Cobra setup for tracking - Page 4

Clois Harlan · #61 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 07:33 AM

I have ran the Hoosier R6 as well as the Hoosier vintage slicks (27
X 15) and the Goodyear Nascar type slicks. All are great but imo the Hoosiers felt the best given the weight of the car and my set up. I am running the 17" Hoosier R6's on my coupe and they hook up pretty well. I also went down in rear spring weight and noticed a big difference in handling (from 650# to 550#) and for my last event I found my air pressure sweet spot to be with R6's 26" rear and 28# front with ambient temps in the 70's.

sspano01 · #62 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 07:39 AM

Hi, the QA1's are lightyears ahead of whatever garbage shocks came with my cobra kit originally. You should have seen in weaving and bobbing all over the place on the track and the autocross. But I agree, QA1 is an entry level shock. I was going to do Penske originally, but I wasnt sure how much benefit I'd actually get.

I was getting some blow by on the passenge side and pulled out the PCV valve. Good tip on the valve cover, i will try that! Or maybe it wont matter too much as I am going to be ordering the stuff for a 4 or 5 stage dry sump here in the next few days. Since I have everything apart now (i.e. spun rod bearing) I am going to make more upgrades. I still want to track it! But I have another car in the works that will help offset some time from the cobra so I am not beating it up too much.

I'd like to try slicks! I kind of like the idea of keeping the same set of street/track tires, but I may get some 17 inch or 18 inch rims and some hoosiers.

After driving that Spec Racer Ford, I am now convinced that horsepower is NOT the only game on the track. I'd like to build another cobra and put a high compression 4-cylinder in it :>

Clois Harlan · #63 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 08:42 AM

Dry sump will cure that problem and be safer for your engine too. Interesting concept using a 4 cylinder. Might have trouble selling it at some point. I have a good friend I have raced with several times named Tony Martin that has a modestly modified Backdraft that just waxes my A on the track even though I have probably 100 more hp. Two things come to mind: 1. his Cobra was better set up than mine and 2. he is a much better driver than I am. Both are true but we both have fun.

Once you get to know your car you will know where your limits are. The limits in most cases are not the cars limits but the drivers. We all have to be comfortable with our braking and turn in points to enjoy the sport. Once we get outside our comfort zone (which moves with experience) we are less likely to enjoy our track times and more likely to screw up. Of course the next level would be over confidence which will have a similar result.

I have found both lines by the way...and all had the same result, off track and in the grass.

The most important part of Cobra ownership is the enjoyment of the car whether it is just ownership, cars shows, track days, or all out door to door racing. It is important to have some fun with your investment. There are so many others that would love to be living this dream as we are.

Have fun and be safe.

Clois Harlan

sspano01 · #64 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 09:56 AM

i thought of the 4cylinder cobra, to be lighter than the original 260 cobras, maybe 150-200hp power output and be very nimble around the track. Kind of like a SRF crossed with a COBRA.

I agreee on the driver being the limit.

I love my 521 Inch rumbling big block, but I am worried about overpowering in a turn and having a contact-spinout :O

A 4-cylinder that revs to 9,000 rpm might not rumble, but would be fun!