Engine / Transmission. Which way to go.

Coldcomfort · #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 12:13 PM

So the brain picking begins. I have been doing some looking around and have almost set my mind on the Coyote engine with a Tremec 6 speed manual gearbox. Is there any reason not to go down this path. What ever engine I decide on it will be new. And a ford....

Cheers all.

leroy17 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 01:40 PM

LS with a 8 throttle body cross ram intake and clockwise rotation water pump.

You and anyone will be pleased at what they are looking at, that it being or not being a ford will have no bearing.

PHMCobra · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 06:16 PM

My Backdraft Cobra has a Roush 427R engine (550 HP, 528 FT.LBs.) and power is transferred through a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual Transmission (Model TUET11010). The drive shaft is connected to a 3.46:1 rear differential. 1st gear-2.66, 2nd gear-1.78, 3rd gear-1.30, 4th gear-1.00, 5th gear-0.80, 6th gear-0.63. Just perfect for my street and freeway driving. I am not a racer. (70 MPH @ 2000 RPM)

twobjshelbys · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHMCobra

My Backdraft Cobra has a Roush 427R engine (550 HP, 528 FT.LBs.) and power is transferred through a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual Transmission (Model TUET11010). The drive shaft is connected to a 3.46:1 rear differential. 1st gear-2.66, 2nd gear-1.78, 3rd gear-1.30, 4th gear-1.00, 5th gear-0.80, 6th gear-0.63. Just perfect for my street and freeway driving. I am not a racer. (70 MPH @ 2000 RPM)

The question is from an owner in Australia. They have some pretty draconian rules there. There is practically no way around the choice of the Coyote or LS.

If you have to go with a modern engine then at least stay with Ford

Dimis · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldcomfort

So the brain picking begins. I have been doing some looking around and have almost set my mind on the Coyote engine with a Tremec 6 speed manual gearbox. Is there any reason not to go down this path. What ever engine I decide on it will be new. And a ford....

Cheers all.

Depending on you choice of kit/car the coyote may require some modifications due to its extra girth. Sometimes this involves modifying foot boxes potentially resulting in reduced leg room.
On the 6spd, you may need to widen the trans tunnel to accommodate a t56. Also, it’s likely to cause issues with the short drive shaft that cobras have. Again reducing interior space, possibly limiting your seat options.

That all said, there are many cars that run the combo you’ve mentioned. It’s a sound choice.

Leroy17 however makes a lot of sense. It’s sage advice.
The LS option will be best bang for buck and is likely to give you fewer headaches to install. Sticking and 8 stack on it will blow most everyone’s mind (mine included, the look is pure awesomeness). But know this for sure, if you dont go ford, I’ll certainly pick on you.

Welcome, congrats, and best wishes with your project.
Thanks for sharing.

Coldcomfort · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2018, 10:45 PM

Thanks guys. I am leaning towards the Absolute Performance kit. They mention the coyote as an option.... Does this mean that it is a drop in and smile fit? Or would I still have to do mods as mentioned? And although I have nothing against the LS motor I am definately going down the ford path..... I ve had ford V8's since I was 21. XC 351 auto with a ford tow pack got it all started....

ssv ute · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 12:44 AM

Hi Brian,

Personally i have red and blue blood running through my veins. For me it is what ever makes the most logical and economic sense. I am going for LS2 and 6 speed manual, as Dimis said, the LS is a compact motor.I had a look at a couple of Cobra's that had 260 Boss motors and it was practically a body of job to remove the rocker covers. Parts are also readily available and more reasonably priced.
What ever you use though will be awesome.

Richard

Krait · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 02:15 AM

Having owned and competed in Japanese cars for years I did consider a Toyota V8 but in the end decided that a nod to the USA was necessary. The car was designed to use a Commodore IRS diff so a LS2 and T56 seemed to be the way to go. So far have had no reason to regret the decision.

xb-60 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 03:24 AM

Coldcomfort,
Follow your instinct and stick with something with a Ford badge in a Cobra replica.
I am using a SBF 302 Tickford engine (mated to a Toploader) in my AP FIA replica as it is from the same engine family as the original 260/289 Cobras. Attitudes here in Australia to engine choice are a little more....er.....lax....but over the pond, 90% of builders go with engines from the correct family in their Cobra replicas.
Cobra replicas are typically so light in weight that (IMO) you don't need to go chasing ultimate power to have the fastest car on the block.

Bottom line, though, is that it's your car, so go with what pushes your buttons. Enjoy the process!

