Purchasing a big block cobra
 

Hi guys, I'm here to do some homework for my dad. He's computer illiterate, so he asked me to search the net for the ultimate big block ac cobra kit. His requirements were very straightforward: the stiffest chassis availible, room for the big block, monster brakes all around, rugged independent rear suspension, and the widest tires possible. His plan is to have a 200 MPH car that can run tens on pump gas. That seems like one ambitious plan to me! Anyway, I was hoping that some folks with the knowlage could share some! Thanks, John Donohue

What is your father budget? This will determine what he can, and cannot afford in regards to a Cobra.

200 mph,10's on pump gas;probably need to look for another car. chuck

I can buy 110 pump gas at three of the speed shops here. The pumps are beside their store and I go give them a credit card and they let me pump away, $4.90 per gal.

John,

That's a pretty tall order assuming your father wants to drive this Cobra in the city. I guess if you had enough gears and a long enough stretch (say Bonneville) you could get there.

Clois

I know, Pop's plan is a tall order. His idea with the pump gas is to run more cubes with less compression. I know Ford offers a HUGE 600 cube block, but maybe a stroked 460 is a more reasonably priced alternative. I believe his budget is around 50K.

John,

50 thou.Cobras dont go 200 mph...........i am not sure 100 Thou. Cobras do either.....

KK

What KK said!!
Chuck

Check the add to the left for the Kirkham Roller for 39.9

That is a great start. Forget the 200.

Cobras were never 200 mph cars regardless of budget.

WWW.PREMIERCOBRAS.COM. We can do high 10s with a blown 4.6L and pump gas - if you go with drag radials. OR we can send you down a LONG straight WELL in excess of 150....if you've got the 'nads.

BUT one car won't do both. Aerodynamics - drag coefficients and lift vectors - are a problem. Big blocks dont have the high RPMs to do top end....etc etc etc.

Wide tires that are too wide can reduce patch pressure so they actually reduce traction.

IRS rear ends generally won't take as much torque as a live axle...and to do 10s you need a prodigious amount of torque, but you want an IRS.

I'm curious as to what a "stiff" chassis means. As far as torsional ridgidity, how many ft/lbs per degree distortion are you wishing?

What are "monster" brakes? I presume you are wanting at least 4 piston if not 6 piston front / 4 piston rears on 12" vented rotors? Those can be had in 17" wheels if the backspace is properly specified. But...I dont know what "monster" brakes are.

In short I do not believe that the car you've specified - a 10 sec, pump gas powered, IRS, 200MPH Cobra for under $50,000...ever has existed, exists today, or ever will. And its a darn shame it hasn't. That said... if Cobras could go 200, we would have a lot fewer Cobra owners who are alive.

You want a REALLY cool car that is "dead nuts" accurate as far as performance, handling, looks, and authenticity? If you want as much fun as the law allows....well, maybe a little more fun than the law allows. OK....a LOT more! then you both need to come to KC. We will strap you into a 4.6L blown 289 hybrid machine and take you out for "THE RIDE". If you want more performance than this car delivers.... I might suggest a used Mig 29. We've yet to find ANYONE...and that included a professional race driver....that have said it was not the fastest street car they had ever been in. 2nd and 3rd are just mind boggling..... but come see for yourself.

All the best.... Bob

I'm no expert, but from what I understand, 200 mph is not realistic in a 427 Cobra replica due to areodynamic constraints almost no matter the engine and gearing. Even with a real monster powerplant as you've described, that mark is only realistic if your father plans to make it his final drive. Someone correct me if I'm way off.

If he wants to build a Cobra type car, and top speed is a goal, I'd suggest at least looking into a Cobra Daytona Coupe. The areodynamics there would probably allow something much higher than any 427 SC or roadster. Hope this helps.

MT

I happened to notice on Monster Garage that Jesse couldn't get a reasonably aerodynamic Celica to do 200 mph with a Roll Royce jet engine...now why do you think you can do it in a "brick" like a Cobra?:rolleyes:

If you order a Kirkham they could add a set of wings they may have in their shop in Poland.

Stan

Don't shoot the messenger!
 

Look guys, I'm here trying to help good 'ol Dad in his search for the car of his dreams. From what you all are saying, the 200 MPH part is not realistic. That is not critical. What is critical is a chassis that can handle the torque of a big block. Four or six piston calipers with 12''+rotors sounds good, but I don't know what's available. I realize the combination of independent rear suspension and the torque of a big block is a recipe for trouble, but there must be an IRS that stands above the rest. My dollar estimate is olny approximate(it's not my check book!) Thanks for all the feedback! John Donohue

Hey John,

From your profile, I can't tell from where in CA you are... However, if you (and your Dad) are near the San Francisco Bay Area, then I suggest that you (and your Dad) join us for Breakfast on Saturdays in Dublin. There will be a whole host of very knowledgable "Cobra Guys" who can probably answer most, if not all, of your (and your Dad's) questions. You (and your Dad) will also be able to see examples of many of the most popular replicas available, and talk with their owners.

Have fun on your search!

Regards,
Randy R...

Wait a minute guys, Dick Smith did 198 MPH in a Cobra many years ago. I know it's true because I read it here.And we had a big discussion about that about a year ago.With a little tweaking sure 200MPH is possible.;)

cranky:rolleyes:

Anyone with the goal of 200MPH in a Cobra probably has not felt what its like even at 150. For me, even once a year in a big block from 0-130/140 is scary enough for me. Can you say "Brick" or "Kite"? Hehehehe. :)

Hell....I get scared at 100. Maybe I just have this thing about hurling my body through the air without any protection to speak of. I don't do motorcycles either, and I hate pain.

For me, it'all about 0-80mph!

I've been a passenger in my car at Road America at 160 and that was more than enough for me. I like the low triple digit numbers for short bursts. The guys that raced these cars originally and now have some guts.

Cranky,

Was Dick Smith's car a coupe? At Bonneville? I thought it was.

John,

Be persistent in your search, there are lots of very helpful and knowledgable people here on CC. You are in the right place. And take up the offer to meet up with the guys in person if you are in that area. You won't regret it!

MT