What can I Expect

GeorgiaSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2002, 05:43 PM

Ok guys I go to sleep thinking about my 351 stroker and wake up still thinking about it. Can you tell I'm ready? My questions is what kind of performance can I really expect? You guys that have them feed my dreams.

Randy

Tony Radford · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2002, 06:35 PM

Randy,

I can't speculate on the awesomeness of a Cobra with a stroker. My non-stroked Windsor gives me all the chills I want to inflict on myself. Unique makes the best sounding exhaust system I've ever heard on a Cobra. Add the HP, Toploader and 3.31 rearend and you get "max party"! Having a hot-looking, insanely-powerful, gased up Cobra in the garage is bliss for me. We're going to have a blast this spring!

SilverCobra · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2002, 09:13 PM

OK - Randy - I don't know what tires Alan or Maurice recommend for an FIA car, but I assume the rears would be a little bit narrower than the tires on (295/50 BFG- TA) my Unique 427 car. I just assumed that the FIA car would have narrower hips and therefore less tire tread on the ground. That disclaimer aside - back to your question.

Other than that, our cars should perform the same - Unique Cobra with Southern 396 Stroker. Well brother, it is a real kick - nothing like I have ever experienced. Somedays - the Stroker just wants to throw the little car around like a rag doll. The cam in mine is just right for my use - idles at stop lights with a real authority and great sound - but still very streetable. Acceleration is UNBELIEVEABLE and all that I can handle or need. My favorite part is when the engine really grabs the A$$ end of the car in second gear and tries to run away from the rear end. The rear tires grab and slip and grab and slip and the rear end tries to move just a little side to side for an instant as the Cobra rockets forward. I never feel that I am actually losing control of the rear end thanks to the Unique twin rear sway bars/trailing arms (heck, I forget what they call those things) keeps everything moving north and south. The car will do pretty much the same thing in 3rd gear, but pretty soon the speedo is over 80 - a tad fast for city driving.

If you have the opportunity - talk to Bill about Ford Motorsport Roller Rocker Arms. When I bought my engine - Crane stamped rocker arms were standard issue. One of my stamped rocker arms broke at a driving school in May '02 and a similar one for Okiesnake in a 351W broke about 30 days earlier. Bill stepped up and paid for the repairs & the upgrade to roller rockers and Trent and I were fortunate that the broken pieces did not get into the sump and destroy something else. If Bill has not upgraded to the FMS roller rockers - pay the extra bucks and have the peace of mind.

Well, that is about all the Stroker talk I think you can handle at this time.

Sweet Dreams

GeorgiaSnake · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 06:21 AM

Roller Rockers are on my build sheet, still debating the aluminum flywheel. Thanks for the feedback guys (2?) I feel like a seven year old on Christmas Eve.

Buzz · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 06:33 AM

Exactly what Dick said. What a feeling - I dont know which is more awesome; the dizzying acceleration or the howling roar through the pipes as speed builds. I have not done any real accurate timed runs yet but I have run it up over 120mph with ease and no sign of any bad manners. I have learned to press the gas pedal conservatively when pulling out to pass a line of slower cars as the tires will break loose in third gear without too much provocation. One thing I found a bit startling at first is that on passing acceleration the engine pulls strongly right away (no stumble or hesitation) but then there is a sudden really powerful kick as (I assume) the secondaries open. It feels much like turbo boost coming on and is like nothing I have ever experienced in any other naturally aspirated car. The handling and composure at speed far exceeded my expectations after all the talk about scary short-wheelbase characteristics and after owning a couple of fast vettes I am very impressed. Sorry for rambling.... I guess what I wanted to say is that a strong stroker in a Unique is a great combination.

Back in Black · #6 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 09:55 AM

Buzz, the feeling you describe is akin to my Yamaha V-Max..the "V-Boost" is similar to carb secondaries opening, along with hitting the cam peak, it comes on at 6,000 RPMs, and I can pass a loong semi in just seconds (like 2 to 3 seconds) even on a uphill grade... as long as I start out at say 5,000 RPMs.. the strokers you guys have are no doubt roughly similar to my incoming 514 in the heavier West Coast, in terms of performance... Georgia snake...you are in for a treat ! Take it easy on wet pavement and in the corners..learn all the little details of it's power curve and traction,...snakes can bite you!

