Hello...lots of questions... :)

ShaneS · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2002, 08:27 AM

Hello all!
In the next year or two, I plan to purchase one of these amazing replicas in either kit, partially assembled, or (possibly) completed form. I am just now starting to gather information about brands, prices, quality, and possibilities...

I am not too worried about the mechanical side of the assembly process, as I've turned plenty of wrenches in my lifetime. But, I am worried about running all over East Jesus trying to find donor parts...
Current plan in development favors a decent, inexpensive kit that requires 0 to 1 donor cars... I would like to see about dropping in a GM LS1 engine (which I hear has been done before) as I have quite a bit of recent experience with these on my last two vehicles. I may, in the interest of spreading out cost, buy/build a kit with a stock small block and worry about dropping in an LS1 at a later date.
I do plan to try and make it to some local (Austin area) meetings that you guys have so I can check out the differences in the available kits...but I am currently considering Lone Star or FFR.
Any input regarding registration, insurance, and possibly financing?
I welcome any advice or suggestions...

Thanks in advance,
Shane
2002 WS6 Trans Am
http://home.austin.rr.com/ezgo

427Aggie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2002, 08:51 AM

Just a suggestion....the GM blocks are great and you can find alot of parts but if you ever plan on reselling you should consider going with a 302 or 351 block...just as many go fast parts and it keeps it with a Ford slant...plus we won't have as much to make fun of you with

The other thing you need to consider is if the GM motor will fit and you have to worry about headers and sidepipes...could be less expensive in the long run to stay Ford as well.

Matt

ShaneS · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2002, 01:01 PM

Thanks for the reply!

I admit I hadn't thought about any reselling issues, so that certainly is something to consider. And I *sure* don't want you guys making too much fun of me...

Another reason I was thinking of the LS1 was the fact that it's all aluminum, and might cut down the weight even more. I will be using this car for some weekend driving, and monthly autocrossing, so I was thinking about a really nice distribution of the weight. I must admit though, that I have no factual data comparing an assembled LS1 and an assembled 302 or 351.

It may turn out that I have no choice, and I have to go with whatever's cheaper, which may be a good ol' 302...

Again, thanks for the reply!
Shane

427Aggie · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 07:04 AM

Well we have several people that run their 302 and 351's for race. I think Drew is getting over 700hp from his 351 so you shouldn't have a problem with horsepower.

Your best bet if you are going to be a while before buying is to plan on attending the meeting in February...its in Austin and you will get more cars than you can imagine...this last year we had almost 60 cars from every manufacturer around. Its a great time to see them side by side and talk to the people that put them together.

Keep an eye out here and you will see more postings about it starting in November December timeframe.

Matt

Blake Olson · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 08:04 AM

Shane,

welcome...check out our website www.texascobraclub.com .

I live in austin, and will be receiving my B&B Turnkey Minus in about 2 weeks(when my wife and I get back from our cruise..)

I have a 302 on the engine stand in my garage ready to go. Would definately stay ford for power.

Blake

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 10:48 AM

LS1 in a cobra? PLEASE! Don't even go there!
Ernie

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 11:32 AM

Just a couple of comments.

No Chebby power in Cobras please. It really is like cussing in church.

Running around East Jesus for donor parts? You don't build a $40k - $50k sports car with junkyard parts! Despite what the assembly manual says, you'll be sorry if you do. There are some cores you may need for rebuilding and machining. Engine, differential, and some brackets come to mind. But everything else oughta be new or rebuilt, so you have a new car when you're finished.

got snake? · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 12:29 PM

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthre...threadid=19577

Tony Ripepi · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2002, 02:39 PM

Hello Shane,

Welcome to the club. What anybody wants to build their image of a cobra in to is up to that individual.

As for your desire to put a modern high HP V-8 into your car the real issue you need to look at is all of the modern electronics that need to go with it for it to run and you be happy with it.

Tranferring the Computer and all of its attendent sensors ie. Battery temp, fuel pressure, engine sensors for the smog equipment etc. etc. may be more than you want to deal with. I have found that the simplicity of the mid 60's technology to be the answer...PCV valve. Ford/Chevy/Mopar that is up to you. I'm sure you will hear and inherently understand that anything other than the Ford engine will affect the resale value down the road.

Tony R.

ShaneS · #10 (**permalink**) 08-26-2002, 12:12 PM

Thanks to all for your replies. I just recently decided to do this project, so I started my research by asking for literature from the various companies, browsing the company websites, and posting here. I hope to spend the next year ironing out what I want, which will be initially overpowered by "what I can afford". I do appreciate everyone's input, even the "down with Chebby" posts...

Matt - I will definitely check out that meet. As for the 700hp motor, I don't think I'll be needing anything near that! Is there a place online that I can check into differences in the different year 302s and 351Cs (like what parts are interchangeable)?

Blake - congrats on your B&B, *and* on your cruise!

I checked out the website previously, and it led me here...

Jack - I appreciate the fact that new/rebuilt parts are going to be much better and much more reliable. However, I must face the realities in my situation that I simply *can't* build a $40K or $50k sports car - my budget simply will not allow it. I will have to make sacrifices at the beginning, and correct/replace them as I can.

Got Snake - thanks for the link...browsing currently...

Tony - good points, all. The computer/electronics is the only part of the project that gives me any worry at this point in time. Going with a less-computer reliant engine will certainly make things easier. Though my visualization of this has always included an LS1, I may have to face the facts that there are easier ways to adequately power a car this light...

Again, thanks to all...
Shane

jhaynie · #11 (**permalink**) 08-26-2002, 12:31 PM

Shane,

If you still want electronic/computerized check out the fuel injection kits made by several manufacturers. The holley kit on my cobra tucks under the air cleaner and has the looks of a carbed engine (admittedly with a few more wires. Plugs into your laptop to set idle speed, fuel-air mixtures, etc.

John