Chassis number received!

[patrickt]

Well I'll chime in here... CSCobra, I have the 3.54 rear with the TKO .64 OD and I think it's absolutely perfect (for me, that is). That combination has the first four gears right where you want them for either non-highway street driving, tracking, or "spirited driving" and the .64 OD gives me 2000RPM at 68MPH in fifth. The only thing I use the fifth gear for is pleasant, relaxed highway cruising. You can actually chat with your passenger at 70MPH because the wind noise is louder than the pipes. If I was in fourth gear at 70MPH I would be turning 3300RPM -- that's a big difference. Your trans/rear/tire-size numbers are something you really want to think through and research -- it will make a make a big difference in how much you enjoy your car and changing them after the fact is a PITA. Not impossible mind you, just a PITA, so you might as well do it right the first time.

[RICK LAKE]

ZOERA-SC7XX The top loader is the correct trans for a cobra car.How many people are going to crawl under your car to see what trans is in it?Unless you have a BIG input and Big output trans in your car, It's not the best. The strongest trans for the late 60's early 70's was the Dodge hemi trans. I know from racing and taking out M22's rockcrushers, M21, Ford top loaders, both big and small shafts, For 1/4 mile the Hemi box was the best and strongest at that time. Today, the Richmond superstreet 5 spd is the way to go. Has overdrive, 2.87 first gear, straight gears and is good for 600HP and torque. IMO the design is alot simplier and stronger designed that the TKO 500 or 600. Less shafts and moving parts. Also the shift forks are stronger. Clay has not said what power he is looking for in the car, but with a complete under the car exhaust, 400-425hp limit is about all. I totally agree with the not lugging the motor on the highway at 2,000 rpms unless the motor was built for torque power and not HP. I have lugged my motor at 1,600 rpms, have 65 psi oil pressure to the motor, my 6 spd trans from richmond and 3.31 gears that do it all. IMO this is why tork motors which I build last alot longer between rebuilds than high HP motors. If you want to know what trans is in the car, I just ask the owner or look at the shifter knob. Just like you trying to save Clay money and time on his buildup. Like Pat, been there, done that the hard way. Some people listen and some go deaf and cry later. We don't know how smart, knowledgable,or the garage and tools Clay has. I think the ERA guys do have an excellent idea on what works and doesn't in these cars. The changes I have made to my car are large. Down the road I am looking at out board brakes and lighten the car wieght some more for racing. We are all trying to help Clay and make it easier from start to finish and have many good years of care free driving.Rick L.

[Rickd]

Very good recommendation on the new Richmond Gear "street / strip" tranny. Cost is about the same as a Tremec TKO600, it is, I believe, a better tranny, and it also has a .73 OD that, in my mind, is the perfect "missing link", as with Tremec you're either at a .64 or a .80.