Cobra Chassis race challenge-one more time

[David Kirkham]

Fellow Car Nuts:

Sounds cool to me. I would like to bring a 427 powered car. Maybe even a 351 and a 289 powered car. I think it would be fun.

I am somewhat concerned about the tire issue though. Good tires...17 inch whatever...can hide a multitude of sins. I think everyone should run the same rubber. If that means I have to figure out how to put 17's on the car...well, oh well I guess I'll figure out how to do it.

When? Where? and what is this I hear about a charity? I quit following the last thead--got tied up at SEMA.

Driver,

That may be tough. I would recommend Dave Dralle. He has driven these cars...original, replicas, for 40 years. He lives at the track and knows the track well. We have known him for years and years. He is crusty...but honest. He never has a problem telling me he doesn't like something if he doesn't. He is probably available and would probably love to do it.

David

[STG]

Here's Dave Dralle getting ready to tell the Kirkhams what he really thinks!

[REAL 1]

Richard: Let people run either a either 15" or 17" wheels and tires. Just note what car has which tire in the results and it can be weighted appropriately or have a class for cars with 17" wheels.

Just do it!

[Richard Hudgins]

Originally posted by David Kirkham



I am somewhat concerned about the tire issue though. Good tires...17 inch whatever...can hide a multitude of sins. I think everyone should run the same rubber. If that means I have to figure out how to put 17's on the car...well, oh well I guess I'll figure out how to do it.


Driver,

I would recommend Dave Dralle. He has driven these cars...original, replicas, for 40 years. He lives at the track and knows the track well. We have known him for years and years. He is crusty...but honest. He never has a problem telling me he doesn't like something if he doesn't. He is probably available and would probably love to do it.

David

David,

I spec'd Hoosier DOT slicks. This will even up the tire issue.

The 15's are much more forgiving to camber change than the 17's. So it should be quite equal.

As far as driver, I recommended John Morton. He has a bunch of experience as well. (Kazillion Willow laps) And he is certainly a bit crusty.

As long as the driver is qualified and does not have any factory alliance, it could be anyone.

Time and place. I recommended Willow at the October COCOA event. On the Friday test day.

I have not read anything about a charity. I am not sure how you would raise money for one with this event.

I think that it would be cool if you brought one of each flavor. (The 351 car would need a Ford crate engine.)

[Richard Hudgins]

Originally posted by Boudy


Richard: I think the key to end the bickering is to move past it. Please email me the rules as you currently envision them. I like what I've heard but would like to review them on paper and offer comments.

Once there is an official set of rules(so to speak), I'll take responsibility to solicite manufacturers and I'll keep a master list of competitors. Probably online or something.


Boudy

Boudy, Please take over. Cobra University also has offered to host the event at Willow. Below are the rules as I originally posted them.


1. A bone stock (as advertised on their website or in their literature) standard road edition Cobra. No changes to anything. This means spring rates, dampers, anti-roll bars, wheels, ride height, etc. etc. In other words, JUST WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY AS A NORMAL CUSTOMER.. NOTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!

2. Engine. 351 Ford crate engine. All carburetors the same. (Jetting free) Must run standard distributor. 6500 rpm chip.

3. Gearbox. Tremec TKO with .8 overdrive. Bellhousing and clutch free.

4. Rear axle ratio. 3.73 (For folks that do not have this ratio available, the ratio must be within 5% of the above) or 3.55 gear if this is the best for matching ratios.

5. Tires. Hoosier DOT radials. (This because of the wide performance variation in road tires.)

6. Suspension settings must be stock as published in manufactures literature. (NO CHANGES ALLOWED TO CAMBER, CASTOR, ETC.)

7. The venue should be the October COCOA event at Willow springs next October, (This give everyone plenty of time) and all manufacturers already have cars or dealers on the west coast.

8. The driver must not be associated with any manufacturer. I recommend that John Morton be the driver. Or Mike (MistressMotorsports) would be a good choice. (He is a former SPF owner. But now runs a 240Z in vintage. I think that he would be pretty consistent in all of the various chassis.


9. Each car would be driven for 5 laps to get the driver used to the characteristics of each car. After the five laps, the car would come into the pits and tire pressures set hot to equalize.

10, Then 10 laps run to establish best time.

Then we see where they all stand.

We are talking about road spec cars. NOT RACE SPEC!!!! Absolutely no modifications from stock road spec allowed.!!!!!!

Folks can lobby for changes. But the point is to keep the cars as Delivered. Bone Stock!!!

[agro1]

I second Mike Eckhaus as the driver. Unless it has been beaten, he holds the fastest lap in a SPF on the big track.

One other thing guys, Willow may be a "fast" track but I'd take a well setup car over one with more hp anyday...Especially in Turn 8 Also, there are only 9 turns and through 2,3,4,5 and 6 there is no need for high hp...

I suggest after the "lapping" on the big track, someone setup a 1/4 mile run at the track entrance. Then you big block guys will have a chance to redeem yourselves

[coyled]

I agree that set up will be more important, even at big willow. The 4 acceleration zones, after6, after9, after1, and after2, they all start at 70 to 100 mph. There are no slow speed corners with long straights right after them, so the BB better be set up well. I vote for John Morton. He has run in the mid 1:20's in a cobra at willow. Scott

[TerrysSPF]

This sounds like a great event! The only thing I would change is the choice of engine. Why not have all the mfgrs. drop in the Ford 392 crate engine instead of the 351. It isn't all that much more $$$ than the 351 crate, and it would give the driver(s) 430HP to "play with". Plus, when the racing is over, a car with the 392 crate would be easier for the Mfgrs. to sell "used" than one with a 351. Most guys looking to buy a Cobra want at least 400HP (IMHO).
I think you guys need to do what ever it takes to make this happen. Let me know when I need to buy my airline tickets for the west coast, cause I wouldn't miss this for anything!

[Highland Daytona Racing]

Holy Mother!

I leave you guys alone for 2 weeks to go build cars and its full on mutiny!

Hey Rick, it was a great idea, still a great idea, sounds like loads of fun regardless who does well, still count HDR in. I would like some heads up on a time frame.

Great idea to have Stephen of Cobra U host it, he's good people.

Hey Stephen.. you can just deliver me that Fat Boy Burger at the track OK?

Also, are we calling my standard car good for this?

Rick Ellis

[Boudy]

Richard: Take a breather buddy, I'll get it from here.

I will be contacting persons off-line for conformation of participation. As it is the holidays, it may be mid Jan to get something posted.

The goal will remain to keep this simple and fun. Rules are basically set with one lingering issue of the FE cars so something will be determined soon. In my opinion, it's kinda like the annual 250cc dirt bike test which was won this year by a 450cc thumper.

Happy Holidays!!!

Boudy

[lloyds1]

Did this ever happen? Sounds cool!

[mdross1]

You boys certainly have the juices flowing,nothing like competative spirits.Where and when?

[ratsnst1]

maybe that event called the run and gun, that way your going up against the grand sport vettes as well, does any one know who won this year, lol.

[Rick Parker]

This thread is 6 years old!