AC Mark IV vs. CSX

[mtml427]

Can anyone tell me the differences in body and frame configuration between an original CSX car and the AC Mark IV? Is it possible (without extreme modification) to fit a 427 into an AC?

[1985 CCX]

It can be done! How handy are you?

Part of the essence of AC MKIV, factory built Continuation car, is that is was an original continuation in it's own right.

fleabay example: (Car shows underside pics = great!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AC-Co...em130211944987 LOVE IT!

I personally love these cars since they capture the essance of the 60's cars as do high end replicas. I also beleive that they should remain as they were from Brian Angliss 302 powered, no pipes, etc.
How do they differ from CSX cars:
1) Interior was larger to aid in the experience
2) Dash is different configuration, love/hate design
3) Doors are different as they add protection versus the frail doors on CSX
4) 5mph bumpers on MKIV
5) Trunk fits full spare and jack and is not CSX style
6) Nose is different as BA changed that, slopes lower
7) Three MG style wipers
8) Frame uses changes to take advantage of SB Ford with 5spd
9) Less rear end frame exists as it only needs to hold up to 225hp
10) Inner fenders on MKIV exist to protect from underside rock damage
11) Side markers and back up light are in body
12) Under hood aspects are different in many ways Larger foot box = less room
13) MKIV does not use floor mouted pedals
14) 16" pin drive wheels
15) Power brakes, heat, radio etc...
16) etc etc etc etc...............

They are great cars with individual character, if you want FE go KMS as it is set up for it and more accurate. Changes in these cars are very expensive so consider that cost with MKIV, it will be cheaper to buy KMS already set up for speed. If you have a pounded/trashed MKIV that is already no longer OEM, might be a possible sub for FE? 460??

My feeling is that if you have a nice MKIV leave it OEM as once changes are made they do not help value. The red one on fleabay last month had several nice changes but really take a factory built car and hot rod it. Probably not great for resale value for those looking at MKIV ownership. Nice for those that want aluminum body well built car though.

AKL1131


Interior of another car:

[1Bigfish]

AK1131 is my MkIV. The car is wonderful. Powered by a modified 302 / 350HP.
The car is not a dragster with a 3.09 rear but still turns 0-60 in five seconds.
The mods of aluminum heads & intake, Holley, shorty headers, billet pullies and removal of the Cats. This has also reduced the weight to approximately 2,200 pounds. The car handles exceptionally well in a very predictable old school style.

Of the 386 MkIV's built, seven were factory equipped the 427's and one with a 429. There were also 46 rollers or SWE per the registry as Shipped Without Engine. Most of these were very early car or ones being race prepared. A few had big blocks installed. One sold in the Detroit area a few years back with a vintage 427 installed. The car was pale metalic blue with hood scoop and side pipes. The MkIV was built on an improve MkIII footprint so the installation of a big block is pretty straight forward. The tranny and rear ratio are changed to accommodate the extra power and the suspension is adjusted for the added weight. 183 built for the US market.

As with the original Cobras, the MkIV was expensive. On my car, the Ford / AC window stricker showed $47,900.00. The original owner (I am the second) traded a 1974 Ferrari 246GTS Dino even for the AC at $45,500.00. It is nice to have a pedigree.

[Old Phart]

I have AK1185 and it was a good investment for me as far as "fun" value. I have made some removable MKIII changes for personal preference and with over 28K miles, it's driven and enjoyed. As Jeff said....................

[JBo]

Rear uprights from a 428 frua widen rear track by 4 inches, filling wheel wells a bit better.
Center mounted fuel filler ala 289's and Aces, fuel tank in scuttle rather than under car.
FRG inner fenders, foot rest for drivers left foot in footwell (running change-exists on 1113), asbestos ( or something) attempt at controlling cabin heat in engine comparment and under passenger area. I'm sure there are more...but the MKIV was basically a 289 sports with crash bumbers and doorbeams or a modified MKIII if you you will.

[1985 CCX]

I hope to have an AKL someday as I am a fan!

[Old Phart]

Hey 1 Bigfish,
your knowledge of AC MKIV's is right on track. Maybe we can start a AC MKIV only information thread (sticky) for all AC MKIV owners and interested people. I installed a 3.73 LSD rear which is excellent for off the line performance and the crate GT40 motor made it even better. I'd like to hear what other owners did to their AC's. I'd like to install a decent looking roll bar some day, maybe get some ideas from people.

[JBo]

old phart...I'd be an active participant and user or this!

[Old Phart]

That's great, JBo. Let's spread the word. Any mods on AK 1113?

[Old Phart]

I have started a new forum for AC MKIV's. Please add comments on the new forum so we don't "highjack" this thread. Thank you for your help!

[JBo]

Old phart...I must be older...how do i find this New forum?

[JBo]

Old phart... The mods on this car are subtle...new rubber; as the goodyears were like hard erasers when I bought her so Dunlop SP8000s were installed. The cats are still in place as is pump...no mufflers in rear wheel house (have no idea when they left as I am owner number three. I do have original order sheet to AC and original MSO though. Halibrand knock ons (originals nuts are gone). Engine is stock 302 HOFI. there was a 200 w stereo, I have removed along with amp. The remembrance of CSX 3327 is amazing vs this car for tracibility and relative comforts. This one doesn't overheat in traffic, top is no better than the original...imagine that huh? That is the picture of my interior on the thread...I'm having a radio blanker made....may hinge same to use a a cubby or small store space. getting ready to ohaul master brake cylinder...other than that very reliable as was 3327, just not as stupid fast...maybe crazy fast.

[Old Phart]

Originally Posted by JBo

Old phart...I must be older...how do i find this New forum?

Search "AC Cobra MKIV Forum"

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Old Phart

I have started a new forum for AC MKIV's. Please add comments on the new forum so we don't "highjack" this thread. Thank you for your help!

No, you started a new MKIV thread. I'll send an email off to Brent (I moderate a sister site of this one) and see if they can add a new "AC MKIV sub-forum similar to the other manufacturer forums already listed on this site.


Bill S.

[Old Phart]

Thank you for your help, Bill S.!

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Old Phart

Thank you for your help, Bill S.!

Message sent to Brent and Ron (computerworks), will await his(their) response.



Bill S.

[JBo]

Bill... an ad with every post...pretty ingenious!

[mtml427]

Great to see a revival of this thread. I am still looking. If anyone knows of an AutoKraft for sale I would like to speak with the seller.

[RodKnock]

Here's one on eBay. It may have been the same as posted earlier in this thread. I dunno. Of course, I have no affliliation with the seller/sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Shelb...mZ190309524127

[computerworks]

Mod Note -

...moved thread to AC MKIV Forum