418 Stroker

Zoom This · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 08:00 PM

Anyone out there running a House of Cobras 418 stroker? If so, how do you like the motor and how is it holding up?

Any dyno pulls?

Dan Semko · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2003, 11:47 PM

I'm running a Performance Engineering 418 stroker and love it!
It pulled 505 at the fly wheel and 412 at the rear wheels on the engine & chassis dynos respectively. It pulls 520 ft.lbs of torque which provides ample bang for the buck when mated with a TKO2 and a Pro 5.0 shifter.

Lowell W · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 05:50 AM

Dan,

I have a similar setup: one of Eric's 418's making 499/524 on the engine dyno, and am very happy with mine, also. I wanted more of an RPM drop into the overdrive so I have the TKO which I also like very much. It seems to be the perfect combination of big power, driveability and reasonable fuel consumption, all of which are important to me since I drive my car a lot.

I've looked at the Pro 5.0 web site and given some thought to a different shifter but would appreciate some input from someone who's installed one. Did you drive the car with the stock shifter? How much and what sort of difference did you notice after installing the shifter? Had you had trouble missing gears previously? Does the Pro bring 5th gear closer to the rest (not so far to go to the right and forward)? More definite "clicks" when each gear is engaged? Any problems?

Thanks,

Lowell

gsharapa · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 06:14 AM

I have a Keith Craft 427 stroker with a TKO 2 installed. I put a Steeda shifter in it with the original Cobra shifter reversed arm. Looks original but shifts a whole lot better. The big difference is the gates are tighter and you actually can power it into third gear. I have some friends that went with the Pro 5.0 shifter with similar success.

bnewell · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 06:16 AM

Lowell ~ Eric @ Perf. Eng. installed my Pro5 shifter last year. I noticed shorter throws in all gears and especially the shift to 5th. I really didn't have problems with missed shifts with the stock shifter, I just preferred a shorter throw.

For me it was money well spent.

Brian

Durt · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 01:51 PM

I'm running one of Dean Woodruff's 418's from HOC. It's an amazing powerplant. A fantastic blend of streetability and screaming power built with all premium components.
I had a rod bolt fail at Willow & toasted the piston. ARP refused to accept responsibility, so Dean rebuilt the motor on his dime. As Lynn Park said when I told him the story, "Don't lose that guy's phone number."
I can't say that he would be as accomodating with all of his customers (although nearly everyone I know running his 418 has expressed satisfaction with his service,) but I haven't had any problems since, and needless to say, I can't say enough about Dean as well as his motor.

Durt

Dan Semko · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2003, 03:39 PM

I have TKO2's in both cobras but the SPF has the Pro 5.0 so a comparison is easy. The Pro 5 is shorter throw with quicker shifts. It doesn't move the gearshift from its normal position and is a great option. We had Eric build our 418 with the Pro 5 but several SPF'ers have made the conversion as an afternoon project. Is it worth the effort, sure if you have an afternoon and plenty of patience to tinker. There wasn't a solid reason to change, no missing shifts etc, just something a little different. Randall THomas from Performance Unlimited has the units available and is a pleasure to deal with and provides good installation support.

Lowell W · #8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 05:49 AM

Thanks, Guys,

This is great to be able to ask a question and get four responses within a day.

I've not missed any shifts either, that I can recall, but 5th is a long way away and I do kind of almost have to "feel" for third. I'll order a shifter and replace it over the winter, along with a few other little projects. It'll give me some Cobra contact while I'm waiting for the snow to melt.

Brian: How did you do that (the avatar thing)? There was another similar avatar but yours is more, uh, natural! Thank you from all of who agree that more is better.

Lowell

Bill Wells · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 06:09 AM

the JORDAN shifter ( handle) available thru SECOND STRIKE or the Olthoff's is a nice addition too. a different shift handle vs a pro 5.0 shifter type change out. you lose the authentic look of the reverse handle but gain considerable faster and more precise shifting with shorter throws . off/on is only two bolts away after removing the shift boot on the trans tunnel. i added it and decided to not upgrade the shifter itself, the Jordan shift handle was enough for my needs. bill.

Great Asp · #10 (**permalink**) 10-19-2003, 07:20 AM

Eric H at Performance Engineering built my chevy stomping 418.

Rear wheel dyno sheet in my pics.

Great Asp

Eric H. builds a nice "custom" motor, and uses only the best parts

agro1 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 07:40 AM

Dean did allot of work on my CHP built 427 stroker to get it up to snuff. He is an AMAZING mechanic and his 418's are bulletproof. He once said to me, "Guys want to take regular motors to the track and have it hold up all day, and it grenades. I build my motors 25% stronger than most people will ever use them so that won't happen..." He knows his sh!t and is a great guy to boot. He also installed his custom made shorty shifter in my car and I love it. Short quick crisp shifts. His motors are not cheap, but he will stand behind his work, as Durt mentioned....

Mr.Fixit · #12 (**permalink**) 10-20-2003, 07:54 AM

Dean builds a top of the line motor.