A.C. Cars Ltd. looking for info

[YerDugliness]

I use to think the same thing, Larry…but after all this time it's become clear to me that the LS series engines are trouble free and very powerful right from the factory and some of the chevy crate motors are real monsters. It seems to be a great engine.

Having said that, though, I can think of a large numbers of reasons NOT to use an LS…or a Lexus motor…or a…well, you get the idea. A Cobra replica really OUGHT to have a Ford motor or it ISN't a "replica"…IMHO, of course

Cheers!

Dugly

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by LMH

Why would anyone use an LS engine in a Cobra replica?

Ask Peter Brock why he has one in his Daytona Coupe.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

I use to think the same thing, Larry…but after all this time it's become clear to me that the LS series engines are trouble free and very powerful right from the factory and some of the chevy crate motors are real monsters. It seems to be a great engine.

Having said that, though, I can think of a large numbers of reasons NOT to use an LS…or a Lexus motor…or a…well, you get the idea. A Cobra replica really OUGHT to have a Ford motor or it ISN't a "replica"…IMHO, of course

Cheers!

Dugly

Well, I'm one of those who thinks replicas should replicate. But I have to (and should) remind myself that how I want things shouldn't be what everyone else should have. The LS is a great engine, I just think they be used in GM cars.

Like this! Yours truly...


Larry

[YerDugliness]

Now THAT's a great platform for an LS!

Putting a Coyote engine in that would be like putting an LS in a "Roadster" replica, IMHO...I agree, a replica should have a visual AND a mechanical resemblance to some original...particularly in the engine compartment.

Cheers!!

Dugly

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

I use to think the same thing, Larry…but after all this time it's become clear to me that the LS series engines are trouble free and very powerful right from the factory and some of the chevy crate motors are real monsters. It seems to be a great engine.

Having said that, though, I can think of a large numbers of reasons NOT to use an LS…or a Lexus motor…or a…well, you get the idea. A Cobra replica really OUGHT to have a Ford motor or it ISN't a "replica"…IMHO, of course

Cheers!

Dugly

You can't use anything that looks original in the car. That is what this whole post is about. People are complaining that a replica has a plate and a number that can mistake it for maybe another replica? If you put a Ford engine in it, maybe somebody will try to sell it as a real fake replica instead of a fake fake replica.

That being said, my car has a LS3. 600hp on pump gas with EFI and it gets over 20 mpg driving down the street with 3.70 rear gears. I don't think I would install one in an aluminum real fake replica, but for most others, who cares?

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Without Kirkham MSO and VIN stampings? If so, you saying so doesn't make it true.

.....

i dont know that actually, that depends on the fact wether the vins are attached in poland or in utah

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by joyridin'

You can't use anything that looks original in the car. That is what this whole post is about. People are complaining that a replica has a plate and a number that can mistake it for maybe another replica? If you put a Ford engine in it, maybe somebody will try to sell it as a real fake replica instead of a fake fake replica.

That being said, my car has a LS3. 600hp on pump gas with EFI and it gets over 20 mpg driving down the street with 3.70 rear gears. I don't think I would install one in an aluminum real fake replica, but for most others, who cares?

I'm on record as saying put any engine in a replica that you like. I posted a Viper V10 installation that I thought was slick. The Chevy LS engine family make fantastic installations in our replicas. And I'm also on record about my lack of understanding of the "more accurate replica" syndrome. Detailing a replica with OEM fuse boxes, switches, etc. might be a labor of love, but it's nonsense to me.

But someone crosses the line IMO when they stamp VIN #'s into ID plates and various parts of the car like hinges and shock towers or wherever.

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

... I'm also on record about my lack of understanding of the "more accurate replica" syndrome. Detailing a replica with OEM fuse boxes, switches, etc. might be a labor of love, but it's nonsense to me.

But someone crosses the line IMO when they stamp VIN #'s into ID plates and various parts of the car like hinges and shock towers or wherever.

I'm with you to a degree on the "...more accurate replica" issue. I really like it when people do that...I recall Dean Lampe's Hurricane build. I admire those who know enough and care enough to make their replicas more realistic...but I also love driving mine and it is nowhere near "realistic"...a small block V-8 in a big block body style ...someday there will be a big block in my future and in my replica.

I'm wholeheartedly with you about the addition of the VIN and particularly using one of AC's VINs...nobody I know likes a liar and that just REEKS of intent to decieve.

Cheers!

Dugly

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

I'm with you to a degree on the "...more accurate replica" issue. I really like it when people do that...I recall Dean Lampe's Hurricane build. I admire those who know enough and care enough to make their replicas more realistic...but I also love driving mine and it is nowhere near "realistic"...a small block V-8 in a big block body style ...someday there will be a big block in my future and in my replica.

