Cobra power, how much is enough?

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Two sad stories, but only two. I'm sure there may have been some others, but the sad stories are few and far between to the best of my recollection.[/url]

Think of all the CSX's (and others) that have been bought, driven for 300 miles, and sold...

[JBCOBRA]

I drove mine 700 miles just last weekend
and beat the BaJeebus out of it the whole way.

Originally Posted by rodneym

Think of all the CSX's (and others) that have been bought, driven for 300 miles, and sold...

[crASH]

Originally Posted by PHC1

...should be powered in a way that would not break traction and result in wheel spin

This can be achieved with as little as 150HP in a 90" wheelbase car of this weight... with just the wrong choice of tires. I spun one around and went through the woods backwards.

There is no substitute for caution, and little forgiveness for error with any performance vehicle of this variety lacking correct tires, ABS, traction control, etc.

I still want one.

[REAL 1]

Anyone who claims they need more than 400 to 500 hp in a 2300 lb with a short 90 inch wheelbase car for the street or even for open track is to be taken with a grain of salt, a polite smile and then as you walk away

Ken Miles and Shelby's other top drivers and many privateers had a hard time taming the 427 beast with 475hp to 500 hp.

All those here that think they can handle a 427 Cobra better then Ken Miles please step forward and identify yourselves.



Anything beyond what these cars did originally is simply for bragging rights and is removed from what these cars ever were.

[Quintum]

I have yet to buy my kit just yet. So for what its worth... Here is my 2 cents.

If you have to ask why do you need 500 hp, in a car that is only 2200 / 2900 lbs give or take. Well I'm not sure there is any answer for ya. For me I've always been a power freak. Not a speed freek, but a power. I realized it when I got my incentive flight in an F-15 D when I was in the Air Force. Fast is fun. But taking something that weights 40,000+ lbs and pushing it at Mach 1.8 and past. All the while putting it into a turn, pulling 8 G's. Now that’s power! (btw... those are not the limits of an F-15. But they were MY limits before I black'd out)

I just know that it will be a few years down the road. But I already have picked out the engine, trans, rear-end, and down to the tires. Hell I've even got the color already picked!

If you can't see yourself in the car. If you can't imagine what it would be like. You might want to ask one of your local guys to see if they can take you for a ride in such a wonderful machine. After that, if you still don't have the "Bug". Then I'd say look into something else.

Regards,
Dave.

Again Just my 2 cents.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Two sad stories, but only two. I'm sure there may have been some others, but the sad stories are few and far between to the best of my recollection.

I love the fact when someone is new to Cobras, we all suggest buying a Corvette instead. How about a Porsche, BMW, Mini Cooper, Mustang or a Miata?

Best Affordable Sports Cars Rankings | U.S. News Best Cars

I used the Corvette as I have one as my daily driver, and it seems like a car that people go to when the Cobra life style fails them.

Besides, it also starts with a "C".

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Anyone who claims they need more than 400 to 500 hp in a 2300 lb with a short 90 inch wheelbase car for the street or even for open track is to be taken with a grain of salt, a polite smile and then as you walk away

Ken Miles and Shelby's other top drivers and many privateers had a hard time taming the 427 beast with 475hp to 500 hp.

All those here that think they can handle a 427 Cobra better then Ken Miles please step forward and identify yourselves.



Anything beyond what these cars did originally is simply for bragging rights and is removed from what these cars ever were.

Sorry, in some cases that's an Apples to Oranges comparison.

A lot of the Kits/Replicas today have much better handling than the originals. This is due to frame designs and the components used. Good street tires like the 15 inch Avons, or Nittos in the 17/18 inch sizes will out perform the race tires of that time.

Could I out drive one of those drivers in original Cobras? No. However I would take my chances in a modern Cobra verse them in an original.

[PHC1]

Not that it really matters as far as the discussion goes but just for the record and so you guys don't waste your time posting suggestions and such, my daily is a '2008 911 twin turbo with 560HP. It's all-wheel drive and very manageable. I can and do use ALL the power in that car when the opportunity presents itself and it is safe to do so.

I've also owned a few other cars in the past few years including the latest Ferrari 458 with 570HP and that car was a lot of fun, I could put most of the power down most of the time with the traction+stability control telling me "NO WAY" on a few occasions... Yes it sounded fantastic with that V8 behind the back screaming all the way to 9000 rpms and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! The sound of most Ferrari cars at WOT is unforgettable.

