Water Pump, Rocker-Arm Assembly and Distributor With the high-performance oil pan, the engine heads and intake manifold all installed, the engine assembly is about 75 percent complete. The next steps in the process are the installation of the water pump, rocker-arm assembly and the high-performance distributor. Since the 427 was a racing engine, designed with a thin-walled casting to reduce overall weight, it has a tendency to run hot. In the engine re-build for the CobraB. replica, several special modifications are installed to help compensate for the excess heat. Aluminum-alloy heads are used, and a specialized high-performance aluminum-bodied water pump will help force large amounts of coolant through the block while the engine is running. The first step is to secure the water-pump gasket to the pump with a small amount of sealant (figure A). The water pump, with the bypass hose already pre-installed, is then bolted in place on the front of the engine block (figure B). Once the bolts on the water pump are tightened down, the push rods are pre-lubricated and dropped into place in the head (figure C). In all, there are sixteen push rods. Although the ones we installed are new rods, they are of the original Ford ball-and-cup design. The "ball" end of the rod fits into the lifter, and the "cup " end attaches to the rocker arm. With the push rods in place, the oil deflectors may be installed (figure D). Before installing the rocker-arm assemblies, they are pre-lubricated using a light , concentrated oil (figure E). On the Ford 427 and FE-series engines, a shaft-style rocker-arm assembly is used. In this variation on the rocker arm , all of the rockers are attached onto a single shaft that bolts to the engine head as a unit. As compared to individual, stud-mounted rockers that are common in small -block engines, the shaft-style assembly is more rigid and offers more stability and durability at higher rpm's. Once lubricated, the rocker-arm assembly is set into place and tightened down (figure F). With the rocker-arm assemblies installed, the next step is to set the valve lash or clearance. Since the 427 is a mechanical engine, it's critical that there is clearance between the tip of the valve and the rocker arm. The adjustment is made using a feeler gauge (figure G). Manufacturers will vary this lash amount according to their cam specs, so it's important to refer to those specs on the cam card that comes with the parts. The adjustments are made in a step-by-step procedure to each intake and exhaust valve -- one cylinder at a time, and generally according to the firing order of the engine. With the rocker arms installed and adjusted, the high-performance electronic distributor may be installed. The mounting stud is installed first, then the distributor is lowered into place in the block (figure H). With the engine set on top-dead-center on the number-one piston (to ensure proper firing), the clamp, washer and nut are installed to secure the distributor. Once the distributor is properly secured, the performance distributor cap is installed (figure I). Although the original 1966 engine used a breaker-point ignition system, the replica is outfitted with an electronic ignition system for greater reliability , lower maintenance and better overall performance. Finally, the valve-covers are installed (figure J) and secured with bolts .
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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