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CSX 4000 w/Small Block
First, kudos to the folks @ Auto Cars Direct for the information they continue to provide me on the 4000/7000/8000 series Cobras...it is sincerely appreciated.
And now to the question. In my continuing research, and thanks to an article in a recent Classic Motorsports magazine, found out that there were about +/- 25 original 427 bodies fitted with a small block engine. Advantage of this combination being a car with a more advanced rear suspension and a lighter front-end. Another advantage that I am seeing to equipping a 4000 series car as above involves the cost of a small block versus a big block. New Ford 302 block can be built into a very nice engine with enough horsepower to do the job for significantly less money than a comparable big block. Resale discussions aside (when I finally pull the trigger on this, it becomes a family heirloom), cannot honestly say I have ever seen this body/small block enigne combination in the many shows I have attended. By chance, do any members recall seeing a CSX 4000 series configured with a small block? If so, can you direct me to the owner so that I may ask her/him some questions? As always, appreciate the help. Bob |
If I remember correctly, the COB cars were MkII chassis bodies w/ small block power. Sold in England.
Check a Trevor Wingate or Rinsey Mills book for details. |
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-John |
Gotta be the European AC 427 bodies that received the small block, of which several did. This is the first refference I've heard concerning a number (20-25). To my knowledge no Shelby 427's were so equiped.
Doesn't Kirkham offer a 427 body style with a small block? Or just their 289 body style? |
Most all AK's ACs (AutoKraft AC's which were nearly identical to coilers, COB and COX cars, were built with 302's that ranged from 200 - 340 hp, a few with 351's and a few with 427's. The weight is lower, the HP can be nearly what ever you want to afford. The sound is not big block, but even that is hard to tell. Probably the biggest give away could be the raw torque and acceleration in some gears/speed ranges. It is a more streetable combination and I've done both...if I could I'd have one of each.
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There were 27 coil spring cars produced by AC with 289's. These consisted of both COX & COB cars. |
Try searching for posts by "What'saCobra." You'll find that some of those who have driven a lot of Cobras, including the small block coil spring ACs, feel that the latter are the best handling of the bunch.
Off the top of my head, I recall that AC built 27 or so of the small block coil spring cars in about 1966. Of course, many more were built much later by Brian Angliss. As far as I know, Shelby never put a small block in a coil spring chassis. And yes, Kirkham will set up a 427 chassis up for a small block. Check my gallery and their website. |
Bob,
You may want to contact some of Shelby's Dealers, as it's possible a few customers may have opted the small block route? Just for your info, the Shelby CSX4000 Challenge Series Cobra's are small block powered, handle incredible, and are very quick! **) - Bill - |
HST is installing smallblocks in export (non US) Cobra's. They should have everything you need
I also installed a small block in a CSX car. The car had a 347 with a TKO. I used Kirkham motor mounts and a custom trans mount. I used the 427 sidepipes, making my own headers. The headers were a bit of a challenge because I had to step them from the tiny small block exhaust ports to the 2" 427 sidepipes. The engine was the same that McCluskey uses in the Coupe's and was very healthy. The car sounded like an FE and had plenty of power. The only reason I did it was because the car was going overseas and it would be easier to import with the smaller engine. I think the owner plans on taking out the small block and putting in an FE once it clears customs! |
For the Kirkham cars, I believe the FIA style car comes standard with the 427 style frame and coil spring suspension. It costs extra to get the original style frame.
I would suspect that the CSX7000 cars may be similar (having the 427 style frame/suspension standard). If that is the case, why not consider putting a small block in a CSX7000 instead of a CSX4000. To me, the small block would seem more natural in the FIA bodied car and you might be able to get the better suspension as well. |
All, thanks for the info.
CSX7000 series is configured just as the original Shelby 289FIA small block was configured, meaning leaf-spring suspension and 3" tube frame (not absolutely sure on the frame piece). Kirkham version of 289FIA has an independent suspension as standard, but can get the leaf-spring suspension (kind of a step backward) for about $15k as I recall. Of note, SAI has not really built that many CSX7000 series from what my friend Bill (Auto Cars Direct) tells me (think it was somewhere south of 60 total). Roughly about a $15k base delta between CSX4000 and a CSX7000 series. Again, thanks for your thoughts. Bob |
Transverse leafs a 'step backward'? Not at all, it's in keeping with the spirit of the 289 Cobra and it's nice to see a 'step in the right direction'! :D
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Bob,
I can assure you the leaf spring is not a step back, I have driven both and the 7000 is excellent to drive on and off the track. Allan |
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