I've never felt the urge to upgrade the Nissan GT-R that I just got rid of and it was brand new... For the price of the Cobra, the GT-R can be easily turned into a 1100HP monster and it already does 0-60 in 2.8 sec stock with 545HP. Booooring.... Too civilized, too capable, too perfect. There was nothing it couldn't do and most of the time I drove it hard I had two things to say, it was either, "I never knew a "car" could do "THAT" or I never knew "I" could do "THAT" and live to tell about it... I got rid of it as there was nothing more or exciting I could gain from that relationship. Same reason why when I test drove the new McLaren MP4-12C a few times already, it just doesn't excite me. Maybe it's just me... I must be weird. I ride motorcycles like many others here and I am no stranger to very fast sport bikes. I like riding bikes and yes, they are dangerous! Speed doesn't scare me, the statistics do! I've seen too much, heard too much and nearly been waffled myself a few times...

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me. It's not about going ultra fast, it's not about seeking the ultimate back road carver or trying to impress someone or scare the crap out of myself. It's about walking into a garage and seeing that familiar shape that has always excited me and hearing that big V8 come to life with that intoxicating rumble and to row through the gears as the bold, loud and proud exhaust note bounces off nearby objects and to feel the wind in my hair. I don't want another car that feels like I am in a Formula 1 car and actually drives like it can compete with any F1 cars from a decade ago... I want a car that is more challenging, more raw and rewarding with all the flaws it has! I think you guys get it... At the same time I don't feel the need to put the hammer down and go sideways at 100mph either... I feel every car/chassis/setup has a "sweet spot" where it is fun to drive and doesn't feel over or under powered.

I also didn't post the above to somehow brag about the cars I own or have owned... I have been fortunate to enjoy a few very nice cars/toys along the way but I don't like to seek attention because of them, please don't take it that way. I'm simply trying to explain my point of view on this and why I asked the question. I'm sure there are many other members here that have many nice toys!

[Chuck Nickloy]

Well, I might be a nut case, but I'm happy this way!

[PHC1]

Under, Over or Powered just right?

AC Cobra Crash - Idiot hits curb - YouTube

[PHC1]

Under, Over or Juuust Right?





AC Cobra Loses Control --- [MN C&C July 2011] - YouTube

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Think of all the CSX's (and others) that have been bought, driven for 300 miles, and sold...

They better have not had magnesium Halibrands on them.

Just performing a cursory review of the Cobras now listed on CobraCountry, I think you'll find a large majority of Cobras with thousands of miles on them. Most folks aren't like me and actually drive their cars alot.

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Anyone who claims they need more than 400 to 500 hp in a 2300 lb with a short 90 inch wheelbase car for the street or even for open track is to be taken with a grain of salt, a polite smile and then as you walk away

Anything beyond what these cars did originally is simply for bragging rights and is removed from what these cars ever were.

In terms of lbs and HP, whenever you commission a reputable engine builder to build an FE in today's environment, most engine builders can build a reasonably docile and well-running FE with 550-600 HP without any difficulty. My Kirkham weighs 2,128 and had a dyno'ed 605 HP and I think of it as somewhere in the vast middle of engine builds in terms of HP.

So, Evan, I need more than 400-500 HP.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PHC1

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me.

I think for many "green" people who come here to CC, after experiencing the sound and raw feel, they then sometimes will want to move on. That's what some of the guys here are saying by referring to the sad stories.

That raw feel and sound can eventually become a huge turnoff to some new Cobra buyers.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Under, Over or Powered just right?

AC Cobra Crash - Idiot hits curb - YouTube

That's not the fault of the car, or too much HP. It's the driver.

There are hundreds of videos out there of people being stupid in just about every type of car there is.

It's a throttle. Learn to use it.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think for many "green" people who come here to CC, after experiencing the sound and raw feel, they then sometimes will want to move on. That's what some of the guys here are saying by referring to the sad stories.

That raw feel and sound can eventually become a huge turnoff to some new Cobra buyers.

I can certainly see how a Cobra may not appeal to some... I doubt I would not like it as long as I can drive it in reasonable comfort being 6'2", which is what I am trying to determine first. Sounds promising so far based on the responses to my question about that issue but I have to go and sit in one. The rest would fall into place as I love cars with character and soul.

I have to command the guys that moved on for at least trying and not wishing they had the rest of their lives.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

That's not the fault of the car, or too much HP. It's the driver.

There are hundreds of videos out there of people being stupid in just about every type of car there is.

