Preventative Matinence Questions

agro1 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 11:22 AM

Wondering what kind of things you can do to a stroked 351W to keep it running well when there is nothing wrong with it ? I mean, if there is nothing wrong with it, what can you do to make sure it will keep running well for years to come by spending, say $500, here and there to make sure it will last a long time ? Can anything really be done to the bottom end without taking the whole thing apart, what about the top end ?? Thanks in advance.

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 12:03 PM

Just keep the oil yellow and full. Stay off the throttle until the oil is warm. Keep the pill in your rev limiter. Use the right gas. Don't let your wife drive it.

Jim Werth · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 02:44 PM

My wife said if she can't drive it I have to build her one!!!! I told her as soon as she can pay for it. She is hoping for spring , I'm not. Jim

Back in Black · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 03:05 PM

Get her a Maita...very few ladies can safely drive a high powered cobra with a stick.

hcollado · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 03:09 PM

Use common sense. New oil and filter every 1,500 miles or less. Watch that temp gauge, it wont hurt to put new coolant once a year. And Keep the rubber side down and the shinny side up.

Randy Rosenberg · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 03:29 PM

I can't add much to what has already been suggested (ie: keep your fluids fresh).

Have you thought of installing an accusump as a good "preventative" addition....

This past weekend I saw a Holley Oil Screen installed on a Cobra. It was really easy to open this screen and look at what it trapped. Pretty cool...

How about a dual oil filter setup, or a massive one (Fram F6, as I recall)?

How about a diff cooler?

When was the last time you put anti-sieze on your knock-offs?

Hope this helps,
Randy R...

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 04:51 PM

Oil & filter every 3000 - 6000 miles, synthetic after engine is broken in. Blow air from inside the air filter out. Check tire pressure.

Spark plugs, check timing every 6000 - 12000 miles.

Fuel filter, air filter, PCV valve and carb douche with Gumout spray every 12000 miles.

Change trans and diff oil at 12000 miles.

Flush and replace anti-freeze at 12000 miles.

Pull wheels and check brake pads at 12000 miles.

Belts, hoses, and rubber fuel line at 24000 miles.

Granted this is '60's technology with some 21st Century technology thrown in. There really isn't much to maintaining it. You can plainly see the engine. It's not buried under wires and hoses. And it requires maintenance similar to a mid 60's Mustang.

Co worker with late model Corvette was complaining about the high cost of maintenance. $2500 for a "Tune-up", because it has 11 computers in it.

Oil, filter, and plugs for a Cobra with no computers in it is maybe $25. And his Vette takes a healthy whack in depreciation 1) when he drives it off the showroom floor, and 2) every year. Your brand new, 35 year old Cobra doesn't.

bmalone · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 04:59 PM

Just like any other car, keep an eye on the belts and hoses. I always keep a spare alternator belt on hand. Its not that it will wear out as much as you can break it by getting on the throttle.

cobrashoch · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 05:07 PM

All the stuff above. And I can't put enough emphases on this, KEEP A LOG BOOK! List both what you have done and when, and list what needs to be done in the future and when. A Cobra is a high maintenance car. Don't forget to inspect everything once in awhile to. That goes into the log book too! I even keep track of the gas I use.
cobrashock

bmalone · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 05:20 PM

I hear you on the log book, Ron. Would be lost w/o it.

agro1 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-31-2002, 06:53 PM

Great stuff guys - plenty to keep me busy. Much appreciated.