Unique or ERA 427 Cobra build

[RUFdriver]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

On the fence with color on the roadster..(exhaust out back).. looking at mink silver it might have too much of a blue hue ,
also considering Indigo blue(no stripes) or Mercedes DB180 silver(1958 300SL color).

You can do some really cool stuff with oval exhaust pipes, no need to choke the motor with small pipes, looking at some NASCAR style pipes now myself.
How about Avalanche Grey with satin black stripes… that would be super cool.

[MGP69stang]

Hadn’t heard about oval pipes but sounds like it should work..those color combinations are interesting but will probably go with DB180(Merc 1958 Color) , Lucas tripod headlamps, black leather interior.. SC dash layout with speedometer in the center and glovebox

[DanEC]

Oval pipes are an option for some areas like wheel wells but for underneath mufflers were the biggest issue. To keep a 4” muffler off the floor board it was really hanging low. I finally found a set of 3” thick Spintech mufflers with 2-1/2 in and out that give me adequate clearance.

[MGP69stang]

DanEC.. writing everything you say on list.. anything else please post

[DanEC]

If you decide to go with Unique - I think you need avoid dropped floors for your height if you want undercar exhaust. I just don’t think dropped floors and undercar exhaust are compatible unless it’s a very torturous configuration.

[MGP69stang]

Excellent point..didnt think about that ..maybe they can make a lower seat track and put memory foam on seat bottom. I have to actually sit in one to get a reference

[RUFdriver]

These guys make some nice racing mufflers
https://burnsstainless.com/collectio...and-collectors

[MGP69stang]

Ok I see that Oval to 2 1/2 transition part

[MGP69stang]

Gona build the 427FE block(1968) with a stock crank shaft and custom cam so 450hp ..

[RUFdriver]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

Gona build the 427FE block(1968) with a stock crank shaft and custom cam so 450hp ..

Sweet!!! Go for it!

[Too tall]

6'4", 230lbs. Almost 2 years ago, visited Backdraft twice: even their expanded "big and tall" version was just too small. Visited Unique in Gadsden, Alan told me his son-in-law was 6'4, and I painfully drove the son-in-law's car. Excellent folks -- I wanted to do business with them, but no. Was not gambling monster cash in the hopes of a fit.

Visited ERA in CT last July. Last visited them in the 80s looking for a cobra: too small then. After #731 they changed the Cobra 427. Sat in and could actually "drive" (didn't drive it, was a customer's car) it: work the pedals (size 14 narrow shoes) and fit under the steering wheel with room to spare. Get the 14.5" steering wheel. Head was at the windshield line, so I wouldn't be "looking down" while driving (that's my problem with the Vette). Ordered a 427 Cobra last July, they will start the build this August.

Had a love affair with small, tight roadsters forever (Porsches, Bimmers), but if you're in pain every time you turn the key, it's just not worth it.

[MGP69stang]

Fitting in the car comfortably enough to drive safely is a priority.. plan on a visit to confirm what they can or cannot do based on the Roadster model.. we’ll see

[DanEC]

I’m about 6’2” so not quite in the same problem zone. I think Patrickt is in the 6’4” range. I skipped the adjustable tracks and made adaptor plates to bolt to the ERA floor reinforcement plates and predrilled mount holes and move the driver seat back to about an inch off the rear bulkhead. I also raised the seat front a little. I had ERA shave the foam in the seat bottom but I found it gave the seat a bit of under-padded appearance and almost felt like I was hitting the floor on bumps (but doubt it was). So I slipped sections of 1” high density foam in between the seat rubber bladder and the seat padding which basically returned stock appearance and padding. I used the standard 15” steering wheel. I also adjusted the pedals forward within limits and did had ERA space them further apart so as to minimize tangling my feet. That was pretty much it. Climbing in through the tiny door is still a bit of an exercise and with the top on it’s downright comical. But once seated I’m looking square through the windshield and my legs are bent a little less than in my 66 Corvette. Overall I think seating is a little better than in the Corvette, but access thru its larger door in the Vette is a lot better.
I have 3 cars with manual steering and one is a Hemi Satellite (ugh). The ERA almost feels like power steering to me versus the others - so I think someone it good shape could probably get by pretty well with a 14” steering wheel if necessary.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I’m about 6’2” so not quite in the same problem zone. I think Patrickt is in the 6’4” range.

He is, and notably good looking as well. All of those suggestions will work well for the taller man. The one additional point is that I had my pedals moved backwards (towards the front of the car) which requires a larger clutch master cylinder. My seat's position and front versus rear angle are all shimmed, as is the angle of my 15" moto lita wheel, so everything fits me perfectly. I really love that. No one can mess with the settings because nothing is adjustable.

[MGP69stang]

All smart suggestions, gotta sit in one with stock interior and adjust from there.. accounting for under car exhaust

[Buzz]

The industry has responded to demand and low-profile, oval mufflers are available from sources like Titaniumdynamics.com




Borla



Racemufflers.com




The last one probably offers minimal sound reduction but it seems like there's a growing selection of options out there.

[DanEC]

Here is Spintech’s site. Mine were 3” thick but now I noted they make a 2-1/4” thick case with up to 2-1/2 inch outlets. They are aggressive in sound but cruise well. They also have oval inlet/outlet mufflers. If I were doing mine over with the fairly mild stoked 428 again with 480 hp, I probably would have run 2-1/2 to the mufflers and 2-1/4 tailpipes to make for slightly more clearance around the tires.

https://spintechmufflers.com/mufflers/

[MGP69stang]

Cobras are light so ..What is the HP sweet spot for the 427 Cobra ? 450-500HP ? Controllable trackable HP range ? Sticky Tire recommendations ?.. high wear not a problem.

[Grubby]

Originally Posted by MGP69stang

Engine builders are telling me to stroke the original 427FE block since that is free HP ?

I am building an ERA and my engine builder said the same.

I told him what I wanted the engine to do and gave him a lot of room to do what he liked. The results seem good, but I won't know until I get to drive it.

John

[MGP69stang]

Happy Memorial Day.. USA.. Thanks to all our Veterans