[frankym]

I haven't heard anybody mention anything about the weight of the cobra as a factor. If you consider that the earlier mustang cobra Rs used the 3550s and I don't think they make any modifications to it, and the cobra R has a curb weight of 3590lbs suggests that the rear tires, driven by a 385hp 330 cid motor would grip the pavement with less spin than a 2485 lb cobra. You can probably factor in the shorter drive shaft as well (+/-). But the 3550 should be able to handle the high output stroked windsors. When you deal with the big block HO motors, the torque curve will do more damage from the standing start. The big spline top loader can take a huge pounding from the big block, but the tremec seems to be a pretty good bargain. My SPF was purchased from the Olthoffs and they have said the only difference between the 3550 and TKO was the number of splines, but it's essentially the same transmission. But rather than debate the differences here between the TKO and 3550, if the Olthoffs are willing to put the 475+hp windsor together with a 3550, then that's fine with me. If you go to Jegs.com, they list the 3550 as follows:

Straight out of the Cobra ''R'', this is the heavy-duty transmission youv'e been asking for! It features improved synchronizers and 350 ft/lbs torque capacity. Gear ratios are 3.27, 1.98, 1.34, 1.00 and .68. Requires bellhousing #397-M6392-R58. Will fit 1979-93 with #397-M5059-A crossmember. 1994-95 requires driveshaft and crossmember modifications and a new clutch fork.

$1,424.99

But I do think that the point somebody here made earlier about spending all your cobra's toque spinning is sort of a built in damage control feature. The way I look at it is that if you put 1000 pounds in the trunk of your SPF or ERA putting out 500hp, you'd stress the hell out of the tranny, but when it's light as a feather, the 350lb torque limit suggested by jegs should be reassessed.

Any thoughts??