It's a throttle. Learn to use it.

Of course it's not the car's fault. People do stupid things all the time, it's just that it's sooo much easier to get into trouble with a high powered/over powered car.

[JBCOBRA]

So out of curiosity why would you want a Highly Dangerous Ancient Design Analogue pos car like a Cobra?
Unless you have decided to Eat Some Bacon and Man up to the most thrilling vehicle of all time???
LOL

Just kidding ....about the bacon

Originally Posted by PHC1;1;)195300

Not that it really matters as far as the discussion goes but just for the record and so you guys don't waste your time posting suggestions and such, my daily is a '2008 911 twin turbo with 560HP. It's all-wheel drive and very manageable. I can and do use ALL the power in that car when the opportunity presents itself and it is safe to do so.

I've also owned a few other cars in the past few years including the latest Ferrari 458 with 570HP and that car was a lot of fun, I could put most of the power down most of the time with the traction+stability control telling me "NO WAY" on a few occasions... Yes it sounded fantastic with that V8 behind the back screaming all the way to 9000 rpms and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! The sound of most Ferrari cars at WOT is unforgettable.

I've never felt the urge to upgrade the Nissan GT-R that I just got rid of and it was brand new... For the price of the Cobra, the GT-R can be easily turned into a 1100HP monster and it already does 0-60 in 2.8 sec stock with 545HP. Booooring.... Too civilized, too capable, too perfect. There was nothing it couldn't do and most of the time I drove it hard I had two things to say, it was either, "I never knew a "car" could do "THAT" or I never knew "I" could do "THAT" and live to tell about it... I got rid of it as there was nothing more or exciting I could gain from that relationship. Same reason why when I test drove the new McLaren MP4-12C a few times already, it just doesn't excite me. Maybe it's just me... I must be weird. I ride motorcycles like many others here and I am no stranger to very fast sport bikes. I like riding bikes and yes, they are dangerous! Speed doesn't scare me, the statistics do! I've seen too much, heard too much and nearly been waffled myself a few times...

So why do I even want a Cobra? Because I've always admired and loved the Cobra and because the sound of a free breathing, normally aspirated, big displacement, hunk of an American V8 iron under the hood and the mechanical, raw, feel that appeals to me. It's not about going ultra fast, it's not about seeking the ultimate back road carver or trying to impress someone or scare the crap out of myself. It's about walking into a garage and seeing that familiar shape that has always excited me and hearing that big V8 come to life with that intoxicating rumble and to row through the gears as the bold, loud and proud exhaust note bounces off nearby objects and to feel the wind in my hair. I don't want another car that feels like I am in a Formula 1 car and actually drives like it can compete with any F1 cars from a decade ago... I want a car that is more challenging, more raw and rewarding with all the flaws it has! I think you guys get it... At the same time I don't feel the need to put the hammer down and go sideways at 100mph either... I feel every car/chassis/setup has a "sweet spot" where it is fun to drive and doesn't feel over or under powered.

I also didn't post the above to somehow brag about the cars I own or have owned... I have been fortunate to enjoy a few very nice cars/toys along the way but I don't like to seek attention because of them, please don't take it that way. I'm simply trying to explain my point of view on this and why I asked the question. I'm sure there are many other members here that have many nice toys!

[RodKnock]

Accommodating someone who stands 6'2" is no big deal. There are plenty of even taller and even rounder Cobra owners driving comfortably in Cobras.

I don't mean to belabor the point others are trying to make here, but while you may commend some folks for trying and figuring out that they don't like it, Patrick would tell you that the "commendation" just cost that person (in the case of "rsimoes" and potentially "tin-man") somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000 +/-.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Patrick would tell you that the "commendation" just cost that person (in the case of "rsimoes" and potentially "tin-man") somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000 +/-.

Because of Tin-Man's unusual build, Patrick would tell you that his bath water is going to be a degree or two past tepid. Say, $60k or more of yet-to-be-realized loss.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

So out of curiosity why would you want a Highly Dangerous Ancient Design Analogue pos car like a Cobra?
Unless you have decided to Eat Some Bacon and Man up to the most thrilling vehicle of all time???
LOL

Just kidding ....about the bacon

I think I already mentioned the reason I am attracted to Cobra in previous posts but yes, I'm after the "thrill". Love the Cobra idea so far, we'll see how it turns out long term. That I am going to get one is pretty obvious, I have been reading up here and elsewhere as much as I can and usually that means only one thing, it will be in the garage someday!