To LS7 or not

Rob. Smith · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 06:20 AM

Welcome to the "fold"...remember Shelby approached Chevrolet first and they told him to "go pluck a chook" so ford had a better idea ! ask philm .

Smithy

T.L. · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 06:30 AM

Smithy,

I remember reading about Shelby approaching Chev, and perhaps the reply was that if they gave him chevy engines that he would not be able to keep up with demand, so Ford were a better option, at the time:-).

As for engines, I dont like the boss engine, too big as I need the extra space in the footwell, and thats what we have to run here in the wonderful state of Victoria, so it leaves either the Lexus or the Chev. Given that I have a Commodore V8 with the 6.0L and that has enough to get that car going, I think it will have enough for a car that weighs 2/3rds the weight. i just can't get past that LS7 engine though.

I look forward to some views, and I'm not fussed to hear from some Ford Boss people, with superchargers strapped on them, as well, as I really have no objection to them all at the moment, but I have 2 weeks to make a decision.

Lawrence.

Aussie Mike · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:02 AM

An LS7 would be nice but an LS1, LS2 or L76 makes more power than you will know what to do with and for a lot less money too.

We need to remind people that anything much more than 400HP in a Cobra is a waste and getting dangerous. It's nice to have the bragging rights but a big HP car is a real handfull.

Cheers

T.L. · #4 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:10 AM

Mike,

Thanks for your comments.

By the way, I love reading about your build and all the technical stuff that you are doing. I am a tech buff and love to read about little bits and pieces like your rear end (of a car variety!

!!).

Thinking 6.2L LS3 at the moment as they maybe available cheap.

Cheers

Lawrence

Aussie Mike · #5 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:20 AM

Sam's Performance in Sydney has brand new LS3 crate motors for $6950 inc GST.

02 9772 3105

Unit 9 / 78 Gibson Avenue
Padstow
NSW 2211
Australia

Glad you enjoy the build pics and stuff. I love reading about everyone's projects so I figure I may as well throw my stuff up as well.

Cheers

400TT · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:25 AM

Are you waiting for the ex-HSV w427 LS3 engines?

Be interesting to see what the pricing is like. I expect it will be well into next year before we see good pricing when HSV seriously ramps up W427 production and offloads reasonable quantity of LS3 engines.

400TT · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:17 AM

The LS7 is an iconic engine, a true race engine for the street. And the sound.

The LS7 will be perfectly streetable and provide great bragging rights.

Mike is right any of the Gen IV Chev/Holdens will provide plenty of mumbo for a Cobra.

Get some advice on the diff and you don't want any weak links. What gearbox are you thinking of using?

T.L. · #8 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400TT

The LS7 is an iconic engine, a true race engine for the street. And the sound.

The LS7 will be perfectly streetable and provide great bragging rights.

Mike is right any of the Gen IV Chev/Holdens will provide plenty of mumbo for a Cobra.

Get some advice on the diff and you don't want any weak links. What gearbox are you thinking of using?

Craig,

At the moment I am thinking 5 speed, T56 or something similar, but have to admit that I know nothing about the TKO variety of gearboxes that I see a few people have.

Will come down to what will best suit engine I think, but then I have to decide on engine, either LS7 or LS3???????

Thanks for feedback.

Does anyone know much about the Factory Five rear end that can be put into a Harrison!.

Cheers

Lawrence

Heidelberg · #9 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 09:42 AM

Hi Lawrence,

We'll I'm clearly biased as I went through the same thought processes and chose to go with an LS7 because of the magical 427ci and I'm very pleased I did...the 1st time I heard the engine start was just amazing...

I hear the argument about too much hp and I think the argument is very valid...my stock standard LS7 crate motor produces around 440 hp at the wheels and I think that's more than enough (certainly for me!)...

I think if it's practicality that rules you, then any of the LS engines will make more than enough hp and they will all do a beautiful job...but there's something about the illogical and slightly extreme side of going for the 427ci that just seems to work for a Cobra....after all if practicality was everything...would we be wanting a cobra in the 1st place??

Good luck with your deliberations...

Regards.....Paul

HSVREDSLED · #10 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 05:54 PM

Very interesting debate.

The 427 is appealing because I guess of its numeric link to the Cobra, but as stated, more than enough power can be sourced from the previous LSX versions with limited mods.

What is the ball park figure to source a 427 crate donk?

Rebel1 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 07:28 AM

I'm with Mike on this one.

The 6Ltr with cam, springs, etc are getting around 400rwhp...more than enough to get most folks into trouble. It is at this 400hp point that I feel a cobra becomes "less enjoyable".

I would much prefer to spend the difference in costs on suspension/brakes etc.

Mind you...the 6.2 is appealing because of the low cost.....they can be had for about $7000.00 at the moment but may well get cheaper. see here:

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=103566

However, that's still approx double what a L98 would cost in bare crate form.