New alloy 427 FE build.. call me crazy

[2bars]

I am getting excited to get this done. I am back to watching cobra videos like when I bought the car in 2004. It spent more time sitting than I would like to admit. I get onto other projects. I spent a couple years doing a frame up on my jeep and the cobra sat with a car cover on it, starting a business, other new cars etc. The incentive came from taking the GT500 to Shelby events. Because nothing is as cool as a Cobra at those, even a fake one ... lol
Lance from Superformance always shows up at the Shelby bash with his cars and even though I am on the track with my GT500 I want to be there with my Cobra.

During on of the driver meetings, Gary Patterson was telling us where we were allowed to pass.
There was a Cobra there that day giving joy rides. Gary says, when you see the Cobra....scratch that ...... when you hear the cobra coming, at any place on the track, let him go by.
Now when you are driving a 550 hp GT 500 on a track, flat out, and a 427 Cobra goes by ... very cool

[olddog]

Ceramic coating piston tops and heads and exhaust ports is more common in diesel engines and high end racing engines. As you describe, a ceramic coating will reduce the amount of combustion heat that conducts into the piston and head. In diesels, they can actually measure improved fuel consumption, and higher exhaust gas temperatures. What is amazing is how thin the coating is and what a difference it makes. Racers report that the coating does not last long, but their application is a violent place to live. Diesel engine guys say it lasts much longer for them, but still not the life of the engine.

As for the rocker arm, the only thing I can think of is to reduce friction. If you want to reduce friction, it sounds like you want a roller rocker, but maybe this is a lower cost way to get part way there. I would think that there would be other ways to accomplish the same thing. At some point you will run into the fact that roller rockers are pretty good at a reasonable price, so what ever you do has to be less expensive or much better, to be worth doing.

[2bars]

OK, regarding the ceramic coating on the head, rockers, piston and bearings. Here is what I understand. Keep in mind I am relaying the info.
He uses ceramic to direct heat and reduce friction. He tells me there are different types of ceramic coatings and on the rockers it impregnates the metal. He goes on to explain that if the ceramic were to fail, that means the part it is protecting would have failed even sooner.

My builder has been doing competition and unusual engines for 40+ years. He is not using my engine for experimentation, he has done it for 300 mph salt flat cars, road race Viper V10 and lots more, so I guess that's my data. He doesn't do bone stock engines.

I am sorry that is nowhere near enough detail for some. But that's all I got

[2bars]

It is progressing and so far no problems with the block. The lifter guides are being bored now for the rollers, the ceramic coating is done and most all the parts are in. Timing may be just about right with regards to it ready to drive and the outside temp less than 90.

[2bars]

Well it seems to be taking forever, but it is progressing (summer monsoon storms disrupted my machinist's home).
The ceramic coating as been done on the combustion chambers, bearings, pistons and valve train.
As other have stated on these blocks additional time was spent cleaning them up. It is all being dry fitted and clearances checked (photos in my album) prior to balance and final assembly.
The excitement builds.

[2bars]

It has taken a long time to get here, but my builder called this morning and it has been dynoed and he has been making his adjustments. I am going to see it run on the dyno the first of the week and get a print out. Then box it up and get that sucker in the car!!!!
Over the phone he told me 580 HP / 600 torque. Good thing I stayed with mild cam lol. Good idle, plenty of vacuum for the power brake unit steady pull.
I am back to being fired up.

[Blacklemming]

Originally Posted by 2bars

It has taken a long time to get here, but my builder called this morning and it has been dynoed and he has been making his adjustments. I am going to see it run on the dyno the first of the week and get a print out. Then box it up and get that sucker in the car!!!!
Over the phone he told me 580 HP / 600 torque. Good thing I stayed with mild cam lol. Good idle, plenty of vacuum for the power brake unit steady pull.
I am back to being fired up.

Nice 👍🏻

[2bars]

Went to the builder today to hear it run on the dyno. Sweeeeeeeeet. the HP was 580 and 665 torque. 400 hp at 1/4 throttle. After it cools, he will package it up and by Friday it will be in the shop with the car. Man what a great day to go play with it on the stand. The old engine retired just about a year ago on the track.

[Dimis]

Great result... That sort of power in a cobra will take a bit of getting use to.
Enjoy!

[2bars]

yup. I was very used to the 400 hp / 500 tq engine that was in it, but a 70% increase is worthy of respect

[2bars]

I did want to comment on those who said these aluminum blocks need a lot of work (cost/time) to get them right and that is one of the reasons they did not like doing them.
I see their point. The Pond block did require a lot of attention and multiple check for fit steps. This equates to time and that means money.
So for those who think it is just bolting on new parts, that is not how it goes.

I am thankful my machinist took the time and attention to detail. I could not imagine building such a thing with out, pressure testing, heat cycling, test fitting, dyno runs and other checks that are to numerous to mention. All I can say, is the block took a lot of machining.

I feel good with my decision, I did not pick aluminum block for bling or bragging rights, I did it because I did wanted all new components. Thanks to this forum and heading warnings of those who have gone before gave me things to watch for, I know it wasn't just thrown together.

It is awaiting install into the car and only putting on miles to see if all is well.

[2bars]

Brent talks with experience that is for sure. He stated that extra work takes extra time/ money. I was willing to pay to get it right. I took all his warnings to heart and it gave us things to watch for. Therefore I did not have surprises and was willing to pay/spend the time to check and recheck.

Brent and my Bud (my builder) had more than one conversation as did I with him. Some parts were obtained from him as well. I thank them both.

So I am saying, that his warnings are well founded and if a customer expected a firm price to build such a motor, the builder could take it in the shorts. I could see where someone going in blind could think the reputable builder is taking advantage of him by upping the price, due to more work needing done to a new part.

Now it still has to run 100,000 trouble free, fire breathing miles for all to pay off !!!!!

[2bars]

I just wanted to do an update. Yesterday was the first drive with the new engine. I am taking it easy during break-in. Obviously power was there. I think I have some carburetor work to do because there is a hesitation.
Idle is choppy but no problem with the power brakes. I did the 5 speed with 0.64 5th and it cruises nicely at 65 - 75 mph / 1900 - 2100 rpm, and will still accelerate smartly