I love Cobras!

[Dashh]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to Club Cobra, having joined with the intention of owning a Cobra sooner than later, and needing assistance with an question. I'm not really technically inclined, although I love cars, and therefore don't really understand engines, etc.

My question: I have a Mercruiser 454, just rebuilt and bored and stroked, which generates 500+ hp on a dyno. Right now it's in a crate. It was intended for a boat which wasn't worth the hassle, and I've been considering putting it into a car. Would it work in a Cobra?

Thanks.

[rustyBob]

NO...NO WAY....WONT WORK....CANT DO IT....AAAAAHHHHHH.........big block chevy's in a Cobra..........yeah you could BUT they resale for half of what Ford powered Cobra does........it would be more at home in a VEGA or a CITATION or a DUMP TRUCK....just kidding........not.

[RICK LAKE]

Dashh Dash you will need to find a cobra manufacturer that will change the motor supports in the frame for a BBC motor. Trans mount may need to be changed for length also. Wiring is wiring. Cooling system with a good 3-4 core radiator should control cooling. Does this motor have the correct rotation? You will need to check hood clearance with this motor depending on intake manifold and carb. This car is for you, if this is what you want in it, do it. There are not alot of cobras running motors other than FORD ones. Havr you thought about buying a cobra already done and using this motor to have a down payment? That BBC is also a 700+ pound hunk of iron. 95% of the guys are trying to lighten the car, not have a boat anchor in the front end. Aluminum heads ,intakes, brakes calipers, drive shafts, blocks, and trannies cases, are all for saving weight. Your BBC motor is a good power unit, most guys just don't mix and match companies. What trans are you looking at? Which ever way you go, write up a plan and stay with it. Rick L.

[Dwight]

Did you install a cam for a boat motor in the 454? Would this cam be acceptable for street use? My friend is a Ford mechanic who is rebuilding a boat. He installed a 351W in the boat. He called Comp Cams and they recommended a special cam for boat motors. Low rpm but lots of torque for pulling skiers.

Never put anything but a Ford motor in a Cobra, Never

Dwight

[Dashh]

Rick,

Thanks for your input. In truth, I can't say I necessarily "wanted" to put THIS engine in a Cobra, I have always wanted to build a Cobra and since I had the motor, I thought I'd see if it was a good fit or not.

Based upon what everyone said, as well as your comments about weight, it would seem best if I did not use it in a Cobra. I hadn't considered your idea about using it for a down payment, but I thought that was insightful. Do you know where I'd start looking to do something like that? It is truly a magnificent engine, never used since the rebuild, and was rebuilt by a very well-known boat engine company in Miami, but I don't know where to look for someone who'd consider that sort of negociation.

Thanks - Dashh

[FUNFER2]

Listen to Rick, he knows his s***.