I didn'tknow these cars were this fast! - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum

ozarkcobra · 02-02-2011, 05:46 PM

Hey guy's, I didn't know these cars were that fast! back in my day a smallblock that ran a 12 second quarter mile was definately not a daily driver! so... what can a big block be expected to run in the quarter? Mild build may be 400hp also why is it the smallblocks so dominate, I would think a bigblock would Be. NOT trieing to start A big block VERS smallblock war just an honest Question for A noob.

Thank's Kevin

98cobra · 02-02-2011, 05:59 PM

I think it has something to do with power to weight ratio, once you get to a certian HP in these light cars anything else is just for showing off.

mikeinatlanta · 02-02-2011, 06:00 PM

Just my opinion. Small block technology has continued to develop while the big block hasn't. With the right block, you can take a small block to 460 cubes and with the right heads, have near equal power in a much lighter package. It takes a lot of power to overcome pounds. Drag racing is about the only place left where the big block can compete.

ozarkcobra · 02-02-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinatlanta

Just my opinion. Small block technology has continued to develop while the big block hasn't. With the right block, you can take a small block to 460 cubes and with the right heads, have near equal power in a much lighter package. It takes a lot of power to overcome pounds. Drag racing is about the only place left where the big block can compete.

Thank's for the reply After seeing some of the video on the drageracing forum I just might change my mind on my build. I currently have a 1971 429 thunderjet that I was thinking of using I may try to sell it and go A different route. Seems alot of people like the 351 stroker's for racing? am I right? just trying to make an informed decision. thank's for all the input from everyone!

Kevin

2FAST4U · 02-02-2011, 06:50 PM

You can use the 429. Just bore and stroke it to 557, add some aluminum heads, and you are at 650 HP easily

ozarkcobra · 02-02-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2FAST4U

You can use the 429. Just bore and stroke it to 557, add some aluminum heads, and you are at 650 HP easily

Bill, Thanks for the reply. to be A little more specific on the build I have planed I want somthing easy to drive and fun to dragerace. My concern comes from where I live. I live in the ozark hills of southern Mo. lots of sharp corners 20 to 55 mph would be the norm so... Do I need the best of both worlds? or can this be done with a bigblock? sorry for all the questions just trieing to get my bearings on my build plan.

Thanks kevin

Don Payne · 02-02-2011, 07:29 PM

You can get 600hp on a 408w small block with decent parts for under $10K. For instance, buy a Levy Racing Stage 5 for $8,995 and it will make 540hp...spend a bit more and be over 600hp, ask him.

jtart2 · 02-02-2011, 07:49 PM

With a stroked 429, you could spend about $5,000 and have 600+hp. :

:

2FAST4U · 02-02-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozarkcobra

Bill, Thanks for the reply. to be A little more specific on the build I have planed I want somthing easy to drive and fun to dragerace. My concern comes from where I live. I live in the ozark hills of southern Mo. lots of sharp corners 20 to 55 mph would be the norm so... Do I need the best of both worlds? or can this be done with a bigblock? sorry for all the questions just trieing to get my bearings on my build plan.

Thanks kevin

The iron block BB is a little nose heavy, but fine for some fun weekend driving. Just set up the suspension correctly and you should have fun. I had a 503 BBF in mine and it was scary fast.

The 429/460/5xx engines use the Torker II low rise single plane intake due to clearance issues with the hood. Still makes a ton of power though.

If I were building another BB I woupd build a 632 engine using an Eliminator block.

MJN · 02-02-2011, 09:33 PM

You only need about 350 rear wheel HP to break into the 11's, my heap puts 362 to the tires and runs 11.7's on street rubber like clockwork with 3.08 rear gears. You can build a VERY streetable engine combination and it will still run quicker than just about any other street tired car at the track. 408's are very popular and will easily make 400 rear wheel HP cheaply while being a great street cruiser. The torque of the 408 will mean that you can run a taller rear gear too and still get the performance.

I think one of the best combination's for these cars is the Mustang Terminator drive train, blown 4.6 liter 4 cam and 6 speed. With minor mods you are at easily 450 RWHP with a blower swap 600 RWHP is not a problem.

So how fast did you want to go?

ozarkcobra · 02-02-2011, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN

You only need about 350 rear wheel HP to break into the 11's, my heap puts 362 to the tires and runs 11.7's on street rubber like clockwork with 3.08 rear gears. You can build a VERY streetable engine combination and it will still run quicker than just about any other street tired car at the track. 408's are very popular and will easily make 400 rear wheel HP cheaply while being a great street cruiser. The torque of the 408 will mean that you can run a taller rear gear too and still get the performance.

I think one of the best combination's for these cars is the Mustang Terminator drive train, blown 4.6 liter 4 cam and 6 speed. With minor mods you are at easily 450 RWHP with a blower swap 600 RWHP is not a problem.

So how fast did you want to go?

I love speed! but really 11 seconds would fast enough to get started and get used to the car. budget build. BTW thanks for the reply.

