Let's talk about BEST UPGRADES....

[RedBarchetta]

I'm curious what other Cobra owners have done to their cars shortly after purchasing them, or over the long haul.

Which upgrades really gave you (in your opinion) the best $$$ value and performance? I'm thinking along the lines of upgrades like accusumps, fire suppression systems, bigger brakes, or even cosmetic items like jet-hot coatings and aluminum/braided steel "underhood" components.

I'm fortunate to have purchased a pre-owned SPF in which the previous owner had accomplished a lot of nice upgrades, but I'm already looking at accusumps for starters.

Let's build a list!

-Deano

[colin mullaney]

..........then traction!

[RACERAL]

Believe it or not, you can tacky up a cobra.. to much, is ,sometimes too much.
If you have a spf.. I doubt it to much you can do to make it look better.

[trularin]

I'm with Al on this one.

Too much is... too much.

[ENTDOC]

I think an accusump is in my future but I am torn on some cosmetic items.I think you can go too far on the braided lines ect. and create more of a street rod look,but I am considering ceramic coating my intake and water pump more for easy upkeep than looks.I definitly do not want it too shiney. chuck

[Hal Copple]

as the driver of a high mileage, much used SPF, i have some opinions on these sorts of cars. I bought mine new, but pretty basic.

I have put thousands of dollars and many hours in modifications to my car in the interim. But i do have some thoughts on the far side of these sorts of things. I don't know what you have, but i would first get yourself a good helmet, and driving gloves, and driving shoes, and start looking for a track event. Your participation will depend on a number of things, esp your rollbar.

Once you have outfitted yourself, then you can start on the car.

On a "used" car, i would first put it like new, ie, all new fluids, radiator, brake pads perhaps. Maybe new rubber if your tires are more than three years old. Check to see if you need new CV boots, any leaks anywhere of significance. Tighten every bolt you can reach. Lube what needs lube. Check every hose clamp. Torque the wheel pins.

In order, i would put in a shift lite. Then some sort of fire extinguisher, i have both a Halon one on the rear bulkhead, and a bigger trunk mounted one, directed to both me and the engine. Get a small air pump to carry for a low tire.

Upgrade your brakes to the Wilwoods, if you have an older car. Ask the SPF guys for opinions on upgraded shocks for an older car. The larger rear "oltoff" sway bar makes a big difference, too.

A car cover if you will be staying out in the rain much. Paint the inside of the rear light aluminum "boxes" gloss white, makes you much more visible from the rear.

Eventually, an Accusump is nice, as are things like a fuel pressure gage, and so much more. Like extra rims, race tires, higher roll bar,

Don't forget what ever tools you might need, a good jack, jack stands, chocks,

Us SPF guys have lots of ideas and suggestions for you, feel free to ask.

be careful out there....

[bobl]

Someone mentioned brakes... could not agree more if you don't have a 4 piston setup.

The upgrade to which I'm most anticipating and looking forward to is the one most often overlooked.... a 4 day high performance driving school. Its maybe the best investment of all.

[grumpy]

RedBarchetta,
I was led a couple of years ago to beleive that the SPF came with 4 piston brakes as standard fare.
Do they or do they not?
grumpy

[KobraKarl]

Cigar lighter........Best bang for the buck

KK

[Hal Copple]

Grumpy, the factory went to the four piston Dynalite's at about car number 700 or so, nearly four years ago. I put them on my earlier car several years ago.

[TerrysSPF]

Deano: I don't know what heads you have on your 392 stroker, but I hear the AFR 185's or 205's will add a good 75-100 HP over the stock GT40x heads on the Ford crate 392. As mentioned, an accusump would be nice.......maybe upgrade to a Demon carb (just thinking of things I may do.......), another set of tires - either 17 PSE's, or 15 inchers with either the BFG drag radials on the back, or perhaps some nice non-DOT big lettered GoodYears! I'm also dying to install a toggle switch starter (with the red aircraft cover) on the car..........just got one for Christmas! ........Hal: I know you have one......are they hard to install??

[Hal Copple]

no, not hard at all. Why don't you email me privately, and i'll walk you thru it.

[RedBarchetta]

To reply to several of you (thanks for the inputs), SPF747 already is outfitted with the following:

- Wilwood 4 wheel disc brakes
- A full Halon system (engine and footwells) and a separate hand-held halon extinguisher between the seats.
- Edelbrock Victor Jr cylinder heads
- A Mighty Demon carb

There is more than enough flash under the hood and I agree that it can be overdone. That's why I was considering an accusump as a reasonable first mod. Second on my list would be an extra set of rims and tires (17's), but that's a pretty steep add-on $$ wise.

Hal, your point about tightening every nut and bolt that you can reach is excellent advice!

[mrud]

Has anyone put in a line lock for the front brakes so you can spin the rears with the car standing still. If so, where did you purchase parts and is it effective?
Regards,
Mrud

[RICK LAKE]

mrud You can get a line lock from Jeg's or Summit. You will have to do some wiring to the shifter and run brake line to the soleniod. You will need a relay. power ground switch on the dash to turn the system on and off. I would get a washer tank from era and mount it in the trunk with two hoses to spray on the tires This will make it easier on the drivetrain to start a burn out any time. DON"T add Bleach unless you want the car on FIRE!!! Rick Lake

[Hal Copple]

Rick, when i occasionally drag, i always drive around the water/bleach pit, but that is to avoid wheel tramp.

What is it that causes fire?

[JRC3]

Deano,

Hal and others have mentioned specifics, my response is more general.

I would drive your car for a few months to determine what you like the most about it as it stands and what things you want to improve.

Other posts voice concern of creating a "street-car" look under the hood, but its really boils down to how you want it to look! A different set of HT leads and valve-covers for instance might be something to consider if you want a lesser street-rod appearance.

I got my car in September and its taken me about 800 miles to begin to 'learn' my car and rank what improvements I want to make.

Be careful out there...

[RedBarchetta]

JC, good advice!

Thus far I've had all of four driving experiences with this car and, in all honesty, I think the factory looking (reverse Mustang) shifter lever has got to go. I drove another SPF with the "stubby" shifter handle that they offer on SCOF ($100) and it felt soooooo much more smooth. With my gorilla arms it just feels "different"....I doubt I'll get used to it. Seems like money well spent for my particular orientation, plus I can keep the other for later.

The other "mod" will be one to help me fit in the car slightly better. The driver's seat is presently on an adjustable track. I'm 6'3" and I can gain perhaps an inch of "drop" by removing the tracks all together and bolting the seat to the floor. I'm the only driver so I'm the least concerned about adjustability.

[Hal Copple]

one way to get more "room" in an SPF is to call dennis olthoff, and get a set of his machined risers for the front of the seats, they raise it up about an inch, thus giving some bend to your legs, which makes a big difference in perceived room and comfort. I could't believe how nice they are thus modified.

I am an honest 6 foot 2, and have to drive with my seat one or occasionally click up from full to the rear. Dennis' machined risers will do that for you!! Plus, if you put on a leather wheel (steering of course!), it gives about an inch more room to the bottom and sides, makes a big difference in thigh room.

Nice pics in your gallery.

Fun car, huh??

[RedBarchetta]

Hal, thanks! And, yes, the car is a blast. The previous owner installed the leather wheel, and I have the wood Moto Lita one in a box if I ever show the car. You are correct...the leather wheel definitely gives you more thigh room.

Guess I'll have to give Dennis a call about that riser......