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Old 03-14-2003, 10:19 AM
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Default Can of worms

I told my fiance that we will not get married unless we drive away in the cobra. That date for my wedding is November 6th 2004. I will need all of that time to get my cobra done.

I am looking for an engine right now. I know what I would put in the cobra if price was no option; however, price is ditating a lot of my first build. I am only 30 years old and plan on keeping this car for the remainder of my life. I know that I will put several engines, tranmissions, and rearends in it over my life time.

I have read here that the first six month of owning a cobra, many owner wrap them around a pole because of not being used to that powerful and light of a car. Due to this I am willing to start out mild and work my way to wild.

I have read so many different threads on the best engine, and I am asking everyone the opposite.

WHAT IS THE WORST ENGINE FOR MY COBRA?

Based on
1. price
2. performance
3. obtaining after market parts
4. weight

Thanks,

Procrastinator

P.S. I have a C6 transmission with an 8.8 rear end with 3.55 gears (right now)
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Old 03-14-2003, 10:32 AM
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Do you really want to use that transmission?

Anything that says Volkswagon or VW.

Paul
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Last edited by RallySnake; 03-14-2003 at 11:30 AM..
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Old 03-14-2003, 10:37 AM
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Default Worst Engine?

Anything that wears a bowite
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Old 03-14-2003, 10:51 AM
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Anything that says "VTEC" on it would not be a good choice.
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Old 03-14-2003, 11:20 AM
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Thumbs up Worst engine

You need to take a serious look at the awesome negative effects of a 1965 Plymouth Valiant slant 6. It would be super reliable.
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Old 03-14-2003, 11:37 AM
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If you have your heart set on using the C-6 you have
the bolt pattern on the trans will dictate what engine you will use.
The 302/351 uses one pattern, the 429/460 uses another pattern, and the FE 390/428 uses still another pattern.
They are not interchangable.
--Mike

PS THe worst engine you could pick would be a 1 cylinder crude oil buring World War II vintage liberty ship engine.

1)price: really expensive

2) performance: slow to rev but good torque

3) aftermarket parts: none. Hell there are no factory parts either!

4) weight: you might have to modify the fenders and change the front springs (about 30 tons)

one problem would be the trailer hitch needed to tow the crude oil fuel bowser behind you
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Last edited by SFfiredog; 03-14-2003 at 11:45 AM..
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Old 03-14-2003, 11:39 AM
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Let me clarify the question

What is the worst FORD engine for my cobra? It will be mostly street driving with a little racing here and there

Procrastinator
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Old 03-14-2003, 11:58 AM
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You need to consider available engine mounts and what you could reasonably install, a Mustang 4 cyl would fit but do you really want to put one in? Probably a stock 5.0 would be the most reasonably priced.
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Old 03-14-2003, 12:12 PM
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Wink Isn't it going to be cold?

Pro,

A little cold here in November to run around in a Cobra. Heckers, we might have snow!

Move the wedding to July, and borrow mine for the pic's. You can tell your grand-kids you owned it, they won't know the differance!

Eric

PS Get the motor in by July, Ford Unlimited BIG Ford car show in JS McDonnell park is 27th. I will have a Brand New SPF product there....shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

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Old 03-14-2003, 02:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Procrastinator


Let me clarify the question

What is the worst FORD engine for my cobra?
Ok - 1.3L Ford Espire engine
1) Cheap!
2) Performance
3) Aftermarket Parts - K&N airfilter available - adds .02HP (20% increase )
4) Really light!
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Old 03-14-2003, 05:28 PM
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272, 292 or 312 V8, vintage mid 50's to 59 or 60. THAT would be the WORST possible Ford engine.

Most outrageous Ford engine. The WW II 1,000 cubic inch, OHC V8 used in military Tanks! Wasn't that an "early" FE? lol

Ernie
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Old 03-14-2003, 06:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Procrastinator


Let me clarify the question

What is the worst FORD engine for my cobra? It will be mostly street driving with a little racing here and there

Procrastinator
You're being a bit picky now?
I'll be even more specific.
The worst FORD V-8 you could use would be a 1932 36 hp flat-head.
The good thing is hood clearance wouldn't be an issue and I've always wanted to see a side pipe with only 3 header pipes

--Mike
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Old 03-14-2003, 09:56 PM
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Excal,
cmon a flathead is worse than my beloved old 312, and I saw that tank engine in a 21' handbilt roadster last weekend ! man was it wild looking
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Old 03-14-2003, 10:17 PM
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Whoa! Someone actually put one of those Tank engines in a ride? Excellent!!!!!

I raced dirt track in the 60's with a Ford 292. Man, those stinkin' Chevy 283's beat me up bad, lol.

Ernie
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Old 03-14-2003, 11:32 PM
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Any 300 series motor would not be high on my list of engines to put in a Cobra.
302-305-318-350-351W-351C-351Stroked-390-396...

Once you break the 400 barrier do not stop until you get to the 420 series. Then stop. You are there.
Anyone of the 427s would do. 427TO-427CO-427SO.Maybe even a 428 as a last resort!

TURK
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Old 03-15-2003, 05:22 AM
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I have a couple opportunities to purchase 390's. Should I stay away from those too?

Procrastinator
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Old 03-15-2003, 09:50 AM
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Procrastinator: You did kinda set yourself up for all these "humorous" replies. I didn't build my car, but if I were building a Cobra and price and convenience were such a concern, and I were looking for a temporary motor, I'd probably look for a 302 out of a Mustang. I'd want the motor and manual trans together, preferably running and still in the car. There seem to be lots of 'em out there and you probably could peddle it when you're ready to install the motor you really want. I'd also consider changing to a carb to avoid all the wiring you'd probably tear out later anyway. My feeling would be not to go the FE route unless you're ready to do it right and build the last motor the car will have. Ditto any built motor. Good luck.
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Old 03-15-2003, 10:07 AM
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Lowell W.

If you can't tell by my own name, I am one who can take the "humorous" replies. However, being new to the site, I don't know everybody like other members do. I have only been to two of the Run and Guns and I didn't know anyone. I don't have the expirence with cobras like other members, but in the times that I have logged in Club Cobra as a visitor and now a member, I must say that I enjoy learning from others mistakes and their stories. Reading posts has really jump started my desire to finish my cobra (or maybe its a recent break in the weather instead.) Regarding your post I thought I bought a 302 on e-bay, but the guy sold out from underneath me. I was going to dump the injection in a flash.

Thanks again,

Procrastinator
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Old 03-15-2003, 01:02 PM
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Do the 390 ,they are cheap,and you will be all set up correct when you realize you really do need a 427 in a 427
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Old 03-15-2003, 02:03 PM
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390 would be a fine choice.

Ernie
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