Question;What's the average 427's 1/4mile time?

[I-zoom]

I know most of you run "the track" and not the 1/4 mile,but 75% of my racing is 1/4 mile and am debating over a 302 or 427?
So my question is what is the average 1/4 mile with the big block to the small block?
Thanks,

Newby!!

[Hotfingrs]

You just have to build the engine you want...and go for it.

[Tim Brewer]

Average 427 1/4 mile time is probably around 11 seconds, but depends on everything. BUT, there's a BIG difference between these two engines. A good average 302 is $5K, for a 427 $13K. Money and authenticity is the difference between the two engines.
Tim

[marcocsx3121]

As a seasoned drag guy, I'm sure that you realize that traction is a major problem with the high power to weight ratios that are possible with replica Cobras. Given deep enough pockets, a 2100 pound car with upwards of 500 HP at the wheels is easily attainable. If you can get such a beast to hook up, ETs in the high 9s are theoretically possible. With anything other than slicks (E.T. Streets included), low 11s are more likely.

If I was building a drag Cobra today, I'd forego the IRS and use a narrowed 9" Ford rear with a four link. That setup is much easier to tune for traction.

[Hotfingrs]

I agree with Marco...but would have to say, without the sticky tires, I don't think low 11's are that easy to come by...something around the 12's would be more realistic.

[Rick Bagley]

Newby,

There are no good answers to your question. Too many variables in the equiptment and the people operating it. These were never drag cars anyway except for DragonSnake cars.

[Excaliber]

I concur with Hotfingrs. The numbers I consistently hear from other members lead me to believe the "average" Club Cobra replica is in the 12's. Some low, some mid.

I ran 11.90 with mine and members who DO drag race commented that was an exceptional time. 12.1 or 12.2 is a very fast replica and I think "faster" than typical.

I've had drag racers come check out my car in the pit and comment how unusual it is to see a "road race", naturally aspirated NOT set up for drag racing 11 second car. THAT keeps the Cobra legend alive, and I like that.

I think a small block with nitrous and a 9" Ford rear would be even faster. But don't expect anyone to get to "excited" about it. Nitrous and blown "street" 302's are everywhere. And for good reason, there HALF the price of a 427!

"Justa6" runs a Buick V6, naturally aspirated, 9 second ET replica Cobra. Now THATS an impressive an small block!

[marcocsx3121]

This thread raises some interesting questions. The low 12s with street tires is consistent with my experience with 3121 back in the 70s. While I have no idea how much power my 427 was making, with truly lousy traction I turned a 12.2 second quarter at around 116 mph. At the time, I was pretty happy having driven 150 miles to the track and running the car in street trim (mufflers, air cleaner, etc.) Fast forward to today's hotter replicas: If we're to believe the dyno numbers, there are a bunch of these cars with over 500 RWHP and race weights of 2500-2700 pounds. Forgetting the E.Ts, these boys should trap at over 130, but it doesn't seem to be happening, or at least nobody is posting these kinds of speeds. Now over in Corvette land, there are true street cars, some even daily drivers, that are running low 10s at over 135 mph. These cars weigh over 3400 pounds with driver, and are in the 525-575 RWHP range. Doesn't compute. What am I missing?

[blykins]

I watched a MotorTrend episode where they tested a couple of the new CSX cars...one was a 289 FIA with a 350hp 302 and the other was a 427 S/C with a 485hp 427 FE. The 427 Cobra ran a 11.85.....the 289 car ran a 12.74.

[Hotfingrs]

The Corvettes aren't running low 10's on street tires. Marco, you're right 2500 lbs and 500 rwhp should yield better times, but if you can't put the power to the ground...it's useless. I run my ET Streets all the time.....only way I can get any type of traction.....

[Dennis Kelley]

Blykins

I remember seein that Motor Trend test on TV it was an interesting peice. I believe that a small block with appropriate build can run mid to low 12's but more likely it will run high 12 to low 13's. I'm still tuning but looking to go mid to low 12's. I think the 351 windsor would be almost as quick if not quicker and cheaper than a 427 with todays cylinder head tech. Most Stroker 351 windsors in my area are over 450 fwhp.Build what you want and make it run what you want that the fun of this hobby.

