200mph Cobra... we'll see....

[289fia_cobra]

https://www.facebook.com/100oct/phot...type=3&theater

[mikeinatlanta]

Yep, we'll see. I'm betting that if in the configuration pictured the answer will be no.

[SSCobra]

I have seen the car at the same shop as Ted works on mine, best of luck to him on hitting 200!

[fordracing65]

It's easily done. The cars have enough power to do it in a straight line. Especially if dick smith can hit 198 over 30 years ago it can be done today with proper downforce.

[mikeinatlanta]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

It's easily done. The cars have enough power to do it in a straight line. Especially if dick smith can hit 198 over 30 years ago it can be done today with proper downforce.

I'm not thinking that power is the concern. Looking at the single photo I see a few potential issues. They may or may not be of concern with the very limited information about the car in the photo.

First is the windshield. Aerodynamics aside, the big question for me is the ability of the stock frame and glass attachment to take the forces seen at 200. I know how my original glass and frames are built and wouldn't consider mid or high triple digits without a serious redesign of the glass frame and posts. I would hate to eat a windshield at 200.

Next issue would be similar to the downforce you mentioned. IMHO, the most significant aero design flaw of the 427 style body is an excessively large radiator inlet and complete lack of post radiator airflow management. With the original design, all that radiator air must be forced to exit under the car, which is already a high pressure area without a proper airdam/splitter. All of this creates significant lift, which isn't the safe way to do high speed work.

Last issue from the photo would be potential of lift being created by the front wheel well pressures. Can't see where that area has been addressed.

[fordracing65]

I heard at about 170mph the windshield frame will start to bend.

[Tim7139]

200 with those aerodynamic considerations ? ahhhhhhhhhhhh..........no.

[dcdoug]

Wouldn't Dick Smith have had a low profile racing windshield when he hit 198?

[fordracing65]

Csx 4227 went 199mph. No windshield. There is a post on CC about it.

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

I heard at about 170mph the windshield frame will start to bend.

You can see it bend at 150 it is a major concern, hope he removes it or adds a hard top.

[289fia_cobra]

According to hearsay, it's a 511 cid. alum. block w/Webers!
~ 700HP, ~730 Ft.-Lbs. and 6 speed gear box.

The windshield will be replaced with a low profile driver-only wind screen.
Taking a page from Ferrari and working some undercarriage panels to induce some additional downforce. Would of liked to see the rear...