Temporary Insanity

[BCompy]

Before I throw myself on the mercy of the court let me explain.My evil cobra friends made me go to the track and race my "Dam Yellow Cobra" with them.This was not a good idea. One should not play with the big dogs when he should stay on the porch. A little 302 with power steering and A/C shouldn't expect much in the way of ET's.
I remember slipping into a funk when I got home, I vaguely remember a wrench in my hand and then a pile of parts appeared at my feet.
Anyone want to buy an A/C compressor, evaporator, condensor,powersteering pump,hoses, diamond plate braket that weighs twenty lbs. Total weight over 100lbs,total loss of IQ at least that many points.

Ok whats done is done. Now I capped the powersteering rack and it is a bear to drive.Anyone want to guess what the downside of this is? Would a conventional flaming river rack be in order?

Also this thing rides like a truck. It has the black coil springs, I am told the blue ones ride softer and the thrill of the beating I am taking is defenitely gone. Has anyone done this swap?

For my winter project which is around the corner we need a new mill under the hood. I 've seen good posts for Southern auto, but none for the engine factory . going to stay with a small block for ease of installation. (I hate moving mounts).Anyone have any advice?
Bottom line I had sand kicked in my face and I didn't like it.

[FIAFRED]

BCompy,

Sounds like you had a run of what not to do's. Don't worry, all your newfound learning by trial and error will make you a better Cobra owner. Sorry you had to learn so much so fast, but just think, it's ALL clear sailing from here. If it's any consolation, you've made me a whole lot smarter by your A/C experiment. I live for cool air, and have tossed the idea of getting it in my new FIA, almost on a daily basis. However, you have shaken me once again into reality!! These cars are fun for a whole lot of other reasons. Climate control is not one of them.

As for the Engine Factory, I had a very nice experience with Christian, at the Engine Factory. I originally got a quote for my engine from them. Christian was very good about sending me a written quote and tape of their facility, very quickly after speaking with him. His prices are very good, and his product is sound. The reason that I eventually went with Southern Automotive, was due to the fact that they had a strong working relationship with my builder, Unique. Therefore, Southern and Unique spoke the same language on matching up my engine and tranny with the proper specs and installation. The marriage of the engine, tranny and chasis was a task that I did not feel comfortable with doing on my own. As well, Southern delivered my engine to Unique, so that if there was any question as to the motor/tranny, these two folks could handle whatever came up. If you have read any of my threads about Southern, then you know I think the world about them. However, if I lived in your neck of the woods, I would definitely give the Engine Factory a strong look! Give Christian a call. He will definitely work well with you!

FIAFRED

[cobrashoch]

FIAFRED- "These cars are fun for a whole lot of other reasons.
Climate control is not one of them."
Thanks for the reality check guys. I was thinking about the air tidbitt as a matter of fact.
Bcompy- I haven't seen anyone talk about them on this board but I am using a SWEET(sp?) rack. It's very lite to steer and 2 turns lock to lock. Also has provisions for electric power steering but I don't need it even with a 460 engine. As for engine builders I would stay close to home if at all possible in case something happens, they will "own it". Another engine builder that's not getting their due lately is Jasper.(custom engine dept.) I know, I know, I know. All that bad stuff you heard in the past WAS true. Not so now. Good engines at good price points and a warranty to boot.(custom engine dept. only)
cobrashoch

[dscott]

Before you change springs I would look at your shocks. If you have gas shocks all around you may want to change to an oil filled hydraulic. They will give a much better ride. If the ride height is ok then the springs are probably good. I've been using the Pro-Shocks front and rear and the ride is great. Both DV and I are dealers for Pro-Shock so if you want more info let either one of us know. I use the flaming river manual rack and it works well in the Cobra.

As far as engines I have built and sold many engines. We do have a dyno in-shop and can build anything at any hp you want. Our largest to date is 1100hp. I'm a little ways from you but trucks run everywhere and shipping isn't to expensive. DV has used my engines with great results. Let me know if I can help.
Don

[jwinkler]

I had the same moment of enlightenment when my then-girlfriend-now-wife showed me the taillights of her '94 Z-28 not long after I had gotten my CR. At the time, it was running an '85 spec 302 (complete with LTD exhaust manifolds feeding a 1-1/4" pipe that led to a monstrous catalytic converter, making the car quieter than her Z!).

Not long after that episode, I got a set of headers from Don Beroth (Bethania garage), and some GT-40 heads. That helped restore the proper order between her car and my CR, but had opened Pandora's box in the search for more. Next were the performer RPM manifold and B-303 cam. Unfortunately, the '85 block with dished pistons didn't build enough compression to make the kind of power I was expecting.

At around the time I was getting the "more power" itch again, my friend Rob spun a bearing in the 351C powering his Pantera, and decided to replace it with a Windsor. (The whole story, with great details about the motor, can be found here: http://www.akvo.com/robm/pantera ).

That build-up went so well that I decided to do the same, practically bolt-for-bolt. The project was not without its issues, but in general went very well - if you're the least bit inclined, I'd recommend building your next motor yourself. I've heard nothing but good about Southern Automotive, and Don Scott's knowledge and willingness to share it give me absolute confidence in his work. That being said, there's a huge comfort/confidence factor I now have with my car, and my ability to keep it running well and fix whatever comes up.

Just another data point - good luck in your quest!

