Calling Racer X #99

[Jeff Frigo]

Greg:

Directly from Comp Cams web site:

The 26915 and 26918 Valve Springs are specifically designed for the LS1 Chevrolet cylinder head and can be used as stock replacements or in performance applications all the way up to 0.625” lift and at engine speeds to 7500 RPM. Engineered to fit stock heads with no machining, utilizing the stock valve seat and spring retainer. This valve spring can also be used in all applications with the specifications list-ed.

Thats all, sorry.

[coyled]

Like scottj, run a dry sump or if not at least a 9 quart pan with an accusump. I ran a leak down on my motor 6 months back and it was under 5%, which is still good ring seal. The valve springs are designed to go 500 miles in a row at high rpm. Most of us are on the track for 30 minutes max. I don't think that they heat cycle long enough to ware them out but after lots of street miles, when they go, they may just break before you feel that loss of power at high rpm. If its professionally built, well oiled, and you change valve springs when neccesary, you will have a reliable full boogie street and track rocket. scott

[RACER X #99]

Jeff,
The Victors were actually my first choice until I read up on the AFR 205's. For a couple bucks more the AFR's are completely CNC ported and outflow the Jr's.
Unlike the old days there are so many heads to choose from it can get confusing. All the aftermarket heads are much better than the SVO heads unless you go Yates and then you are talking BIG bucks.
The hardest part of this build is trying to get standard bore pistons. I may have to go with .030 over and the extra cubes.

Have block, have heads, still waiting on other stuff.

Still keeping it small.

Cranky

[Jeff Frigo]

Crank:

JE pistons will make anything you want.

JE Pistons

[RACER X #99]

Jeff, We talked to JE today, they are waiting on the next batch of Ford slugs. Seems there is a big run on sb Ford pistons. Must be lots of Cobra owners converting over to the sb.

[Homewrecker]

For some reason I see this topic occupying my mind during the NASCAR off-season. If I was rich I would be trying to fit this combination with 180 deg. headers into my Unique just for fun.

Seriously, keep us informed how this works out - errors & all. My plan is to build a motor like this for track only to go in a Winston Cup car.

Do you you really need all that flow through the heads for that motor? I know the heads make the power, but for a road course motor? I'll be watching closely.

I don't have the money so I live vicariously (sp?) through you guys doing this.

Keep us informed Cranky!!

[Pete C]

Cranky

".....they are waiting on the next batch of Ford slugs. Seems there is a big run on sb Ford pistons."

Is that cuz you small block, high rpm guys keep scattering your engines?

Cheers, Pete

[RACER X #99]

Pete,

Yes. High rpm's cost money.

[RACER X #99]

Dave ,
We chose those 205's because of where I want the power band , between 3000 and 7500 rpms. I made the decision to forget street driving and the place where I spend most of my Road Course time is Watkins Glen where you seldom drop below 3000 rpms.
If this was just a street engine I would probably go with the AFR 185's or something similiar.

Don't tell those other guys but if this was just a street car I would go back to an FE, have the car repainted, buy a can of wax and a bottle of Armorall and save lot's of money.

Cranky

[Homewrecker]

Cranky,
I don't want to take the topic away from the motor thing, but do you feel safe in the Cobra with all the track time you do? From what I've heard, you're a lot better driver than you act like on this forum. Does the Cobra give you more pleasure pushing it than a purpose built race car? Is it the looks, history, or is it just the availability of events with the Cobra? You could be cheaper & safer with a modern, used Cup car
I just want to know your feelings on this. You're much more experienced than I am with the track deal. What made you choose the Cobra for your all out track car?

[CCX33911]

Originally posted by Fred Douglass
Any special reasons you chose Keith over others? Appreciate any information....still pondering the choices of engine-builders....

They seem to have a good reputation. Their prices are very good. I looked at the cost of all the parts purchased elsewhere and compared them to KC prices and saw they are about the same. I am paying for the block machining and under $1000 to do the assembly. They will dyno tune for $450, etc. Should be ready in 4 - 6 weeks after I ordered (2 weeks ago). I am sending him an AR oil pan (GT40 style) and custom valve covers. He is going to dyno the motor with the complete exhaust system.

The motor should be good up to 6800 - 7000 RPM (says KC). I used Dyno 2000 to look at the combo and it should make peak power at between 5500 and 6000. If you are interested in the build information let me know.

