Shell Valley build coming along

GoMangoMan · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2011, 08:44 AM

I have been in love with Cobras since I saw the movie 'The Gumball Rally' at the tender age of 16. My younger cousin and I saw that movie 3 times that summer. I knew that someday I just had to own one. I am now at age 50 and the big 'C' word entered my vocabulary 3 1/2 years ago. I decided life had to be lived and this was the start! Kids are out of school and the second half of my childhood has begun!

I ordered a Shell Valley 1967 Cobra while visiting tables at the Import and Kit Car Nationals in Carlisle, Pa. this past May. The new owner/President Travis and salesman Dana are great to work with. They put up with my weekly phone calls, additions, changes without any complaints! (you will see photos of one of my changes: drilled/slotted rotors added)

My Ford 351w/435 hp powerplant, Tremec TKO-600 transmission came from Engine Factory in NJ. Chris, Bruce and Tim were great to work with. A video and photos were sent to me during and after the build was complete!

The body is ready to go to the painter at the end of this week i am being told and I am really feeling more and more excited. I chose Lamborghani Titanium for the base color and Cadillac black diamond for the stripes.

I'll update here as I get photos from Dana at Shell Valley. Here are some photos:

Avmaviator · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011, 07:57 AM

Looks awesome! Exciting. That is one hell of a pulley system they used on that engine!

GoMangoMan · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2011, 07:24 AM

Thanks! I was looking at the March pulleys but this one looked meaner and sort of whines like a blower. So I figured, "why not?"! (By the way... brushed Kirkham? Way too cool!)

YerDugliness · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2011, 10:15 AM

I toured the Shell Valley factory and met Dana a few years back, before the business changed owners. First class operation and people, to be sure!

I really liked the Shell Valley body!

I'm curious about the twin black "boxes" in the trunk...did you spec twin fuel cells?

Looks like it will be a real interesting build thread

!

Cheers from Dugly

GoMangoMan · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

I toured the Shell Valley factory and met Dana a few years back, before the business changed owners. First class operation and people, to be sure!

I really liked the Shell Valley body!

I'm curious about the twin black "boxes" in the trunk...did you spec twin fuel cells?

Looks like it will be a real interesting build thread

!

Cheers from Dugly

I haven't toured their facility personally but, they have photos on their website.

I was really impressed with their body, too. It seemed stronger and more firm with the kevlar they add to strengthen it. I was told it is going to the painter towards the end of this week.

As far as the black boxes? I'm not sure what that is. Perhaps I should ask?!?

I will update this thread as I receive photos from Dana and Travis!

HSC-ZL1 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 09:53 PM

I also have a car almost done at shell valley. I am pretty sure the trunk boxes are the floor drops for your feet. Just being stored in the trunk till installation

GoMangoMan · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSC-ZL1

I also have a car almost done at shell valley. I am pretty sure the trunk boxes are the floor drops for your feet. Just being stored in the trunk till installation

Is your car ordered with pearl white stripes?

HSC-ZL1 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011, 09:41 PM

Yes mine is the one with pearl white stripes. They just got the body back from paint and are finishing the rest of their end. I hope to pick the car up when I return from Argentina. I still hope to put some good break-in miles this year.

GoMangoMan · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2011, 12:28 PM

Good luck with it! Care to share what you are getting? I'd love to hear! (Don't forget photos)

HSC-ZL1 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2011, 07:25 PM

quick detail run lexus red mica with pearl white stripes
full kevlar body with footbox mods to widen foot box and spread pedals out
ZL-1 427 big block quicktime,ram clutch,tremec tko 5spd,3.50 ford 9"
wilwood 12.5", 4piston calipers billet wheels 17x7,17x11 with kumho extas
have some pics from Dana but I will need my son to show me how to post them. I am a dinosaur with computers.

GoMangoMan · #11 (**permalink**) 08-21-2011, 12:38 PM

That sounds awesome! Who built your engine? Which carb did you get? Did Dana tell you when it was being delivered? Are you in Pa.?

HSC-ZL1 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-22-2011, 08:12 AM

I'm in the Chicago area. The ZL-1 is a crate motor version of the original ZL-1 brought out in the late 60's. It is an all aluminum 427 big block with present day machining and all forged reciprocating parts. A carbuerated 10.1-1 comp motor for todays crap gasolines. An under 500lb big block that Dana is guessing will come in at around 2200lbs. It's my 60th birthday present to me.
I've always said growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
I will be heading out to SV when I get back to place seats with Travis and Dana. I'm still debating on a delivery or picking it up myself.

GoMangoMan · #13 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 05:53 PM

Isn't the ZL-1 a Chevrolet motor from the Camaro line? I sort of remember that from the late 60's (watching Mecum Auto Auction and hearing things, lol!). It sounds like a nice build and cannot wait to see it.

rustyBob · #14 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 08:10 PM

Who is doind the body work and paint for Shell Valley now ??

HSC-ZL1 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 08:48 PM

only 71 cars were ever built by GM with the ZL1. 69 camaros and 2 corvettes. An aluminum big block to offer the weight of a small block but maintain big block torque. Someone found the molds and GM built 427 heritage ZL1s. It also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Shell Valley is doing their own bodies in house with options of fiberglass or full kevlar fiber. One of the guys from the area Shannon works there some and does the paint. I.ve only seen pics of my body but am headed out there beginning september again to see and arrange to bring it home. I will try and post some pictures when I return from Argentina in a week. They also built the 2 1/8 inch headers which look pretty good.

rustyBob · #16 (**permalink**) 08-24-2011, 08:40 AM

Shannon does good work....

GoMangoMan · #17 (**permalink**) 08-25-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSC-ZL1

only 71 cars were ever built by GM with the ZL1. 69 camaros and 2 corvettes. An aluminum big block to offer the weight of a small block but maintain big block torque. Someone found the molds and GM built 427 heritage ZL1s. It also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Shell Valley is doing their own bodies in house with options of fiberglass or full kevlar fiber. One of the guys from the area Shannon works there some and does the paint. I.ve only seen pics of my body but am headed out there beginning september again to see and arrange to bring it home. I will try and post some pictures when I return from Argentina in a week. They also built the 2 1/8 inch headers which look pretty good.

Any word on your Cobra? Mine's right behind yours!

HSC-ZL1 · #18 (**permalink**) 08-26-2011, 11:50 AM

I return to the US on the 30th. Will talk to Dana on the 30th or the 1st about heading out for car. Won't know until then but will let you know.

GoMangoMan · #19 (**permalink**) 08-27-2011, 10:47 AM

I spoke with Travis yesterday. Seems as though I still have a wait ahead of me.

jojoegen · #20 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 08:36 AM

Hey mangoman,this is DOC from WV with the blue and silver 427 from the show.What's happening?Engine looks good.Getting excited yet?Won't be long per Dana,The more I get into changes in this car the more I see how fantastic this kit is and the more I see how sturdy and well built.Made the best choice in my book.Good luck my friend. DOC