the same money to fix a Kirkham or an original after an accident ...

Just fly one of the Kirkham guys to your house for a week or so....