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You guys down under wrestle with a lot of regulatory challenge that is at least different if not more demanding than what we have to navigate back here in the states.
I am going to suggest a selection criteria that is not necessarily brand or technology related but rather financial and regulatory related. Your engine selection criteria should be based on the best engine you can afford to build / buy that will meet the regulatory requirements for public highway operation in your country. Choosing your engine any other way will most probably add compliance expense (and pain) along with possibly delaying your build as you wait to accumulate adequate funds to buy various and sometimes limited availability (read expensive) engine components. Ed |
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Just on the engine power front, if you're not going to race (of some kind) then you really don't need massive power. Mine is 340kw out of the box and that's probably about 100kw more than I need - these are very light cars and are f*#$ing scary when you mash it.
Yes I know that might sound counter-productive in a Cobra, but there is actually a limit to useful power. If you can tick the noise and lumpy idle box, anything from a mild rebuild 5.0L, to an LSX, to a big block, all have enough grunt to generate a big smile. My point being simply that power alone should not drive your final engine decision. If you want to register it then your choices become fairly few. |
I reckon first you need to figure out if you want full rego. or is club reg available in Tasmania?
If so what is the requirements? If you want full rego then an FE is still an option, but will have to either run on LPG or have a lot of time and dollars spent meeting emission regs. Then you also have noise level considerations too. |
The 'run on lpg' loophole closed years ago in states which require emissions testing. (So NSW and Vic).
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Isnt there a fully registered alloy bodied CAMmcoyotteeeeER engine rego'd in QLD....
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His name says Tassie, his location lists Vic.... hence my comment.
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Tassie,
Heed the advice of several on here; build it for what you want to use it for. Clearly identify the use intended - then considering cost and rego requirements, pick the engine that fits. There may be a few options here but this will narrow it down somewhat. If you're asking the question "which engine" then you must have no preconceived desires. Keep it simple. an LSA or LS9 will give you more power than you can use in these cars without a good traction control system. I went for a run in a work mates new GTS last week and it was just insane - 430kW LSA I think. If it didn't employ all the latest driver aids, I don't know if I'd be here writing this. My point is don't get hooked on bigger is better. What suits and what is easily registrable, is better. In Aus the kit brand or build quality will affect the resale more so than the engine choice, but the car should ultimately be what you want, not what the next guy wants. |
Mine runs on LPG and the emission test guy reckons it makes no difference trying to get it down enough. It all depends on the cats. Even a carby with euro cats will get the emissions legal.
JD |
Plenty of good replies regarding engine choice. I agree with those who state that given the realities of your local regulations and market environment, go for the least painful and satisfying alternative - probably the LS series and maybe even with a supercharger option if you want to be a bit over the top.
I have a question though - if you are not a purist and an originality freak (which would mandate a Ford FE powerplant), why on earth would you want the expense, wait time and fragility of alumin(i)um bodywork? If it's for bragging rights, then that is instantly erased by a non-original (ie: Ford 427 FE) engine choice. A cobra replica with an expensive and relatively problematic aluminum body and non original details like an "alternative" engine, dual roll bars, interior comfort features, etc., etc. is no more prestigious than a well executed, more durable and pain-free 'glass bodied car that looks and drives just as good with the same features. Here's the conversation: Joe Blow: "It's a kit car." You: "It's got an aluminum body" Joe: "But it's still a kit car, right?" I'm not at all being critical in the negative sense - just sharing my genuine thoughts. |
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I think you raise a very valid point (and one that I have started a new thread about). Is an aluminium/alloy body worth the hassle? Should be interesting to get opinions from both sides. Thanks again Hugh |
Thanks everyone,
There has been some really great advice. I think the biggest thing for me to take home is that max power is not always the best thing. Come to think of it, back in the good old days I had a V8 holden with 260kw - that was lots of fun (and a bit slippery on wet roads!). I will let you all know how I go! Thanks again for all of the help Hugh |
There's 3 I know of. Damage and Bernies Kirkham and AlbanyCobras AP which he's sold. Bernie was looking to sell his Kirkham to. Im sure they'll chime in with some good points.
For me I'd say unless I could legally, and I mean legally have a nice 427, toploader and alloy body (or 289 FAI equivalant) combo to look as close to the real McCoy as I could, I wouldnt. And its well established unless I owned a real one I cant have that combo. And I'll never own a real one!! LOL Mind you the ones in my shed are real enough to me. |
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We all have Kit cars, aluminium or otherwise. Unless of course you dont... ie: CSX3xxx For example I chose aluminium because of the artisan craftmanship appeal, purely for the aesthetic! You can bog fill raw aluminium. Others would have their own reasons. Quote:
Joe: "It's a kit car?" You: "Yes!" Joe: "But it's got an aluminium body, it must be real right?" You: "Yes it has an aluminium body, but it ain't any more real than the next kit car, it just got an aluminium body!" Joe: "Wow, looks awesome..." You: "Thanks! I pass the word on to those who built it!" |
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Just out of interest (now that I can post photos) - how do you guys think I can roughly match this engine below and still meet Australian regulatory requirements.
I probably would not be too concerned about the power (as per the advice of previous posts) but if I do choose to go with the cost/extra work of aluminium body I suppose it should match under the hood. (Although I am still tempted by an LSA or other) Thanks! |
It is possible to get a "similar" look with a LS engine that should comfortably pass emissions:
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/...m/IMG_0715.jpg |
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I would like to see how they have done it under the air cleaner that's the look I want for my LS .. I have seen people do it like this
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Deano I think that is Phils Orphan. Look at the back of the cleaner/manifold - see the snorkel? That is the stock LS manifold turned around backwards, so inlet is on the rear. Have a look on the googler there are a few sites that explain how to reverse the manifold.
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