742 HP / 709 ft lbs Torque

[Jamo]

Please refer to the following post to prevent duplication:

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...855#post440855

Thank you.

[Dave Rodak]

I thought it would be better to start a new thread to address the inquires I have received about my SS headers & pipes. Please see the link below in ALL COBRA TALK.


http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...threadid=50309

[bnewell]

Hey Dave, we are still waiting for the pics.........where are the pics???

B.

[Dave Rodak]

Before the dyno.......




After the dyno.....

[Jamo]

Very nice, Dave. Very nice indeed.

[TerrysSPF]

Dave.......THAT THING isn't going to fit under your hood!!!
....It's downright SCARY looking, buddy. Bravo.

[Dave Rodak]

Thanks Terry.

Thanks Jamo....


Geez..... is it spring yet???

[Jamo]

You're welcome. I like the polished parts. Left my block and heads bare as well.

What trans are you planning on?

[Dave Rodak]

Thanks again for your kind comments. The transmission / differential issue has kept me up at night.

Leaving tire diameters out of the equation, I'm intially using a TKO and the factory supplied 8.8 with 3.73's. First gear is pretty useless with the TKO/TKO II ratio of 3.27. I considered the TKO II and a rear diff ratio of 3.08 or 3.27 so that I could comfortably do some highway cruising. It would also provide a better "split" than the stock setup. However, I really like the new TKO 500/600 offerings because of their gear splits, increased torque ratings and the published first gear ratio of 2.66 in the Ford TKO 600 version. These tranny's are supposed to be available in March '04 but I've been told the model I desire will have a delivery date closer to November '04. Hence, I went with the economical stock setup for now. I also considered the T56 but it takes some fabrication to install these in SPF's. I'm going to drive it this summer with what I've got and make this next winters project. I'll also be able to compile some comparitive data on drivetrain loss with these different combos.

[bmalone]

Dave that is gorgeous. I like the look--polished water pump and manifold. Ought to look great in conjunction with the headers and sidepipes.

[RACER X #99]

Dave ,
Nice looking moder. One question, considering all the torque and hp you have why would you even consider a six speed? Unless of course you just like to shift a lot.

Cranky

[Dave Rodak]

Originally posted by bmalone


Dave that is gorgeous. I like the look--polished water pump and manifold. Ought to look great in conjunction with the headers and sidepipes.

Thanks Bill, that was exactly my thought process with polished goodies. I don't want gaudy... just nice

[Dave Rodak]

Originally posted by RACER X #99


Dave ,
Nice looking moder. One question, considering all the torque and hp you have why would you even consider a six speed? Unless of course you just like to shift a lot.

Cranky

Thanks for the compliment… and you're obviously correct about the six speed. This is a fun car for me… a car to be driven hard but safely. I do like to shift as it enhances my driving experience. I really don't know what to expect so that's why I'm using the stock setup for the time being with the understanding that I might need to spend some cash down the road to get the correct gears and transmission for this setup. I talked at length with people who have toploader's with 3.08's & 3.27's and with TKO II guys with ratios from 3.08 to 3.73. Seems everyone loves their setup because it suits their individual driving style. Therefore, I think I need to find out what my style will be with this engine before I can make a thoughtful decision.

[Jamo]

Dave

For what it's worth, I have a wide ratio Kee toploader with big in/big out behind my fairly substantial motor, and 3.31s out back. I'm pulling right around 3k at about 65 (my solid roller motor's safe to 7,000). That might be a bit busy for some, but I find the combo works well whether I'm cruising or enjoying a brisk drive in the foothills.

I have no doubt that with the torque, 3.08s would work quite nicely.

But you know what...you got a great motor built for you...set up the drivetrain the way YOU want it.

[niles]

Dave;
My Dana came with a 3.08 and I struggled with the numbers.
My experience; love the 3.08 & TKO 1,2,3,& 4th. First is a "smoking useable", 2nd perfect for neck snapping, third takes you to a eye watering 115 and 4 th; relaxation & start breathing again. The 5th gear with a TKO 11 will be about 2200 at 70 mph. PERFECT!!!
I'm thinking about changing out my TKO or a TKO 11 and keeping the 3.08. Everything is great except for 5th(not comfortable at freewaying regularly at the minimum RPM at 85 mph.

gn

[Dave Rodak]

Jamo, Niles.... thanks for your thoughts. This a difficult decision and I sincerely appreciate your input. Thanks.


Jamo... for how long a period are you comfortable maintaining the 3000 rpms cruising? Is there a sustained max rpm limit you adhere too?

[Chaplin]

Dave,
FWIW, I have a TKO II with 3.31s and I like it a lot. First gear is still usable and in 5th (the TKO II has a .82 5th gear), I am turning 25 or 2600 doing 75 which is very liveable on the ears and gas mileage.

[JWheaton]

Chaplin,

Gas mileage? What are you concerned with that for? We got cheap gas (comparitively) in NJ and we don't have to pump it!



Dave,

Looks like you will be having a great time.

[Dave Rodak]

Rick, JWheaton...

Thanks for the feedback. I am having a great time!

Doesn't someone on CC have a tag line regarding "Life is too short for good gas mileage" ???? How true !!!!

[Jamo]

Dave

I had a 351C in my Butler before this...so keeping the motor between 3 and 4 thousand seems natural to me. With the 600+ lift, the motor actually smooths out and is enjoyable.

I have driven for hours, literally at 75-80 to Turk's, Yosemite and to a BACC meet (all 3 hour plus drives)...no problems, and not a strain on the ears at all.

It's how we drove muscle cars in the 60s.

I may be getting a new ZO6 when my business lease expires, with a six speed...that'll be for quiet cruising.