Cheers,
Glen

Zedn · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 05:08 AM

LS the world!

Treeve · #11 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 06:05 PM

Don't believe the hype of a T56 - go a TKO600 instead, the gear ratios are effectively the same 1-4, and it's not like you really will notice 100-200rpm cruising difference. The gear shift is infinitely nicer 2-3 on a TKO than a T56, and the gear shift location can be exactly where it should be for a cobra with a TKO.
For engine, it depends which state you're in but it's not impossible to get a Windsor rego'd, and that's the way I'd be going over a Coyote or an LS.
Don't do an 8 stack as you won't pass emissions or noise testing.

Gaz64 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 06:18 PM

LS9 with a TKO600.

Factory titanium rods, 638hp.

Or an LSA, second choice.

The Coyote is nice, and can make big power, just too wide to work on.

Gary

xb-60 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeve

.... it's not impossible to get a Windsor rego'd....

Correct. It's not impossible. In fact in SA, it's easy. A non-modified Windsor gets a tick in the box after it's passed a CO2 test at idle and a noise test at idle

Cheers,
Glen

LoBelly · #14 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 06:39 PM

CCCV (Victorian Club) has a member with a Coyote in a Pace - he is delighted with the car.

There are also several with modular/coyote/cammer engines in Superformance's and a couple of Kenmer's with Modular engines in the club.

Research time is important - so is eyeballing and talking to folk about their experiences.
All good stuff. Have fun.

Coldcomfort · #15 (**permalink**) 03-25-2018, 07:22 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. I will be in the US June next year. I plan on buying my engine/transmission then. I will freight it to myself. Please excuse my ignorance when I ask these questions..... if I bought a tremec 6 speed box, can I order it with customised gear ratios?

Treeve · #16 (**permalink**) 03-26-2018, 05:05 AM

Sure, but 4th will still be 1:1 and then you have two overdrive gears which is a wank factor thing and it doesn’t address the ****ful 2-3 change. If you want custom gearing you may as well buy a really good box and not bother with tremec at all but go down the path of a proper box like quaife, for example. The TKO 600 is rated to a continuous 600lbft torque, which is bloody impressive. All whilst offering you a shifter location which is perfect for a cobra without modifications and a slick gear change.

Gaz64 · #17 (**permalink**) 03-26-2018, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeve

Sure, but 4th will still be 1:1 and then you have two overdrive gears which is a wank factor thing and it doesn’t address the ****ful 2-3 change. If you want custom gearing you may as well buy a really good box and not bother with tremec at all but go down the path of a proper box like quaife, for example. The TKO 600 is rated to a continuous 600lbft torque, which is bloody impressive. All whilst offering you a shifter location which is perfect for a cobra without modifications and a slick gear change.

Yes, TKO or a high end Quaife 5 speed would be far superior to a T56.

I've always hated the shifter feel and the worst 2-3 of any cars I know, including most FWDs.

6 speed sells cars, but do you need .75, and then a .50 6th gear?

Gary

stephen low · #18 (**permalink**) 03-26-2018, 04:10 PM

Coldcomfort

I swapped out a clapped out T5 I'd originally bought behind my AU Windsor for a TKO600 and can only confirm the comments regarding this gearbox's versatility.

Cruising at 100kph in 5th is 1850 - 1900 revs for me with a 3.45 diff and hill work needs me in 4th with the little 5 litre but is ideal for maintaining speed whilst a shift to 3rd gives me plenty of poke for overtaking.

I imported mine, but for not much more I'd recommend working through Mal Wood in Qld for local supply and support to help overcome any technical issues and queries that might arise.

Steve

Gaz64 · #19 (**permalink**) 03-27-2018, 04:01 AM

Come to think of it, a 5-3 shift is as bad as a 2-3, so a rapid downshift is not as easy as some. One of my cars was near impossible to miss third gear 2-3 or 5-3, was like playing a game console.

And yet, in a few customers cars I could never replicate that type of shift, would baulk every time.

A stock T56 is ok, but no good for hard shifting.

I hate wasting time out of gear.

Gary

Modena · #20 (**permalink**) 03-27-2018, 04:18 AM

A stock T-56 might have these issues, but with careful setup and shimming, they go straight from 2-3 in one push, I know because mine does. The stock ones I've had in other cars are pretty **** in comparison.

6th is certainly not "wank factor" in my cobra, I have a 3.7:1 diff, and at 110kmh I wouldn't want to be sitting in 5th for a long time. In 6th it's about 1850rpm which is just nice for long highway work. Agreed TKO600 is a "better" box, in any case.