I'm wholeheartedly with you about the addition of the VIN and particularly using one of AC's VINs...nobody I know likes a liar and that just REEKS of intent to decieve.

Cheers!

Dugly

I think Dean is an outstanding builder. Period.

But, IMO, starting with a fiberglass car and then detailing it to the nth degree makes "negative sense" or "less than zero" sense to me.

Hours upon hours of painstaking labor and all the extra dollars spent on OEM/repro parts needed to detail a Cobra replica and no alloy body? Again, just my opinion and everyone has one.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think Dean is an outstanding builder. Period.

But, IMO, starting with a fiberglass car and then detailing it to the nth degree makes "negative sense" or "less than zero" sense to me.

Hours upon hours of painstaking labor and all the extra dollars spent on OEM/repro parts needed to detail a Cobra replica and no alloy body? Again, just my opinion and everyone has one.

You're missing the point... an accurate replication of an original car IS the hobby for those who pursue it.
Larry

[Mark IV]

Note that the importation of a "body and chassis" does NOT require a VIN, MSO, etc. The material being imported is no different than an "auto part", i.e. the body/frame is NOT a "vehicle" or "glider" and therefor does not require an identifying mark.

No VIN/MSO is needed to import a piston, ball joint or such part and this is legally just a "part". That said the installation of the AC Cars plate and number sure looks like the foundation of some snookery to come..................

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by LMH

You're missing the point... an accurate replication of an original car IS the hobby for those who pursue it.
Larry

I'm not missing ANY point.

An "accurate replication" starts with an ALUMINUM body. Period. No original 1960's Cobra was produced in fiberglass. Period.

I don't understand stamp collections as a hobby. And I also don't understand the hobby of attempting to make the most accurate replica in the world.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

And I also don't understand the hobby of attempting to make the most accurate replica in the world.

Because it's just something to do. There are a lot of guys on here who have a lot of time, and dough, on their hands. They're just looking for something to do with it all. Nuthin' wrong with that.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Because it's just something to do. There are a lot of guys on here who have a lot of time, and dough, on their hands. They're just looking for something to do with it all. Nuthin' wrong with that.

I never said there's something wrong with making the "most accurate replica." I just don't understand it and think it's a waste of time. But if you're going to tackle the job of producing the "most accurate replica," first start with an alloy body.

Personally, I think there are better life endeavors like, for example, spending that extra time losing 10-20-30 lbs.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

But if you're going to tackle the job of producing the "most accurate replica," first start with an alloy body.

Only if you're not going to paint it. If you're going to paint it, then it doesn't matter. (Actually, some of us think glass is easier to take care of than aluminum).

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I never said there's something wrong with making the "most accurate replica." I just don't understand it and think it's a waste of time. But if you're going to tackle the job of producing the "most accurate replica," first start with an alloy body.

Personally, I think there are better life endeavors like, for example, spending that extra time losing 10-20-30 lbs.

i do understand the ideal of a perfect replication, the word "replica" imply the attempt for the most perfect nut and bolt copy,

and that attempt can only start with an alloy body,

an alloy body on a spaceframe is the genuine heart of any highend sports or racing car from the end of the 40th to the 60th wether its painted or not

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Only if you're not going to paint it. If you're going to paint it, then it doesn't matter. (Actually, some of us think glass is easier to take care of than aluminum).

Paint, schmaint. Even if you do paint your alloy body, it DOES matter. Just look underneath.

Conversation at the local car show...

Owner: "Yes siree, it's the most accurate replica in the world, right down to the fuse box, switches, gauges, knobs, wiring, a 1965 427 side-oiler (no faux FE like a 428) block, medium riser heads, with the OEM carb and fuel lines and fuel log, original Sunburst wheels. Etc., etc."

Car Show Attendee: "Is the body aluminum?"

Owner: "Er, uh, um, no."

Car Show Attendee: "Oy vey."

[peterpjb]

Originally Posted by patrickt

...(Actually, some of us think glass is easier to take care of than aluminum)....

and with power assisted steering or braking and abs its easier to drive

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by peterpjb

i do understand the ideal of a perfect replication, the word "replica" imply the attempt for the most perfect nut and bolt copy,

and that attempt can only start with an alloy body,

an alloy body on a spaceframe is the genuine heart of any highend sports or racing car from the end of the 40th to the 60th wether its painted or not

"The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

"The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."

Surely you are familiar with the concept of wabi sabi. It applies to Cobra replicas as well.