Torque/HP Curves

[DocDirk]

I've been looking in vain for actual torque/HP curves for the many engines recommended for cobras (planning to build this spring). Anyone know of a good source for such information? I've searched in vain on the Web and left a few requests with manufacturers without response. Thanks for any info!

[Anthony]

I think Roush may have the curves on their web site for their 351 stroker engines.

If you have an idea who you may get to build your engine, contact that builder for some dyno sheets on some engine combinations that they have done.

[DocDirk]

Thanks for the reply Anthony. I'd trying to make a first time optimal decision on engine for a Spring 2007 run at building a kit Cobra....having a lot of fun fact-finding too!

Dirk

[Bob In Ct]

Hey Doc:
Remember, dynos only measure torque. The HP curve is a calculation. The calculations has only to do with torque and RPMs. Don't sacrifice tons of low end HP just to get 5 more HP at 6,600 RPMs. Unless you're running around at 5-6000 RPM all day the low end numbers may be more important. Consider a dual plane manifold in place of that single plane guy and get more performance on the street.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Bob

[DocDirk]

Bob, thanks for the reply. As a matter of fact, low end performance is why I'm seeking the curves....not much interested in Torque at 5252 if I can't see what I'll be getting at 2200, 3500, etc. Mostly I'll be street driving this wonderful monster and only daydreaming about the day I'd know my Cobra well enough to want to test its peak performance against another driver....Thinking about what the heavy tank-built West Coast Cobra might afford an average driver like me in terms of being streetable without too much risk of losing it. Would it make sense that a heavier car with a great motor in it would be a safer car for the non-racer? (More traction? greater margin of error?) Well, kind of off thread...sry...thanks for your kind response

Dirk

[rblong]

Get a good balance of motor for torque and HP - a curve is very important. My 428 had a RV type cam. Pulled like hell below 4, but faded pretty bad above about 4800. Even if you want to build yourself Keith Craft will help you choose the components, even custom grind cam to gve you good low end with a motor that comes alive between 4 and 6.

[J Persons]

daydreaming about the day I'd know my Cobra well enough to want to test its peak performance against another driver

no one has ever won a drag race at idle. Build the engine so your torque curve starts at about 2800 and peaks at around 5000, depending on the engine platform you choose. Larger cube engines with their longer stroke will naturally make more torque in the lower ranges. Smaller short stroke engines have to be run to higher RPM's to develop their power. The lighter the car, the less engine you need to get the perforomance you're after. John

[KevinM]

Go to the Airflow Research site:

http://www.airflowresearch.com

Click on "Articles" at the top and read the articles, most of them have dyno plots. Make sure to read the 8 head test articles at the very bottom.

Kevin

[Dwight]

I have a 1989 5.0 EFI with Holley Systmax upper & lower, Holley heads milled .050 for 57 cc good for 10:1 cr, 1.7 roller rockers, .509 Lunati cam, 90 mm Mass Air, 73 mm TB, 24 lb injectors and Jacob's ingition system.
I have good low end torque and will rev to 6250 quick. 305 rwhp & 308 rwtq but I think there is more to be had. Dyno shows torque and hp from 3000 to 6000 almost flat line.

Dwight

[thudmaster]

Docdirk you have a pm............