Suggestions for FE 428 specs

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by kevins2

Still have my configuration with the standard Jag rear-end with inboard brakes. Have it in my list of questions to discuss with Peter. If I'm reading their website correctly, the optional ERA rear includes the adaptors for the pin wheels (it isn't clear on 5 or 6 pin). If that is the case, then the cost difference to upgrade to the ERA outboard setup isn't as much as listed because with the Jag rear I'd have to buy the adaptors.

I don't know the answer to that. But I will tell you that for a mostly-driven-on-the-street car, there is really no need for the outboard braked rear. The Jag rear is just fine, even for casual track use. The only reason I got it was that I just liked the looks of it all. One of the things you have to kind of watch out for when you're laying out your plan is that an upgrade in one area can trigger an unexpected upgrade in another area. For instance, back when I had my car built Peter did not want the smaller brakes up front with the outboard braked rear -- so that meant an upgrade to the big Sierras up front. And I don't even remember why I went with 6 pins instead of 5. You can't even see the difference unless you pull the wheel, and I don't think it had anything to do with the brakes or the rear. Those black Girling brake reservoirs look cool, but they blister and drip. I still keep them, though; just because they look cool.

[kevins2]

Bill,

Think what you're saying is that with a rear gear too high (3.31 instead of 3.54, for example) and too radical a cam, the engine will lug or buck driving at too low RPM's. I'll have to watch out for that.

Patrick, I hear you on the rear end considerations. That's why I still have the Jag/inboard brakes on the list but just want to talk to Peter about the ERA upgrade. I've read posts about having to upgrade the front brakes with the ERA rear but I also read a post that it isn't necessary because the brakes can be balanced with easy adjustments - will get to the bottom of that. As for the reservoirs, I read your comments in another thread about these leaking and the sealant you used to stop it. They do look cool but the difference in cost is just under $400, so that's one option that I may resist.

Kevin

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by kevins2

They do look cool but the difference in cost is just under $400, so that's one option that I may resist.

They're $400 now? They're not worth that. Put that down as a "to do later" a few years from now after you've sorted out all the bugs that have left you stranded out in Bumf---, PA. Someone on here, maybe it was elmariachi, had a nice thread about making identical cans for less than $25. You couldn't tell the difference unless you got close enough to read the "Girling" on the top lid.

[kevins2]

Yes, $400. And the photo on their website in the options section shows the three cans in an aluminum (silver) finish, not black, so not sure what's up with that.

Not important in the overall scheme of things and I will probably pass on them. I do need to leave something for future mods. I know I sometimes stare at my Harley and ask myself "OK, what else can I do to this thing".

Kevin

[DanEC]

I think I accidently detoured this thread above by forgetting this is the FE forum and not the ERA forum - but while it's running, if you want the 180 mph counterclockwise speedo you will need to speak up to Peter about it. He doesn't much like them and initially supplied the regular 160 mph one to me (because I didn't think about it at the time.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

... if you want the 180 mph counterclockwise speedo you will need to speak up to Peter about it. He doesn't much like them and initially supplied the regular 160 mph one to me (because I didn't think about it at the time.

I've got one and the last time I hit 170MPH I really appreciated it.

[kevins2]

I know he doesn't like them because they've been problematic. Also read a thread where someone used a shim to prevent binding and it seems to work well. I have it in my list of questions to talk with him about. I do plan to get the Smiths but I can live with the normal rotation speedometer if the reverse one is unreliable.

And, yes, this thread has taken a few twists and turns.

Regards,

Kevin

[KevinW]

So my car was brimmed for its IVA test (the extensive Uk test needed to get a car registered). Apart from being tested on the rollers for speedometer and brake tests and revved a few times at different points during the test, it has now done a 20 mile round trip. I have now topped up the tank and estimate i have averaged 6 mpg!

This is a 428 (not bored out), no big lumpy cam, achieved around 480 hp on the dyno, similar in torque before installation, 4 speed toploader and a 2.88 diff and was driven really very gently during the summer when it was hot here (95 degree F - that's UK hot).

Running rich? I thought i would get 12mpg easy. As the OP said, mpg and FE in the same sentence is a joke, but with much higher price of fuel in the UK, i am a bit disappointed.

[patrickt]

I have a 428, stroked and bored to 447, with a healthy SFT cam. Not huge, by any means, it's 245/245 at .050", and I always get 8mpg in normal driving, which is about half and half highway and city. When I took her on a long highway trip, I got 12mpg cruising at about 70mph. Now, with my .64OD and 3.54 rear, that means I was turning about 2200rpm. And those numbers have been consistent for over a decade.

[Dwight]

I've told this story several times so today it's the short version.

Mike picked up his Cobra with a new KC 530 hp 408W. Drove it 130 miles home. Called me and said he was getting 7 mpg. I told him to bring it back and I would get Coach to tune the carb.
After the tune he was getting 13 ish. The next year I drove it to the London Cobra Show (1135 miles) and got 14.7 mpg.

My suggest is to get the carb "tuned", that is more that idle screws and air bleed adjustment.
Check the jets and power valve. I have never seen a new carb out of the box that was dead on. Most have jets that are to large.
We have several big block Cobra in our group and they get over 11 mpg.

[KevinW]

Thanks....so there is hope! Need to find someone with Holley StreetAvenger expertise - not quite so common place as in the US, but do-able.