Cassics Roadster AC Cobra build

[Old Bull]

I am a 69 year old retired heavy equipment mechanic located in central Illinois.
I just purchased a 1966 Classics Roadster AC Cobra manufactured in 1992. This is my first kit car but not my first build. I am installing a stroked 460 with a top loader 4 speed. The mounts that came with the kit were for a 428. After setting the engine it looks like it sits too high and about two inches forward. I am going to need a set of headers and side pipes. I believe that will let me know where to set the engine.
I also need advice on the radiator. I want to keep this thing cool. I have had trouble in the past with cooling and had to go to a larger radiator after the build. It is a lot easier to do it right the first time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Old Bull

I am a 69 year old retired heavy equipment mechanic located in central Illinois.
I just purchased a 1966 Classics Roadster AC Cobra manufactured in 1992. This is my first kit car but not my first build. I am installing a stroked 460 with a top loader 4 speed. The mounts that came with the kit were for a 428. After setting the engine it looks like it sits too high and about two inches forward. I am going to need a set of headers and side pipes. I believe that will let me know where to set the engine.
I also need advice on the radiator. I want to keep this thing cool. I have had trouble in the past with cooling and had to go to a larger radiator after the build. It is a lot easier to do it right the first time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

There's a forum on CC specific to Classic Roadsters - it may be best to browse some of the threads and post your question(s) there. Classic Roadsters II - Club Cobra

Good luck on your build!

[moore_rb]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Good luck on your build!

Yes, and good luck finding those headers. I don't think Classic Roadsters ever designed headers for the 385 series Ford engine, so you may have to go full custom on the exhaust, or you might get lucky and find a set of 460 headers from another kit that will fit your car.

Definietly go on the Classic Roadster forum like CycleGuy suggested, and get in contact with Ed Combs (double venom)- He's the living encyclopedia on all things related to Classic Roadsters.

[cycleguy55]

Try Stainless Headers Mfg. - they build for various replicas / kit cars, but they also have a "unique header fixturing device makes it possible to get perfect header to side pipe alignment for your cobra without having the car at our location. Once put into place, just tighten the locking bolts. Our craftsmen will reproduce your exact configuration."



Video: https://youtu.be/go9raemoXDk

Cobra Kit Car Headers - Stainless Headers Mfg., Inc.

[joyridin']

Stainless Headers does not manufacture headers anymore for special applications. These guys work with SH and their facility is right down the road. They made my headers and mine were a nightmare. The cost was $1200 for 304 stainless.

Cobra Kit Headers - GPHeaders, Inc.

[sharpe 1]

call Dana at shell valley He may be able to help

[studebaker53]

I've built 2 CR's from scratch. The sidepipes from Shelby Cobra Kit Cars : [Ultimate Classic Cars] mostly resemble the CR. You are going to have to build your own headers or have someone built them....but it is very expensive. I will measure the radiator I went with. You can shop for Ebay if you know your dimensions and inlet/outlet configuration. Got to take measurements on engine placement for the air cleaner and make sure the distributor doesn't hit under the hood. Good luck. CR's are GREAT cars but sucks if you don't have all the parts.

[Dwight]

I had a radiator made for a Cobra a couple years ago. Cost was $325.

You give them the all dimensions of the radiator you want and they manufacture it.


C,G, & J Inc.

[studebaker53]

Dana at Shell Valley is awesome. He made some quick jacks for me to fit my CR that have different bolts spacing than any other cobra I know of.