When is your delivery date? Is it a turnkey, or roller/minus?

I am expecting my turnkey in less than 2 weeks...finally..you can imagine how I feel

GeorgiaSnake · #7 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 10:27 AM

B in B

I'm getting a Unique Deluxe Pallet Kit. I will need to disassemble - remove the body for painting - reassemble, install wiring, hook-up hoses, top off fluids and take it for a ride. It is due late Jan. of 03.
Which is a 10 to 14 week delivery schedule.

SSSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 12:47 PM

On the ERA FIA 295/50/15 is the recommended rear tire size. They fit perfect in the rear fenders.

Glenn

Ron61 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 01:18 PM

Randy,

Everything said in the previous posts is correct. You will really be awed the first few times you stand on it in the lower gears. Get used to it before you really push to far. Coming out of corners hard in 2nd or 3rd you will really need to hook up. Make sure you have a good posi unit. I broke mine one time and almost wet my pants as the car turned completely sideways across the road before I could get stopped. Any Cobra with any motor is a kick to drive and you really need to get used to the car before doing anything radical. I spend several weeks with all of my cars when I get one before I will take anyone for a ride as I want to find out all the little odd things about them and just how far I can go before taking someone else along. That way if I mess up it is just me that gets banged up.

hound dog · #10 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 02:58 PM

GeorgiaSnake,
I have got to second everything that SilverCobra said. I've got the 3.31 posi unit in mine and I find the acceleration "straight ahead plant yo' a$$". The car really has very good road manners. But take a couple of hundred miles to get used to it, you'll be glad you did. It ain't like nothing you've ever driven before

h dog

casaleenie · #11 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 03:12 PM

Was down in Fla. to pick up FIAFREDS 289 FIA Unique and he took me for a ride around town. It's a Southern Automotive 351W that claims 410 Hp.. It was awesome. Can't even imagine what a stroker can do with that little car.
Need some info from Unique owners on the Jag IRS.
Is that a posi-traction rear end?

Ron61
Sounds like good advice flying solo for a little while learning the car...

66cobraboy · #12 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 04:03 PM

casaleenie,

Jack up the rear of the car and their should be a tag attached to dif. housing.It should say 3.31 gear or other ratio and open or posi.

Eric Miller

Still working on MINE!!

chill · #13 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 07:18 PM

You wanna know what to expect Randy? Take a good look at 66Cobraboy's picture of the rear end of a Unique.... THAT's what YOU can expect (to see)....mine.

GeorgiaSnake · #14 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 09:35 PM

Chill
Happy to see you are in the dream mode as well

Or is it possible that right before I trail brake by you I will catch a glimps of the back of your car

chill · #15 (**permalink**) 12-05-2002, 06:46 PM

Actually, I was just being generous... I really didn't think you would be close enough to see the diff that well.....

Sounds like the 396 is a great way to motivate 2300 lbs, however is out front!

...now let's pick on the BB's in the twisties

GeorgiaSnake · #16 (**permalink**) 12-05-2002, 07:11 PM

Twisties - makes me glad I haven't ordered my wheels yet - May need those 17's

casaleenie · #17 (**permalink**) 12-05-2002, 08:38 PM

G S

Hope the snow down south is gone by January so you can drive that thing... Nothing worse than snow in Atlanta.

terry lee · #18 (**permalink**) 12-09-2002, 03:04 PM

For what it's worth, go with the alum flywheel. Save the weight and make the engine work a little less.

ljhayden · #19 (**permalink**) 03-12-2024, 02:11 AM

If you are still keen an agency, I am looking for a US agent for my new improved Cobras. My website shamrockcobrasa.com.
Regards,
Les

Tommy · #20 (**permalink**) 03-12-2024, 11:19 AM

FYI: This thread is 22 years old. But then you probably knew that.