The decision of what engine to use will depend on a number of factors, the most important of which is the type of driving you intend for your finished replica. Automotive specialist Butch Capps is a veteran when it comes to building CobraB. replicas: he's built six of them and races them in open-track events. He offers advice on some of the factors that go into the decision on engine selection. The Engine: Preliminary Considerations One of the selling points of component vehicles, or kit cars, is their flexibility. Many can accommodate any of several sizes or types of engines, big block or small block. There may be certain limitations, depending on the manufacturer or the specific model variation that you select, however. In our case, it was necessary to make an engine selection before purchasing the replica because, with this manufacturer, the engine mounting-system is actually welded onto the frame. This fixed type of mounting system provides a more rigid frame assembly, allows for a lower center of gravity (beneficial for a larger engine) and enhances overall stability (figure A). Some other manufacturers incorporate a universal mounting system that uses a series of slotted holes, which allow the engine to be moved forward or backward to a degree. The adjustable system provides more flexibility in terms of the sizes of engine the frame will accommodate. The disadvantage is that if a big-block engine is used, it creates a higher center of gravity, which may compromise handling somewhat. For this project, we opted for the fixed frame to get optimum handling with a bigger engine. Selection of the type of transmission should coincide with engine decision. Whether you opt for a four-speed, a five-speed or automatic transmission will determine the location of the frame's rear cross member. Since we opted for the fixed-frame assembly, this member will be permanently welded at the factory also. The design and length of the driveshaft will also vary according to what transmission is selected. Another reason for selecting the engine at the outset is the exhaust system. Since this particular kit includes the header and side-pipe assembly (figure B) -- which are made to fit specific engine sizes -- it's important to know what size engine you'll be using before ordering your kit. The Engine: 302 vs. 427 For Cobra replicas, the preferred engines are the 302 and the 427. Each has its own unique attributes, advantages and disadvantages. The 302 (figure C) is a direct spinoff of the 260 and 289 engines used in the original Cobras. Compared to the 427, this compact V8 is a smaller, lighter, more compact power plant that fits easily onto the chassis. It is a solid, reliable engine offering from 300 to 350 horsepower and producing about 200 to 250 foot-pounds of torque. For everyday driving the 302 is less likely than the 427 to run hot. Another key advantage to the 302 is that it's still being manufactured, so it's readily available. In fact, it's no problem to purchase a brand-new one, still in the crate, complete and ready to install. Since it's mass-produced and used in a number of contemporary vehicles, it's also easy to find a reasonably priced used engine core for rebuilding, and parts are also easy to find. If the sole purpose of your Cobra replica is for everyday driving on the street, then the 302 is probably the best selection. If, however, you've got racing in mind, consider the 427. The legendary FE-series 427 (figure D) was originally developed for the sole purpose of racing. In the lightweight replica car, it can easily and reliably provide up to 475 horsepower. The difference in size and weight between the 302 and the original 427 was substantial. As installed in the replica, however, the 427's overall weight is reduced somewhat through the use of alloy parts such as the heads, intake and water pump. With those modifications, the difference in weight between the 302 and 427 is only about 150 pounds. In terms of the actual engine casting, there were substantial differences between the two engines as well. Since the 289 and 302 were both designed as production engines, they were both made out of cast iron -- which is inexpensive and easy to work with. The 427, having been designed to race, was constructed of nygelor iron, which gave it more agility and reduced coarseness in shifting. For individuals who are building a replica with the intent of using it in track and competition events, the 427 is the obvious choice. This was the engine that we selected for this installation.
RESOURCES :
cobracountry.com
Premiere online resource for all things related to CobraB. reproductions. Established by enthusiast Curt Scott, and maintained by Crown Communications of Santa Clarita, CA, the site contains news, articles archives, a directory of Cobra-replica specialists and manufacturers, aftermarket sources, announcements of upcoming shows and rallies, listings of Cobra clubs, links to other Cobra sites, and more.
Cobra Country
Website: www.cobracountry.com
Unique Motorcars
Unique Motorcars
(Unique Cobra Specialists)
Manufacturers of high-quality Cobra® replicas since 1977, Unique Motorcars also maintains an informational and well-illustrated web site providing information about their Cobra reproductions and related products. Assembly manuals for their kits (including the one used in DIY's Build A Kit Car workshop) are available on their site.
230 E. Broad Street
Gadsden, AL 35903
Phone: 256-546-3708
Web site: www.uniquecobrareplicas.com
Information also available at:
www.cobracountry.com/unique
The Cobra Story: A Man, His Dream and His Automobile
Author: Carroll Shelby and John Bentley
1965, Trident Press
Carroll Shelby website
Shelby Cobra: The Shelby American Original Color Archives 1962-1965
Model: 0879387572
Author: Dave Friedman
(1994)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential AC Cobra : The Cars and Their Story 1962-67
Model: 1870979850
Author: Rinsley Mills
(1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Shelby Cobra Gold Portfolio, 1962-69
Model: 1855200236
Author: R.M. Clarke
(1990)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Carroll Shelby's Racing Cobra
Model: 0850454573
Author: Dave Friedman and John Christy
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Shelby's Wildlife: The Cobras and Mustangs
Model: 0879380454
Author: Wallace A. Wyss
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
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