Hey Computerworks

[blykins]

In your research in the Cobra registry, have you ever ran across a Cobra with a 390FE?

[Excaliber]

Seems to me the "Flip Top" first engine was a 390. Now what was that rumor about an "aluminun" 390?

Ernie

[Cal Metal]

It was an aluminum 390 that had, actually, been placed in CSX 2286, which was the prototype chassis used in the construction of the other Daytona Coupes. This particular chassis was eventually stretched 3" longer than the 289 cid chassis to accomodate the FE engine.

The intent was to run 2286 at Reims with the 390 in '64. The car was damaged on the transporter from Modena to Le Mans. Project was abandoned and it was returned to SAI where it was reconverted to a 289 stock wheelbase, as well installing the 289 cid engine.

The 390 eventually became part of the Ken Miles Flip Top project, where it ran at Nassau in '64 but broke early.

[Excaliber]

For Ford to make an alloy engine 390 must have been a MAJOR undertaking. How many of those alloy engines did they make I wonder?

Ernie

[Cal Metal]

It was undoubtedly built, not for the Cobra program, but for Ford's effort in NASCAR. While Shelby brought Ford needed publicity, SAI was still small in relation to Ford's "big picture". There was even talk of Ford withdrawing support for CS as early as '63.

[Excaliber]

That makes sense, a NASCAR research type engine. The fact that Shelby got one does say a lot about his "pull" within Ford management at the time.

With talk of removing support for him at some point it must have a been a "love/hate" relationship.

I'm guessing Ford was not "that happy" about having to go to Shelby to "fix" their GT-40. I would think that was really a burr under the saddle for Ford management.

Ernie

[Cal Metal]

"A funny thing happened on the way to the forum......." SAI kept winning races, winning races, and winning races. The Ford GT was stock in 1st gear and going no where fast in '63 and '64.