[marcocsx3121]

Hotfingrs: Right you are, those low 10s are on ET Streets. But it's the trap speeds that seem out of wack with the HP/weight ratios. One possibility: the Ford motors aren't making the power that everyone seems to think they are.

[Hotfingrs]

Marco, those mph's are right for low 10's. I run 10's at 130, but if the tires spin a little bit on the line, my et might go down a 1/10 but mph will go up 2-3 mph

[Hal Heindel]

Just something to shoot for: CSX 3159, the big block "King Cobra" owned and campaigned by Clem Hoppe and modified for drag racing by Motion Performance in Baldwin, NY set a NASCAR National Record with a 10.3 second pass at 133 mph. That was back in 1968!

http://www.dragonsnakes.com/independents.html

I agree with Marco: ETs in the high 9s should be possible with today's engines and tire technology.

Hal

[Excaliber]

Whats missing? The "will" to win!

I bet most owners, like myself, are unwilling to do what needs to be done to get those low ET's. My 427 makes 667 flywheel horse, I'm quite sure about this number.

I should EASILY be in the 10's. Traction is a serious issue and I will NOT run "slicks" and risk breaking my running gear.

My 60 ft time is really SLOW, 2 plus seconds. Heck almost EVERYBODY gets me out of the hole! But that motor never quits pulling, at the end I overtake them. Makes for a helluva race, the fans love that "come from behind" finish!

One guy that beats me and it pisses me off: A twin turbo charged, nitrous injected, Viper running 10" slicks. He's in the 10's. Oh well, always someone faster.

NO power adders on my car!

[marcocsx3121]

Hal: Speaking of Clem Hoppe, another blast from the past: apparently, Hoppe ended up owing his mechanic in NJ some money, and the guy put a lien on all Clem's miscellaneous Cobra pieces. In 1974, I located the mechanic and was able to fill an entire 8 foot pickup bed with parts for $500. Included were five Halibrand mags, a 427 top oiler shortblock, several sunburst wheels with original Good Year blue dot tires, etc.

BTW, was Hoppe's car converted to a solid axle? I recall that Joel Rosen's (Motion) 289 drag Cobra had been changed.

[rritchey]

Marco,

You're pretty brave talking bad about FE's that way....

I don't think there are very many cobras out there with 500 RWHP. If you are going to put 500HP at the rear wheels you need a good bit over 600 at the crank. When you start pumping that much air, the sidepipes and mufflers tear you up.

There vast majority I'd say are in the 350 to 450 RWHP range. This would be between 425 to 550 crank HP. Besides, you could have 1000 RWHP in a cobra and struggle to get in the 10's without slicks and suspension mods.

Don't forget that your corvette has the motor and tranny sitting right on top of the rear tires (if it is new enough)..... a cobra has a little bit of aluminum or 'glass back there.

[Double Venom]

I've posted this before, but will gladly post it again.
Tounge in cheek though
CI's 488, RWHP 427 (aint that a coincidence?)

9" rear end with 3.55:1 gears
Transmission- T-56 (6-speed)
Ton of testing and tuning both front and rear suspension
finally got to consistant at 11.01 @ 128 mph 60' at 1.51
Car: Classic Roadsters
Weight: 2753
Balance with me in the seat 50/50
Mickey Thompson Street Tires

I was just about to go after "HOTFINGERS" and a funny thing happened on the way to DVSF IV...I gave the car away

Ed 'DV' Combs

[Clois Harlan]

At Run and Gun two years ago I turned 11.70's on 10" slicks (I know I am running a 428 CJ) and Wayne Turpin turned 10.88 in his 427 SO. Also, Bob Self and George Anderson may have been quicker than Wayne that year.

My first year at R&G I was running a 335 hp 302 w/ 3.73 gears and a T-5. My best time as I recall was a 12.81 before I tore the transmission up and opted to install a big block. I haven't looked back since.

Clois Harlan

[marcocsx3121]

Not bad mouthing FEs; I love that motor, but just wish it was truly competitive on a HP/cubic inch basis to the LS6 Chevy. As for weight distribution, the urban legend about the original CSX 427s was 48/52, while C5 'Vettes are closer to 50/50. If this is true, weight on the rear wheels can't be the answer.