Nubee here with some ?s

[Gene Gorman]

I have been lurking here for a year. I have been a car guy all my life. In the 60s I drag raced Dodges and Chevys did some go kart and circle track racing. Since then I have owned many muscle cars a Porsche and five Corvettes my latest being a 700hp supercharged 07. I want to get a new Superformance and was thinking of using a Roush 342R engine. Looking for some feed back on that engine choice. I know that others make engines but I want a Roush engine. I could get a 427R but think that the 342R is lighter and will make more than enough power for crusing and some auto crossing. What do you think? Thanks in advance for your help.

[sr71]

That would be a very nice choice. However, since you're putting in a Cobra there is nothing that's generates a smile faster (for you and the people that you show it to) than stack injection (or Webers). For this reason you might want to take a look at the 353 IR or the 402 IR. The 427 small block (any 427 small block) is in my opinion a little too close to exploding for my liking. If you decide to go bigger I see that Roush is now offering a 588R.

From a handling perspective the 342 or 353 are the lightest (302 block) and will give your car a very nice balance. The 402 (351 block) will step the weight up a bit in the front and the 588 will really make the nose heavy.

For my next Cobra..... I would probably go with the 402 IR.

[kayser66]

Gene - I have no experience with the engine you reference. I went through this slection process recently and decided to have a 351W built locally. I was urged by many to go with the 427 for many reasons. The issue for me was why spend that much money on the power plant? Sure it will bring more dollars if you ever sell it, but you paid more to build it. It is my feeling that 300HP in one of these cars is enough to scare the day lights out of most people.

In my opinion selecting a good builder/company is more important than the size of the motor. Of course, Rousch makes a great motor. That 342 will put a major league smile on your face!! Good luck

[Gene Gorman]

I'm going to use a TKO600 but what over drive should I use with the Roush 342R and 295x50x15 rear tires? The new spf has a 346 rear gear.

[xlr8or]

Get the .82 overdrive.

[ttmb]

Depends on the anticipated use.

[Stentor]

Originally Posted by xlr8or

Get the .82 overdrive.

I second that....

[BLUE427]

Originally Posted by Stentor

I second that....

I THIRD THAT, THE 82 IS A VERY COMFORTABLE RATIO, I AM HAPPY WITH MINE.

[Got the Bug]

You might want to check out the Roush 402SR. The IR is awesome if you want to spend the $$$.

.82 seems to be a popular choice. I like the gear ratios and 5th gear is perfect for the freeway.

[ttmb]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

You might want to check out the Roush 402SR. The IR is awesome if you want to spend the $$$.

.82 seems to be a popular choice. I like the gear ratios and 5th gear is perfect for the freeway.

Mine's the .64 o/d, and I find it excellent for a nice 70 mph cruise at just over 2,000 rpm. And I'm highly pleased with my Roush 402R - at 4k miles, it gets noticeably smooth(er). Very tractable down to about 1300 - 1400 rpm if you're not lugging (level or downhill). The TKO 600 is the way to go, whatever fifth gear you choose.

[Gene Gorman]

Thanks for all your help. Yesterday I was looking at Cobra Country to help me pick out a color. My neighbors son had just listed his Superformace car for sale. I have seen that car since it was new. It is black with white stripes and has a Shelby alum. block 427 that has 484ci. It only has 1000 miles on it and is like new. I e-mailed him,went and saw it[only 6miles from my house] and bought it. So now I'm

[Powershift1038]

Congrats!! PICS!!!! Lets see pics!!

[Gene Gorman]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

This is my new toy. Thanks for all your help in making my choice of what Cobra to buy.

[Bob In Ct]

My SPF has a 3.73 with a 0.68 OD, it's great on the highway. 1,900 RPM at 60MPH. If I were to do it over again, I would go 3.46 (or taller), with the 0.82. That would result in the same spread between all gears, and still let the engine loaf on the interstates.

Bob

[Powershift1038]

Gene... that is one GREAT looking Cobra you got!! CONGRATS!!!!

[Tony Aprile]

Originally Posted by Bob In Ct

My SPF has a 3.73 with a 0.68 OD, it's great on the highway. 1,900 RPM at 60MPH. If I were to do it over again, I would go 3.46 (or taller), with the 0.82. That would result in the same spread between all gears, and still let the engine loaf on the interstates.

Bob

I had the same set up as Bob, (3.73's w/ .68 OD) I changed rear gears to 3.27's and the tranny to a TKO600 with .82.... The final drive is the almost the same...60mph 2000 rpm's, but now I have a useful first gear and shifting from 4th to 5th is only a 400 rpm drop...the changes made the car much more enjoyable in traffic.

[rollinggeorge]

YEP..............Thats the one that got away......2 weeks ago I let a 527ci Kirkham slip by..........Pretty soon I should land one.

[emberglo66]

Congratulations Gene. Great choice of color. My personal choice aswell.

[greg schroeder]

It sounds like you are a man of strait line performance with some fun in the corners too. The new car sounds great!

[Madmiles442]

Congrats Gene!
Beautiful car. That motor will be plenty for you. Patience. These light little things will be out from under you before you know it.
Enjoy!!