I need your thoughts and opinions

[Ron61]

Real One,

I don't pretend to know everything there is to know about Shelby cars but neither do you. If you will look at the Shelby Cobra Gold Portofolio for 1962 - 1969, on pages 70 & 71 there is a story and pictures about Shelby having a 351 put into his personal Cobra. Title is " Shelby's Cobra " This Boss 351 Snake with it's Vette blue flanks, is driven by the man himself. Other modifications were also made to suspension. He had it done at Mike McCluskey's in Torrence, Calif.

As I said in my earlier post, I think the 289 has been put back in this car but your statement that Shelby never put a 351 in a Cobra is Incorrect. It is not a rumor and as far as you know obviously didn't go far enough. I am not trying to start a war here and am not interested at all in any arguments. So if you wish to come down on me go ahead as I won't bother to get into a big discussion over something that is so trivial. The car also had a C4 automatic transmisson in it. He also had a 351 emblem on the sides and there are pictures of it.

Ron

[G.R.]

Isn't it supposed to be fun to own a Cobra So "run what ya brung" and just have fun---what we drive today are generally far superior engineered cars than Shelby ever produced, suspensions are better, shocks are better, brakes are better and in some cases even the frames and bodies are better.
I wish my life was so un-complicated that I could get worked up over something so meaningless as only a 427so/co in a 427 body.
BFD--what's that give you bragging rights? Go for it--too anyone that sees you on the street, they most likely will admire your car whether you have a BB or SB and would give their first born for an opportunity to own one--consider your selves lucky indeed because few can afford to have one --just have fun with it

Life's to short to worry about rivet placement

[misfit41]

Blykins,
First I agree 100% with all real1 said,but I am an fe freak and fan,but if I werent I would either drive and love my screaming 351,or maybe think about another car,I own a shell valley too and have gotten into the trap of trying to make it look original,I am 10k into parts and 6 mos of work left to do,after moving pedals,new dash and guages,cutting the bulkhead,redoing steering column,engine compartment,trigos,goodyears,etc,it goes on and on,any one who knows cars can tell in a second this isnt a real car,funny thing is the people who dont know cobras,thought it was real before I started,my point is unless I had major affection for the awesome 427's,or was prepared to completely redo my car,is that I would enjoy it as is ,sounds like it is a nice one.
Hal,,I asssume no one has ever told you an alum head 427 weighs in about the same as a 351,funny thing,I never heard any one who has a 427,say they would rather have anything else.Tk

[Cracker]

misfit?

I have a 427 SO and although I would approach it differently if I started from scratch - wouldn't do away with my engine now - no way! It is a scream although it doesn't rev like a SB or make power like a 460 variant - it is good enough for me and about all my chassis could take anyhow. Come to think of it this is probably why it was/is such a good fit for the 427 cobra - it offers the best of both worlds and make an automotively "glorious" sound!


Blykins: We have several SB's here in the ACC Club and although I have only driven in one - it was a surprisingly strong ride! There I said it - SB are engines too! GS, you happy!

If, however you still want the "ulitmate" engine combo for correctness sake give me a call.

[Lowell W]

Cracker: Uh...I'm afraid that Psalms 16:11 could be interpreted a couple of different ways...

[blykins]

Hey misfit...

I think your dash looks pretty good. Is that an aluminum overlay from Cobra Accessories? I was wanting that gauge layout anyway, instead of the street version. Any tips you can give will be very greatly appreciated.

[Cracker]

Lowell W

If you actually looked it up is what matters most to me. Thank you! Now others might now know what truly matters or what is truly worth seeking.

Cobra's are terrific but in the end I am much more interested in eternity!

[casaleenie]

Jeez, do you guys stay awake at night worrying about this kind of stuff? I have yet to be approached by the "engine police" and asked to validate my side emblems with the installed engine.

[Satanpez]

The 427 body style DID come from the factory with the 289. They were the AC COB cars. So put your small block in the car and say your replicating the "euro" version.

-steve in nj-

[nikbj68]

Originally posted by STG


Despite the Real One's rambling,

A C Cars sold a 427 chassis with a 289. I believe it was called a 289 Sport.

No, they didn't have CSX numbers, but they did have COB numbers. I'll bet they are in the registry, too.

That's my storey (sic), and I'm sticking to it.

All the #COB# cars are definitely in the registry, but there are a few points to note.
1. The "Cobra" name was owned by Ford, who withdrew permission for AC to use it, but the car was no less a "Cobra" for a name change.
They are refered to as "AC 289" or "MK111"(but this is technically incorrect,for reasons deeper than I can recall ATM!)
2. These cars were generally fitted with wire wheels.

Shelby sold the 427 badged as a 427 with the 428 interceptor in....(when engine supplies were short.)

My advice is definitely to finish the Cobra with the 351, see how it feels, sounds and goes. Run it for a few months. Drive a BB. Drive a 289. If you REALLY feel it isn`t enough, then & only then should you trade up!!!!