[RACER X #99]

Dave
I will try to answer your questions.
Do I feel safe in a Cobra? NO
Would I be better off in a Cup car? YES
Can I afford another toy? NO
Like a lot of us I have "donated" a lot of my savings to major companies thru my stock portfolio.

So it is one toy at a time and since trying to sell a track only Cobra is almost impossible, I am forced to stick it out with the car I have.

Most of the Cobra guys doing track time know that "we" are not the fastest cars out there but it alway lots of fun trying to out run the other makes.

My Cobra to me is just a track toy and I don't have the same feeling towards Cobras that many guys have.
If I had the chance to do this all over again I would have a real purpose built race car.

Hope this explains a few things.

Cranky

[Pete C]

Dave Cranky,

I am grappling with the same problem/choices. I got a Cobra, cuz I always wanted one based on legend, looks, novelty, that spit in your eye stance! I never thought I’d race it or anything else but parade laps shortly after I bought it hooked me! I gotta try this! The high torque, short wheelbase combo make the Cobra a real challenge to drive on the one hand but teach you finesse and demand that you find the right line. So, possibly more than a purpose built car, a Cobra teaches you how to drive it by providing immediate feedback when you do something wrong. An experienced mistress!

Because of the raw power catching cars on the straights doesn’t give me a great feeling of accomplishment but admittedly blasting past em under full throttle is an undeniable rush! More rewarding is the satisfaction of catching cars in the corners. Especially those that are purpose built or the late model Stangs and Vette’s with a 40 year advantage in technology. What a rush!

On the other hand, I know that the Cobra isn’t the wise choice. It first occurred to me on the high banks at the California motor speedway in Fontana at SAAC 27. Near the wall, on the tire debris, collected sand etc the cars can get a bit squirrelly and the wall looks pretty imposing at 140+ MPH.

So I’ve begun to seriously look at track cars, early mustangs with a full roll cage. A small block stroker motor etc. I know that I’ll be faster, safer, less invested. The question remains: Will it be as much fun, provide the same rush, sense of accomplishment or will the romance disappear?

Conflicted, Pete C

[RACER X #99]

Pete,
I wonder if they named the town you live in after one of my long lost relatives? Are there any Gold mines/ Oil wells closed because they are searching for the relatives of the long departed Mr. Davis?

Thanks,

Cranky

[Homewrecker]

That's the information I was looking for. I have always liked the Cobra plus it is a car that I can drive on the road as well as the track & have fun doing both. I have always wanted an ex Earnhardt car. I got to the point where I could afford one & the tragic accident happened, putting his cars out of my price range. I love the Cobra but frankly I'm scared to death to push it to the limits. I will be buying a purpose built race car, Cup or Trans Am, in the next two years. This is why I'm so interested in your engine build. I'm an engineer & love to experiment with different motor combinations. I don't care about being original. All I want is to try different things & test them at the track, safely!

Thanks again!

I'll be watching closely.

[RACER X #99]

Dave,
Ten years ago you could buy a nice running used Cup car for 15-20K now that everyone wants one the prices are out of site. I know some people are paying more than 50k and sometimes more than 100k but I think those are more of show condition cars with major race history.
The best deals on Cup cars are at owner liquidation sales rather than from racecar restorers.

A few years ago a Ricky Rudd Tide Torus that he won a race in went for 15k as a roller.(no engine)

Happy hunting,
Cranky

[Pete C]

Cranky,
We are in the gold rush region for sure. the stuff below is from the city web site. For more got to:

http://www.city.davis.ca.us/aboutdav...ex.cfm?topic=1


Founded in 1868, it was originally named Davisville for Jerome C. Davis, a prominent local farmer. The Davisville post office shortened the town name in 1907 and the change was official when the city incorporated in March 1917.

From its beginnings as an agricultural community, Davis is now recognized internationally for its contributions to life sciences, agriculture, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, medical technology and engineering.

Closely tied to the community’s history is the University of California at Davis. UC Davis was established in 1908 as the “University Farm School”. The School of Veterinary Medicine was formed in 1948, with Letters and Science added in 1951. Engineering, Law and Medicine were established in the sixties, while the Division of Biological Science and Graduate School of Management came into being in 1970 and 1981 respectively.


Cheers, Pete C