Aluminium Frame for the SC cobras?

[Tim Brewer]

Hey Rats, I think you hit the nail on the head, I agree. But about the aluminum frame. To reproduce an accurate Cobra chassis in aluminum, the tubing walls would of course have to be much thicker. So much thicker that the aluminum chassis probably wouldn't weigh much less than the steel chassis. I believe the only way the aluminum chassis would weigh substantialy less if it were made into a space frame.

[Tom Kirkham]

I have driven CSX3104 on many many miles. It is one of my all time favorite cars to drive. I have also driven many original 289 rack and pinion Cobras. Another great driving car. I have not driven any worm and sector Cobras, so my comments don't apply to them. If you can stand the entry fee, original Cobras that are set up correctly are fantastic cars to drive and live with. Actually I cannot think of a better exotic car to live with. I would dare say that an original Cobra has a much more advanced suspension than most of the replica Cobras...That would include anything with a live axle rear end...

[thorconstr]

I'm looking at a poster on my wall of 1965 427 SC CSX3022. The weight on the poster is listed as 2150 pounds. I don't know how much less an aluminum block and heads weigh, but it has to save 100lbs. So My car should be closer to 2000 lbs.

[strictlypersonl]

As measured by Sports Car Graphic in '65:

Specifications of Street and Track 427s

[RICK LAKE]

strictlypersonal Bob could an aluminium frame be built that is the same as the ERA SC one? I don't know what a carbon fiber cobra shell would cost but weight wise between fiberglass and carbon I would think a 50% savings. FFR and Super both built carbon fiber bodies. I thinking also about my heavy pindrives and rims. Should be able to knock 10-15 lbs off each wheel with a BBS. All shafts for the rearend and drive shaft go to either aluminium or carbon fiber. Rear lower control arms for the Jag rear goes to Aluminium or tube design like the IRS ford rear. Still brain farting Bob. The mega millions is just about right for the pickings. Did Jag ever make an Aluminium center housing? Catch you later RickL.

[Manowar]

Rick,
You're mentally building an Ariel Atom!

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by thorconstr

I'm looking at a poster on my wall of 1965 427 SC CSX3022. The weight on the poster is listed as 2150 pounds. I don't know how much less an aluminum block and heads weigh, but it has to save 100lbs. So My car should be closer to 2000 lbs.

I doubt 3022 was ever 2150 lbs, that would take a LOT of effort to get that low.

The K-bros weighed their original Cobra, converted to SC specs, and it was 2600lbs. One of their KMP cars with alloy everything was only 2200 lbs.

I weighed 4241 about a month ago, and it was 2580. I have a glass body, but I have an alloy trans and rear case, so that kind of cancels each other out. My motor is all iron. My Shelby/Baer brakes weigh less than original Girlings. And I was still 2600 lbs.

On an original COMP car, there's no electric fans, you could have a small racing windshield, you could have alloy heads (rare, but could also be added). But you also have a diff cooler and pump (S/Cs also), and a larger 42 gallon gas tank.

I could see a full boogie comp car maybe hitting 2300lbs.

Cobra's aint THAT light.

I have a full bodied 1959 race car in my shop that's 980 lbs. Now THAT'S light.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

Cobra's aint THAT light.

Just for reference, the original spec sheet on the 427 Street Car call out three weights:

Dry weight 2354
Curb weight 2529
Test weight 2890

The Comp spec sheet has no weight listing.

[franklin]

While I am still working on my car, I also would like to try to keep it as light as possible. I do know though the best way for me to shave 40lbs or more off from the car would be for me to lose it!

[Dan Stryffeler]

Franklin,

At a local car show last summer, this guy was bragging about how much he spent on a titanium exhaust for his vette (big, BIG $$$) to shave off about 15lbs from the car. Of course he weighed about 350lbs, so...

Hey, I could lose 30lbs myself!

On the other hand A.J. Foyt did pretty well for himself.

- Dan

[Snakebit]

An F1 car is very light compared to the hp they put out. They also have wings that generate enough down force that they can drive upside down in a long tunnel. Are we building a jet fighter or a sports car? I'm shure you can find a way to strap a jet engine on a Cobra, but can you keep it on the road? Its like shooting frog with a 12 guage shot gun, loaded with 00 buck shot, when it's more fun with a BB gun. I prefer to have FUN driving a "high performance sports car" that can easily be pushed over the limits with a 289 vs driving a 427 big block with 750 hp and having to wear a pair of Depends every time I take a drive. Then again if you are suffering from irregularity a 750 hp big block may be just the right thing.

[What'saCobra?]

PSurge

Yes, but i suspect that little thing only has 100 or so HP to push that just under half-ton around. Still about ten pounds per HP. Not awful, but not terrific. Pretty good efficiency, though. One liter and 100 HP from an all aly SOHC engine designed in the thirties. Not even cross-flow heads!

Now, our old (old?) 1971 Lola T-212 (HU-18) weighed 525 KG, ready to race, full fuel, data loggers, etc. and with only a 2.0 liter DOHC Cosworth BDG Fuel injected of 290HP+ (much more HP and it either would not be reliable or a two liter Cossie motor), it was very quick indeed. Monster tires, uber-licht monocoque, aly everything possible, VERY thin FRP body, ready for 6/12/24-hour run. 13" X 10" front wheels and 13" X 14" rear wheels. Well ventilated 10 1/4" 4 pot aly all around. 5-speed Hewland FT200 bullet-proof tranny, no synchros, just big undercut dog teeth...

1150#/290hp = just under 4# per HP. Lots better, very low CG, very low drag, 10K#ft/degree chassis stiffness, small profile, sticky slicks, and lots more more.

Blew all other sports race cars away except the absolutely most radical and modern carbon/carbon racers. Gives Can-Am cars with V-8's fits in the twisties and frequently beats them in championships because of high reliability. The only contemporary competition were the Chevron 19's & 21's etc.

Fantastic driver. Makes anybody look good (but caution, it is a very short chassis at 84", so brake mostly in straight lines). Slightly twitchy under braking as the surface changes.

By the way, i suspect the Boys from Provo can put a Hybrid-FIA together at just under a Ton. Would look nice with a new ManO'War aly, wouldn't it?

Viz:

[Tom Kirkham]

What'sa

No problem with a FIA hybrid to be under 2,000 lbs. I suspect that 1,900 might be possible...
When do you want it?

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by What'saCobra?

PSurge

Yes, but i suspect that little thing only has 100 or so HP to push that just under half-ton around. Still about ten pounds per HP. Not awful, but not terrific. Pretty good efficiency, though. One liter and 100 HP from an all aly SOHC engine designed in the thirties. Not even cross-flow heads!

Are you saying that you want me to put a small block in it? Cause I'll do it!!