West Coast (builder, apparently)...

To all,

Sorry for the confusing topic. I'm looking for any information on a company called West Coast (I'm not sure if it's West Coast Performance, or what, I'm still digging into that). They build replica Cobras, and I'm looking at buying one.

Of particular interest to me, is the engine.

It's claimed to be a *DOVE Nascar*, 460 block. The car is badged as a 427 obviously, but the dealer is claiming this *DOVE Nascar* 460 is what's installed. They're also claiming 525 HP at the crank.

I've done the preliminary checking, but I haven't done all the digging I need to. However, I'm looking for whatever background I can.

I know DOVE makes performance parts, but do they actually throw their name (along with Nascar's) on a single mill?

Sorry for the lack of expertise, my experience is more in the marine world, so I'm more familiar with Mercruiser (Chevy blocks) performance parts, than Ford equip.

As well, I'm curious as to a recommendation on the price. They're asking $55,000 Cdn (~$37,500 USD) for the car, with 3 yr / 60,000 km warranty.

While I'd love to build the car myself from the ground up, I simply don't have the time, or space to successfully do so. Any advice from more experienced people would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pat

There is a West Coast Cobra out of Canada. I have owned one of their cars. Its a quality car if built properly. Larger and more exagerated lines than the original more aggresive looking. It is designed for a 460 Ford engine.

As for the engine as I have said publicly before I would not have a Dove manufactured part in one of my cars if it was for free.

If you want more info on Wesy Coast Cobra EMail me.

Len

Pat,
While I am not familiar with West Coast cobras or whatever it is, I have heard negative comments about Dove. However, if the dealer is offering a warranty like the one you mentioned you might have a pretty decent car.
One thing to keep in mind about the engine is that it sounds like it was built to be a racing engine, you know, high compression ratio, high octane fuel, hard to start, etc. You may want to find out more about it before making up your mind. Of course if racing is what you have in mind....
Frankly I'm surprised that the dealer would offer a warranty on an engine like this!
Oh well, best of luck to you! I hope it turns out well and we add another Cobra owner to our flock!
Cheers
Jim

See, that's interesting. I've talked to several people who race professionally, and have claimed that Dove is the brand to go with, and that Dove was essentially worth their weight in gold. (How heavy is aluminum again??? ;-))

As to the engine itself, I'm checking with the builder about specifics on it. I've of the opinion so far that it's built to be a race engine, and while that is the majority of what I want to do with it, I'm not so serious as to want to eliminate it as an occasional cruiser either. I'd rather drive to the track, than trailer it down!

Problem is, if I'm running 12.5:1, then it's likely that all I'm burning is race fuel, and at $4 / gallon, it's an expensive trip to the track every week!

I still haven't found out any details on the "Dove Nascar" side of it, as the Nascar would tend to make me think it's a side-oiler 427, but the dealer is claiming it's a 460 block. Nascar never sanctioned the 460's though, so why call it that?

Pat

Pat

I will need to take the time to write up my experiance with Dove under consumer watch. The product was not good and they refused to stand behind their warrenty. The problem cost me a lot of money to correct. There is a record of this with the Cleveland BBB they were unable to get a response from Dove. If I had it to do over again I would have filed a law suite it would have cost me as much as the damages but in principle it would have been worth it.

I think if you research enough you will find as I did (unfortunatly after the fact) that the majority of experienced engine builders will stay away from Dove.

Today there are so many legitimate FE and 385 series parts suppliers there is no reason to take a chance.

Do what you want but remember "I TOLD YOU SO".

Len

Patrick
Just wondering if this car is a Silver with Blue stripes car from the St. Catherines area that was at the Classic Car Auction at the International Center a couple of weeks ago. Anyway can't help you much in the engine advice area since if a small block guy but West Coast is owned by Vern and Debbie Riddel out of Windsor Ontario. I found their website once under "Cobra Country". Their chassis are well built but not for performance, A friend of mine in Bolton has a West Coast with w 429SCJ with aluminum heads and a C6 Auto, does a respectable 12.6 in the 1/4 mile and tips the scales at a whopping 3300#. Track times and autocross are right at the bottom at this years R&G, BUT he drove the 800 miles there and back. He puts between 6000 & 7000 miles a year on his car and thats what he built it for.
Andy

Dove had foundry problems a year or two ago. Their blocks were pourous and had a tendency to crack. Thier water pumps leak alot too.

I think they switched foundry's but they are not the only game in town when it comes to aluminum parts, they are readily available from a number of manufacturers. I stay away from Dove parts.

[Back in Black]

I have a West Coast cobra turnkey under construction right now (12-01) The car is designed for the largest , baddest motors, and with them can be very competitively driven. Mine will have about 630 ponies as delivered, and I suspect 1/4 times will be in the 10 or 11 second region, with big slicks. They are built with an incredible spaceframe, very safe, and an optional coil over suspension cures some of the early WCC handling problems. Power assist steering is standard, as well as heavy duty 11 inch rotor 4 wheel power disc brakes. 3300 lbs might be an extreme WET weight, but they tend to weigh a lot less than that, from waht I have read...2900 to 3200, depending on tranny/motor, etc... they have a huge trunk, luxury interior (mine will be in black corinthian leather) and a 9 inch Ford straight axle ! Can take major ponies ! I will take delivery approx in April 2002, and I will review the WCC here, if I can pry myself out of the cockpit long enough. HEY! maybe a babe with typing skills and a laptop can take dictation while I drive!!
WCC website: www.cobrakit.com
Owner of WCC is Vern Redel

[dscott]

I think what they are referring to with the DOVE is the year of the engine and not DOVE Mfg. D0 is the code for 1970 and that year is desireable. The 1970 DOVE head is very good and what most 460 owners want. I am assuming the block may be the same. I think the nascar block was a 4 bolt main. Probably a service part through Ford.
Don

[Sonny]

i would go with a ford motorsports crate 460's (especially no such thing as a NASCAR 460), unless i had southern to build it.