[JimP]

Certainly price was a large consideration in the search for an engine. From the start I deceided I was going to put fuel injection on whatever engine I would choose. I want stying of 60's with modern technology. I originally wanted to build an all aluminum, 351W bored and stroked to 427ci with fuel injection. Beliveve me, this came out to be higher priced than the Viper V10 crate engine. Built engine was around $16,000 and around $12,000 if I buy the short block and build the rest with edelbrock components.

I also looked at an LS1 crate engine ($5,700 complete with wiring and computer) and an LS6 crate engine ($7,800 w/no computer/wiring harness). But the LS1 was a little short in the power department so add a supercharger and your up to around $12,000. The LS6 would have been adequate but add wiring harness and computer and your going to be aroud 9,000 for everything, and it's chevy so that's a big disadvantage for a Cobra, plus the LS1/LS6 is almost too light for the car because they are all aluminum (rearward CG).

So I had deceided to by a Iron block 351w bored/stroked to 427 with fuel injection. Total was around $9,000 complete. If I wanted aluminum block it would have been $3,000 more. Not worth it, because your paying more and ending up with rear CG. No advantage except to be able to say it's an aluminum block.

So after doing extensive research I found the Viper V10 crate engine for $11,500 add computer, wiring harness, fuel pump, transmission mount, installation manual etc.. and your up to $13,000. Next the viper transmission (6spd) is $2,500. The richmond gear transmission I was going to buy was aroound $3,500 so I gained $1,000 back. Total being around $15,500 for complete Viper engine and transmission. I've got $5,600 into wheels and tires and $2,800 into brakes, Carerra coilovers front and rear, stainless steel "A" arms on this thing so the amount I'm spending on the engine sounds about right. I haven't been able to determine what the engine weights but it's all aluminum with 2 more cylinders than a V8, so I would assume it's the same weight as a Iron block V8 or maybe slightly less?

As far as modern technology that deserves to be in a cobra, I think the viper engine is it. And for a few thousand more I can't pass it up.

DV - you mentioned modifing the frame for the transmission. Are you just talking about the mount? or does the transmission interfere with the frame rails somehow? Also, how many V10 cobra's have you built? Just one? Do you still own it or did you sell it?

Thanks,

Jim