JLW

PS - here's the thread I started the day my new motor came to life: http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...&threadid=3464 . When I read about other folks' 500+ hp motors, I sometimes get the itch to get the heads ported, or swap cams, or even stroke it, but when I drive it, thoughts turn towards adequate brakes and tires - I haven't hit the limiter on it now that I'm past the break-in period, mainly due to my self-preservation instincts. Now that DV has made me feel a little better about the roll bar, maybe I'll find a strip and see what it can do.

PPS - Don't leave us hanging! What's your current motor config, and how did you do in the 1320 (both time/trap, and what it was like!)?

[CobraEd]

BCompy, . . Don't cap the rack!! Now everytime you try to turn it, the locked up fluid is holding it from moving. Leave it open!!!

[Double Venom]

BCOMPY,
Ahh yes, the bitter taste of defeat! On the other hand you are about to undertake an adventure that will make you soooo happy!

Yes, I have used Don's engines exclusivley for years and have recommended them for at least that long. The amazing thing is, they actually run better than they look! Never had single complaint from any of our customers using Don's motors.

I'm sure you can salvage many parts of your existing motor to lower costs. How about a stroked 302? Naahhh , then you'll just want to change again in a couple of years. Have Don built you a stroker 351!

When you're all done with removing parts, give me a call, I can probably take them off your hands for you.

On the steering, I strongly suggest a # 1502 Flaming River rack! It's a straight exchange and will handle "marverlously!" In fact we just took the power steering off the DV II, (you know the highly modified V-10 notor) and replaced it with the #1502. It handles and PARKS like a dream! Spend the extra bucks and change the joints to Borgenson..also a very big improvement!

If your using the CR's steering column with the nylon bushing and the tube extension, then get ahold of me ASAP! Our columns, made to be an exact fit, eliminate the bushing and the extension tube. We use on full lenght tube and the shaft now rides on a full roller bearing set up. Very, Very tight. AND, it actually collapses in case of impact!

Now that we have blown your winter budget, let me or Don know if there is anything else we can help with. Don pretty well covered the suspension aspect already so no need to replay that issue.

Keep us informed. I enjoyed your story!
DV

[CobraEd]

Ed(DV),

I recieved my new Flaming River rack a few weeks ago. I have not put it in yet. Will the old rack come out ok and clear the radiator and fan, or do these have to be removed first. It looks a little tight.

Ed

[BCompy]

Guys thanks for all your advice. A lot to chew on. Don is starting me out with a new set of shocks and the new rack is enroute.
I think the front sway bar is going for a ride to the shed but I do like the flat handling of the car , this may be making a trip back in.
As for go fast parts we can't publish here , prying eyes could be looking over my shoulder and that could be very expensive.

thanks again all

[Double Venom]

CobraEd,
It will come out with a little patience and wiggeling. At the most, you may have to lift the radiator slightly. Call me if you run into any problems!

The biggest improvement, in "MY" opinion, to a CR is to take off the front and rear sway bars! They are just to heavy for a Cobra that comes in around 2,500 lbs. To each his own, but we have found faster times on the track with out them.

I have had this same conversation with CR's many times over the last few months, and months, and months.

See...I told you it takes time
DV

[Jack21]

Here's another take on this.

In NY State, you can probably do without the AC (but not the heater). In Virginia, after the summer we just had, I'm seriously contemplating installing one.

I did take on the bane of all Cobra builders, power steering, and I love it. Used a late Mustang standard ratio power rack with high effort valving. AGR makes these and sells them through Summit. Got a matching pump from AGR also. Either the Ford or Saginaw units will work, but AGR recommended the Saginaw for reliability. They never wear out. I also used a street rod valve in the pump that drops the pressure to 800 - 900 psi. Local hydraulics shop made a hi side line for me. This setup works well, gives good road feel, and is a dream around town.

Used an Ididit steel tilt column with Borgeson joints, steering damper, and collapsable shaft. Used a 2" muffler clamp to secure the column to the firewall. There isn't a hairs worth of slop or play in this setup. The shaft just clears the top of the header, and the bottom of the PS pump.

Engine wise, 351W, I sprung for the hydraulic roller cam and aluminum heads, but passed on the stroker kit. Runs sweet, car is quick, and well mannered around town. When the tach needle hits 3000 rpm and the secondaries open, though, it's a different engine. That being said, I'm kinda wishing I'd put the 393 stroker kit in it for more mid range snap.

Your car ought to run low 12's with a 393W, be driven back and forth to the track, and to work as well. Let no bully kick sand in your Cobras face again.

[BCompy]

How does that saying go, "The best laid plans of mice and husbands". After months of research and collection of data and opinions from Brother cobra owners I was ready for a little tiny,nothing, of no major consequence motor swap. Someone in my company called for a board meeting. Now as I am the President of said company and Ceo and largests stock holder and voted King for life I couldn't quite understand how this meeting could be called. I am told it was a vote of confidence and I had none at this time.At this meeting it was pointed out the last official Drag strip on Long Island , NY, folded its tent. No more drag racing without a trip to the land of Jersey."Ok now what do you need a motor for with no where to safely run it ." Keyword "Safely". Did I mention a daughter with aspirations of Fordham U,George Washington, or Columbia.
Ok, break out the NOS bottle, we can't take out a perfectly good running motor but I'll bet we can take out a pile of molten metal!
That is being installed this week! We now need to let the pipes breath.Which is the subject of this diatribe. does anyone have the name and phone number of the place I believe it is Arizona that has the larger baffles for the Classic Roadster side pipes? I remember a discussion from a prior post but it was last year sometime.
Thanks Bill C. TTT