First look at JBL 4.6/BB touring car chassis

Richard Hudgins · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 03:19 PM

Hi Folks,

I know that I swore that I would never design a BB/Modular engine chassis as the bloody lumps were just too big.

Well I lied.

I designed a touring car chassis to fit the 4.6 twin cam modular motor.

Below are some photos of the first chassis.

Some more shots here. Skunkworks photos

As you can see, the motor is HUGE!!! Even a 460 is smaller than this thing!!!

You folks let me know what you think.

I think that I have gone completely over the edge and should be kept away
from women and children for showing such a total lack of design judgement.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 03:28 PM

Richard, if it were me, I'd stick with the 385 series engines and work in an FE build.

To me, there's not really a good reason to shoe-horn a modular engine into a Cobra. I'm not fond of computer controlled Cobras. To match the performance of even a mildly built small block, you would have to go the route that most 4.6L people go....supercharger.

I guess it's reliable power, but IMHO it just doesn't belong in a Cobra.

I do however think that a JBL chassis paired up with an FE or 385 series engine is the ticket. Originality and functionality.

You do have a great looking chassis there. An awesome piece of work.

Morris · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 03:37 PM

Richard

Is the torsional rigidity still as good as the other chassis......

And yes it looks like you are on the way to some nice builds....

I like it...

Morris

RACER X #99 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 04:30 PM

Richard, nice job with the mod motor in the Cobra especially like the carbed engine.
As far as putting the FE engine in I think they are best suited in one of these.
Plenty of torque for trailer pulling especially a trailer with a JBL racing Cobra inside.

ERA Chas · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 04:37 PM

Richard,
Your work is art. What will weight distribution work out to?
Beautifully done.

Richard Hudgins · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 04:45 PM

Gentlemen,

Let me answer some of your questions.

Morris. No. It is a touring chassis. Meant to be a cruiser. Not a racer. Torsional calculated at 3200 lbs per degree.

Blykins. The reason for the 4.6 is for California. Car can have cats, under-car exhaust, and the rest of the emissions bits required. That way folks can register the bloody things.

Racer X. This is the tow car. Didn't you see the receiver that is incorporated into the fuel cell area?

ERA Chas. 46%F, 54%R with a alloy 4.6 and 180 lb driver and 1/2 fuel load.

Finished weight around 2300 lbs.

blykins · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 04:48 PM

Good point Richard.....Times are getting rough in Cali.

Great lookin car.

jmarsey · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 05:05 PM

Richard,

Look at all those chassis changes! And you give me a hard time for adding a few piddely things. Look at that thing! I'm putting mine up for sale tomorrow! Will you sell me your "basic kit" package?

I think this set up and combination is outstanding! I just have one question, will that monster come out of there when the body is on?

Beautiful Richard! The "cruiser" concept is brilliant.

John

jmarsey · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 05:36 PM

Richard,

One more thing. Can you and Dave bring that thing up to the Cobra Bash in May????

John

Aussie Mike · #10 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 07:11 PM

Awesome engineering there Richard.

Just to put the size of that lump into perspective...

I found this drawing a while back:

Cheers

decooney · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 07:21 PM

Richard,

Wow, that is so SWEET. You nailed it. Totally purpose built with that 4.6 in there. There are so many benefits to this type of configuration and particularly in today's Cobra market in California, smog, etc. Don't change a thing. As John said, bring that rolling chassis to WSCB.

Cobra4Me · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 08:35 PM

Richard,

Right On!

Looks good !

Glad to see that you are expanding on engine setups.

This engines are Huge and especially the 03/04 Cobra engines are making huge amounts of Torque and HP for a stock engine!

I have installed a 03 Cobra engine, a T56 6 speed tranny and the IRS from an 03 Cobra (including all of the rest) into a Factory Five, already been to the dyno and stock it is producing 435RWHP and 393TQ (Video on the Dyno in my signature).

I for one applaude what you are doing!

What better engine to install in a Cobra Replica than a REAL Cobra engine!

BTW - The 03 Cobra engine blocks are IRON and come stock with Manley Rods and Forged internals, guys are making up to 700 HP on these engine with just a Supercharger swap, pullies, fuel system upgrades and Computer reflashing. My plans are to finish it first then swap in a KB or a Whipple Supercharger, make some pullies changes and upgrade the fuel lines and Fuel Module. Target will be around 640HP.

Good Job Man!
Here's a Picture of mine and videos in my signature or in my website (see the construction), this is also the First and Only Cobra Replica (that we know of) that has a 2003 Cobra engine and on the road. I already put nearly 1400 Miles on it !

CLICK ON THE PICTURE for a LARGER ONE !

My website:
www.cobra4me.com

and my page with Videos:
http://cobra4me.com/phpBB/viewtopic....131034152bf9ee

Richard Hudgins · #13 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 08:53 PM

John M,

Well it is a bit different then the competition chassis, but hardly comparable to your car.

You know John, I really do not know if it will come out of the opening. I need to check.

If it will not I guess we will have to make the front end a tilt-able unit.

Aussie Mike,

You should see it in person. It is scary when on an engine stand.

decooney and John M.

I will speak to the guys about getting a chassis to the WSCB. Just have to make sure that they have one available at that time.

Sergio

Hey, congrats on building that piece. It looks pretty trick.

I like the SC install. Very clean!!! How is the drive-ability?

Aussie Mike · #14 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 09:10 PM

Richard,

We've got the Aussie 5.4 motors with Quad cam heads in a lot of the Ford Falcon performance models down here. That motor is even bigger again with the taller deck height of the 5.4. I did a quick tape measure of one in an XR8 Falcon a while back and it was about 900mm across.

I was looking at one stripped on an engine stand and the heads look great but the tight bore spacing was a bit dissapointing. The 5.4 is very under square and there is no room to bore them out any further unless they turn it into a big V twin with two oval pistons.

Cheers

SilverFox · #15 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 09:28 PM

Sergio,
FYI, There is a FF on the FFRCobra forum from Georiga complete with a 2004 Mustang 4.6 DOHC motor that has been on the road for the last month and it's for sale. It looks sweet....

Cobra4Me · #16 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverFox

Sergio,
FYI, There is a FF on the FFRCobra forum from Georiga complete with a 2004 Mustang 4.6 DOHC motor that has been on the road for the last month and it's for sale. It looks sweet....

Yes, I know.
But that is a MACH 1 engine, not an 03 Cobra engine

MACH 1 engine is ALUMINUM , No Supercharger = 310HP - Mach 1 engines are assembled by FORD

03Cobra engine is IRON, Supercharged from the SVT Factory = 420HP (advertised 390). Guys are running up to 700 HP on the stock bottom end. - SVT Cobras Engines are assembled by Hand by SVT

again, mine is the ONLY one running with a 03 Cobra engine.

Cobra4Me · #17 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Hudgins

Sergio

Hey, congrats on building that piece. It looks pretty trick.

I like the SC install. Very clean!!! How is the drive-ability?

It feels like driving a 2003 Cobra with 1400 lbs less!

I didn't install the Supercharger, it comes stock from the Factory.
Block is IRON, T56 tranny also comes stock and so does the IRS with 3:55s already installed (I am going to upgrade it to 4:10s).

Blair · #18 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 10:46 PM

Look Fellas you don't have to talk me into the benefits of a modular engine!

Blair

Jamo · #19 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 11:50 PM

Well done, and damn smart, Richard.

Cobra4Me · #20 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 10:00 AM

Richard,

are you guys going to attend this year's Knotts event? and if so, you bringing it?