Kevin

ozarkcobra · 02-04-2011, 10:53 PM

Thanks for all of the replies! I think I am starting to get my bearings on which direction to go on my build. Thanks everyone I love this forum! Sorry to take so long on the reply kids filling out scholarship apps for collage next year.

thanks Kevin

quicksand · 02-04-2011, 11:12 PM

Not that it's important, but is mpg a consideration?

ozarkcobra · 02-04-2011, 11:20 PM

Yes and no I mean I'm not sure what to expect. Some say go for it you only drive 3K to 5K A year and with others its a major consideration. Any advice welcom.

Kevin

quicksand · 02-04-2011, 11:34 PM

8 mpg can be a pain on a 200 mile cruise...take a ride in a well prepped small block....just sayin...those guys get 20ish from what I hear...all depends

ozarkcobra · 02-04-2011, 11:40 PM

Have to admit I was surprised at what a smallblock could do. that said I am going to remain open minded. Any idea on the mileage of a 408 351? just curious.

kevin

Motorhead · 02-05-2011, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozarkcobra

Have to admit I was surprised at what a smallblock could do. that said I am going to remain open minded. Any idea on the mileage of a 408 351? just curious.

kevin

It depends on if you use a carb or efi. With efi, a SBF could easily hit 20 MPG in these cars on the freeway. With a carb, don't plan on getting good MPG, no matter what you got under the hood. The Windsor block has a lot of parts options and an all around performer with few limitations. You could go for a 427W if you care for originality. Same cubes, just a lighter block while not costing too much. The new Ford Racing 427W looks pretty stunning as well. Just tell us what you want the car to do, and the forum can give you some pointers.

My advice to you in planning this build is this. 1. Get someone to give you a ride in one. Cobras aren't for everyone, just read my sig. for a good description. 2. Figure out your aim for your build. Do you want it to be as close to an original as possible or an all business build (not necessarily going for an original look) or a modern interpretation of what a Cobra could be (extras including radio, HVAC, etc.). If you know what you want in your car, your build plan will follow. It's important to know this before ordering, because you don't want to just go at this without an aim. The car will end up a hog podge of all 3 as you see things you like on other cars and add them. 3. Work on imagining every part of the car as you want it. Any grey areas in your dream car are areas you can work on in the build plan. 4. Spend lots of time on here. 5. Once you've got a detailed build plan, add 10% to it for unforeseen costs. 6. spend lots of time on here, ask questions. 7. Become good friends with other builders near by. You'll need their help.

HTH,
Joe

dallas_ · 02-05-2011, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead

add 10% to it for unforeseen costs.
Joe

hahahahaha. good one Joe!

You did say you have kids going into college soon?

ozarkcobra · 02-05-2011, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead

It depends on if you use a carb or efi. With efi, a SBF could easily hit 20 MPG in these cars on the freeway. With a carb, don't plan on getting good MPG, no matter what you got under the hood. The Windsor block has a lot of parts options and an all around performer with few limitations. You could go for a 427W if you care for originality. Same cubes, just a lighter block while not costing too much. The new Ford Racing 427W looks pretty stunning as well. Just tell us what you want the car to do, and the forum can give you some pointers.

My advice to you in planning this build is this. 1. Get someone to give you a ride in one. Cobras aren't for everyone, just read my sig. for a good description. 2. Figure out your aim for your build. Do you want it to be as close to an original as possible or an all business build (not necessarily going for an original look) or a modern interpretation of what a Cobra could be (extras including radio, HVAC, etc.). If you know what you want in your car, your build plan will follow. It's important to know this before ordering, because you don't want to just go at this without an aim. The car will end up a hog podge of all 3 as you see things you like on other cars and add them. 3. Work on imagining every part of the car as you want it. Any grey areas in your dream car are areas you can work on in the build plan. 4. Spend lots of time on here. 5. Once you've got a detailed build plan, add 10% to it for unforeseen costs. 6. spend lots of time on here, ask questions. 7. Become good friends with other builders near by. You'll need their help.

HTH,
Joe

Hey joe, I have been in one cobra yes I am hooked! I am still in the planing stages at the moment due to collage obligations on twins! had hoped for better scholaerships but they just didn't come thrue like they said, so... I will just keep planing the build for now.

thanks Kevin

dallas_ · 02-05-2011, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozarkcobra

... I will just keep planing the build for now.

thanks Kevin

I waited over 15 years. Keep the dream alive, It's worth it, however long you have to wait.

ozarkcobra · 02-05-2011, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dallas_

I waited over 15 years. Keep the dream alive, It's worth it, however long you have to wait.

THANKS I NEEDED THAT IT'S NOT BEEN A GOOD DAY! Way to much bad news!

Kevin

Motorhead · 02-05-2011, 03:29 AM

Kevin, I've been planning my dream Cobra since May 2006. Joined the forum that August. It will probably hit a decade of planning before I order the kit (going for the engine first), so I get what it's like to be forced to wait a long time for your build. There are many on here who've been or had to wait longer than me. Getting a ride once and awhile helps keep things clear. Always remember the plus side to waiting until the day you get to start building it, you have plenty of time to get your build plan down to the letter.