Classic Roadsters Running Special?

kanuck · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2002, 08:53 AM

I read in an other post that CR was running some kind of deal or special anybody khow what it is? And is there any differance between a big block
version and a small block one in regards to ie: frame
chassis
foot room
sitting at an angle
other?
thanks kanuck

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2002, 01:41 PM

Kanuck,

They will run a special anytime they have someone close to buying but just hasn't crossed the line yet. I'm serious here! When the "speal" comes out about the special, you've just about got the best price your going to get.

Now the difference between the BB and SB frame. This is one of the changes we tried to get CR's to do for years, and they finally did it.

The frames are identical, except the inner frame rails. Remember they used to make a single frame, BB only,which of course fit all small blocks too! The problem as we saw it, most sales and build jobs were for small blocks.

Using the single frame style left a huge amount of wasted space between the transmisson and the frame. (Off course this took up a bunch of foot room.) So...CR's finally took the inner frame rails, moved them inward, toward the transmission, opening up the footwell even more. The bottom line is you now have a choice, standard footwell area, BB frame, or larger footwell, SB frame.

So there you have it. Any questions just give me a call.

DV

Jack21 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2002, 02:24 PM

By small block, do you (CR) mean specifically 302, or does this include 351's also? There does seem to be a goodly amount of wasted space above the bellhousing, but not much on the sides.

What would you recommend for 351W's, big block frame, or small block frame?

jdean · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2002, 05:08 PM

One thing to note though....

If you decide to use an automatic with a BB, the small block frame will work. So tht way you can run BB and have the extra room.

ohn

Double Venom · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2002, 06:36 PM

Small block IS technically described as 400 c.i. or less!

Our Viper engines "were" originally defined as a small block since it came from a 360 engine. That was fun while it lasted!

OK, lets really muddy the waters. I didn't want to get into it, but yes you CAN run/install a BB motor in the new "larger footwell" frames. But, it depends on the tranny. Can you still use a T-5? YUP, you sure can. In other words, slap that 460 in there with a TKO-R-Z-OD, but be prepared to use a hydraulic clutch mechanism.

I love these cars!

DV

kanuck · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 06:59 AM

This forum is awsome more info than you know what to do with but keep it comming! What are the pro's
and cons of front ends with struts and those without, apart from the cleaner less clutterd look
that the strutless have. I know struts are less $$$
even thow they have more parts [still haven't figured that one out]does one handle better that
they other please clear this up for me. And is there really that much more room between bb sb
foot wells is there a noticable differance my big
clumbsy size 13's can use all the room they can get!
PS
I have driven almost all of the major mfg of cobras with 90" wheel bases even the ones that
say they have more room and some actually do with
there droped floors and lowered seats ect but I still feel cramped and could not correct the car
in a situation where skillful driving would be needed to avoid a bad out come. [this is not a testament to my driving skills I have driven modifieds and latemodels for years and have a nascar licence] And can't help feeling this is a
factor in some these cobra related incedents of late. Mind you this is just an obsevation but it is something to think about.
thanks kanuck

Double Venom · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 07:10 AM

K...

I know all the hype, sat in almost every make of Cobra, except a JBL...gotta find a JBL, and bottom line, I haven't found one yet that has as much "footwell" as "Roadsters." You might give serious thoughts, even with a Roadsters car to go with an automatic. I know, I know, but with today's "slush boxes", bottom line is they are usually stronger and definately faster.

Struts: I'm going to take a beating on this, but, I think strutless is more hype than anything. We build many streetrods, and I think this is where the "strutless look" came from. (I know it is)

If you really, really want to get "trick" on this, throw away the "Fixed" strut rod and replace with one that is set up with a heim joint type end. Absolutely eliminates any binding, and IS fully adjustable for those that have to be able to adjust everything!

DV -- Let the Flames begin!

dscott · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 08:17 AM

I have a CR in here now with the 427 and a toploader in it. With my size 13's I have to side step the gas and brake which could be a problem in an emergency. With the big block frame and the auto, no problem, I use the small brake pedal and it gives plenty of room. With the small block frame I have no problem with pedals. The only thing I do is move the gas pedal to the right about 1/2". The pedal set is the same for either frame.

I agree with DV on the struts. It is a much cleaner look but I'm not sure you gain anything.

I have never noticed that you sit at an angle in the CR. I do notice it in other mfg cars. The only thing I don't like about the CR is the height of the seat. The foam they use now is too stiff. It's still very comfortable but I sit too high. I take out about half of the foam so I can sit it the car and actually look through the windshield instead of over it. I have short legs so I sit tall in the car.
Don

Richard Hudgins · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 09:25 PM

Hi Dv,

Just quick bit of information for you.

The footbox on the JBL is 17 inches wide inside dimensions.

With the standard layout, this gives 5 inches on the left side for a dead pedal.

If you would like a Drawing of the area, I can forward to you.

Double Venom · #10 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 09:49 PM

Richard,

Seventeen inches! I heard rumors that your drivers footbox was huge. What in the world did you guys do? Eliminate the passanger foot box all together?

Richard, you've got to send me one of your cars so I can disect and bisect every square inch!

Lets see...the DVSF III is still looking for a donor for next years raffle! Ok, low blow, but at least you guys should be here next year! The "Family" wants to see one!

DV

petek · #11 (**permalink**) 07-22-2002, 10:05 PM

Seventeen inches of WIDTH??? Ok, I've got it, the engine, tranny, and differential are all offset 8 inches towards the passeneger's side ... must turn better to the left than the right

Richard Hudgins · #12 (**permalink**) 07-23-2002, 09:19 AM

DV,

The driver and passenger footvoxes are the same size. 17 inches inside dimension.

I am sure that JBL would love for you to have a car. You will be able to see a car at Mr. Bruce's berfore too long. (Daytona) The chassis will be very similar, but there will be some engine bay differences due to the fitment of the Ford 4 cam.

Maybe one of JBL's customers can come to the Fling next year. As JBL never has the time to build a shop car, it would be hard for them to bring out anything.

Also, JBL would certainly love to give you a raffle car, but they are way too small a company to be able to afford a freebe. Sorry, but that is the fiscal reality of things.