new SPF -engine, tranny, sb100 help

cobrasnake · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 01:31 PM

I'm a brand new member and just getting into Cobras, a car I have long dreamed about. I have ordered one from SPF and looking for help in selecting an engine and tranny. I want something fun and reliable and have no plans to race. SPF has suggested a Coast 351W stroked out to 427 and a TKO or TKO2 tranny. I am looking for function over form, meaning something reliable that works around town, not the fastest or most HP even though they rate this engine @ 500+HP, per SPF. Opinion of Coast and their engines as well as which tranny.

Being a Calif. resident, I am depressed by all the negative talk about SB100. What alternatives do we have except to park it or tow it to car shows? What about registering in another state and wait for the next year's batch of 500? Oregon or Nevada? I don't expect delivery until January and then have the engine installed. It could be March until I can have it inspected which sounds like I may miss for 2004. BTW, who in the SF Bay Area does the best and most cost effective installations or should I use the Reno guys?

Thanks

agro1 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 01:46 PM

CobraSnake - Do a search on here for "CHP" and "Coast High Performance". You will see that numerous people have been very unhappy with them, I for one wouldn't bother pi$$ing on their face if their teeth were on fire. Does that answer your question ?

They are a big company that is out to make money, PERIOD. They will be super nice before you buy the motor and as soon as you pay for it their customer service stinks. I specified stainless steel O ring head gaskets - they used crappy OEM replacement style gaskets...Blew the gasket immediatly and if I had not been paying attention would have destroyed my expensive heads. They paid for the fix (parts only) and left me with an $850 bill for the labor...All this for a $25 part...Idiots.

Everyone that has used The Engine Factory has had great results, I'd give them a call. Or, find a local engine builder and have him build and do the install of the motor and drivetrain. This will help if there is ever a problem because you will have one guy who did it all. When you have one person building the motor and another installing it, well, it's a recipe for finger pointing...Email me if you'd like more info on CHP -

BTW - Did Hillbank refer you to CHP ?

agro1 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 02:44 PM

Tom - Got your email, but I can't reply to it - it keeps getting kicked back to me - send me another address...

Randy Rosenberg · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 02:52 PM

Hi Cobrasnake,

Welcome to Club Cobra...

Can I assume that you reside in the SF (San Francisco) Bay Area? If so, then I suggest that you join us (the Bay Area Cobra Club) for Breakfast on Saturday mornings in Dublin. This Saturday will be slim-picking's as many are heading up to Tahoe (Snakes to the Lake), but we typically have 2 to 3 dozen Cobra "guys" who can answer most all of your questions.

You ask about who does the best and most cost effective installations... Well... "Best" and "Cost Effective" are usually two words not normally contained in the same sentence. Usually, "quality costs". Without going into specific recommendations, there are a number of drivetrain installers in the Bay Area, who perform in the range between "best" and "cost effective". Come to Breakfast and look at their work, talk to the owners, then visit these installers. Personally, I chose Top of the Hill Performance Center for their high level of quality, and would recommend them in a heart beat - however TOTH is not inexpensive, but as I said "quality costs".

My only other bit of advice at this time is to find a local installer, unless you live close to Reno

Have fun with your new project,
Randy R...

agro1 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 03:00 PM

Tom - the "allforfun" email address you sent is not working....

Taters · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 05:55 PM

The scary part is that Hillbank recommends them, What does that say for Hillbank.

agro1 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 07:17 PM

Taters -
Hillbank ALSO recommends other builders that are very reputable - not just CHP. The problem with Hillbank, IMO, is that they do not service their cars. Yes, they can do minor things; change tires, install options, remedial mechanical work, etc...But having a full service garage and mechanics is what every SPF dealer should have. Having that, makes dealers much more knowledgable about the [entire] product they sell.

Why don't you fill out your profile ???

Great Asp · #8 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 07:22 PM

Cobrasnake,

Randy has a good idea. Go see lots of owners, and their cars. Those guys will really help.

Eric #1380

gsharapa · #9 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 09:11 PM

Even the stock Ford Crate engines 392 stroker and 460 or 514 will give you more than you ever need. Pretty reliable and very cost effective. If you want high HP motor try Keith Craft Racing, in Ak.

Transmissions really depend on the motor. If your going with a fairly mild small block motor you can get away with the Tremec 3550. But if you do a big block or small block stroker like 392, 408 or 427 you need the TKO or TKO II. The only difference is the TKO II is a true 5 speed .82 and the TKO, 5th is overdive .68.

Yiou will love your SPF as I have had 3 now.........

Tinker51 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 10:03 PM

Cobrasnake, I can attest to the great help from the guys at BACC breakfast. They were very helpful when I was looking and patiently answered all my questions, pointed out the various differences, made suggestions for stuff I had not thought of. You should drop by for breakfast at Athens Burgers in Dublin and all who are there will be more than happy to share their knowledge. As Randy mentioned this Saturday might be a little slim because lots of the group are headed out on a trip but usually there are at least 15 to 20 cars that come. Top Of The Hill is top notch and can help you with everything.

cobrasnake · #11 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 10:30 PM

I will pass this Saturday. Next Saturday may go to Laguna Seca, so it may be two weeks. All you guys are great in your response to me and in the other threads I continue to ponder.

Sounds like no simple answer as to the engine - perhaps the guys at breakfast will shed some more light.

Any other thoughts are appreciated. Still looking for a good engine shop located on SF Peninsula.

Thanks -

Bill Wells · #12 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 03:27 AM

cobrasnake. can't speak to CHP or SB100, but a multitude of engine choices exist for you. as was suggested, go to the bay b'fast group and visit with other owners.

SVO crate engines/strokers are a good solid $ value engine choice for you as are a handful of custom builders. SVO Crate choices : 351w, 392 stroker, 460, 514 etc. ROUSH has a new 351 stroker out now too , with a warranty , that puts out 500 hp. shop em all...just remember, it is cheaper to add power on the front end of the buying process than it is later, so you might not think you want more power now, but once you get your car and get used to it you will undoubtedly say : why didn't i upgrade to the higher hp 'xyz' motor. so , think your decision thru carefully. you dont have to use the extra hp, but it will never be cheaper to get than the first engine you put in vs doing it later.

bill.

Tony Radford · #13 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 03:52 AM

I agree with Bill. When I bought my car a year and a half ago, it had a stock stroke 351 Windsor making around 400 HP. For a couple of thousand more I could have had what I'm getting now. Instead, I will be down $6K and no car for a month. The first you get your butt smoked on a straight away during a local Cobra cruise, you'll know what I mean. I also agree with the local engine builder. We in Atlanta are blessed to have Bill Parham and Southern Automotive. It makes the joy of Cobra ownership much better.