OK, Then, What Are Your Favorite 60's Cars?

[First Shirt]

I think it's been mentioned here already, but I'd love to have one of the 289-powered AC Cobras. Had a chance to buy one in 1973, but was about to embark on my .gov-sponsered Southeast Asian Vacation, and decided to hold off until I got back.

Not the worst decision I've ever made, but I'm pretty sure it's in the top two.

[HTRN]

I think it's been mentioned here already, but I'd love to have one of the 289-powered AC Cobras.

Forget the originals - the kit cars(notably Factory 5) are better than the original - for one thing, most of them have stretched the wheelbase slightly for some more legroom.

Most of the kits now are setup to use 5.0L blocks, Although a Windsor should fit(personally, if a Windsor will fit, build a mega inch "Clevor" motor - Dart's hybrid block is easily capable of going to 450CID+). Combine with Twisted flow race heads, and a good EFI setup, a 12:1 compression with additional cooling should easily make 600HP, in an engine that will idle nicely.

I will say that many of the kit makers offer the option of an FE motor.. And with SOHC parts back in production, it opens up all kinds of interesting possibilities, like say, 526CID, EFI SOHC motor?


HTRN

[BadgerAZ]

Anybody thing we pilots are getting ripped off on the engine technology front?

*NO KIDDING*. 1930s technology at new-Ferrari prices. Fortunately there's still the experimental route -- thank you, Lord, for the EAA, the NRA of the air .

[HTRN]

When I build a cobra (and I will), it's going to be an all aluminum IRS cobra; with an injected supercharged and aftercoooled, coil on plug C and C aluminum 460 (650hp/650ftlbs at least I'd say); a Richmond 6 speed, superforce clutch, bilstein remote reservoir adjustable coilovers, and billet or stainless wherever possible.

Take a look at the "Clevor" design(Hybrid block with Windsor top end/deck height, and a Cleveland bottom end). They can built out to 454 CID(4.125" bore, 4.25" stroke), weight about 200lbs less and have the largest body of development in terms of cylinder heads(5.0L/Windsor). A CNC ported, high compression, hydro roller cammed 454 should easily do 650HP without a blower. It will also be significantly lighter, even if you used a aluminum block for the 385 series engine(which will have rigidity and sealing issues)

As for the Richmond 6 speeds.. Well, even with the lightweight of the car, I don't know how long they'd last behind that much power - they're really only rated to 450HP. A Jericho 5 speed or a G-Force "Street 6 speed" would probably be a better choice.


HTRN

[MiddleAgedKen]

Criminy! Whatever happened to having a 327 and a Muncie Rock Crusher and being happy?

[HTRN]

Used to be I'd agree with you, but Richmond, Tremec, Getrag, and ZF all have 550-750ftlb rated models available now. I like the changeability in the Richmond gear sets; though I suppose for more strength I could go to ZF (the 700 ftlb model the german tuners are using in theior hopped up M5s and M6s).

Heeheehee.. Jericho was the first company to do the quick change gearsets - I remember reading about them in the late 80s..

And oh, According to Richmond's website - the ROD(six speed) is only rated to 450 ft/lbs. the Super street 5 speed is rated to 600 foot lbs.

Compare that with with the G-Forces 900hp, 800ft/lb rating.. Liberty LSC5000 is rated to 1000HP, Or the fact that Jericho "clutchless" 5 speeds are seen in Pro stock - where 1500HP is common..

The downside is all three are obscenely expensive - the Jericho is something like 5 grand, as is the LSC5000, and I suspect the G-Force is in a similar price range. The Jericho's have the added joy of being dog ring shifted, with straight cut gears(translation: It's very strong, but it's unforgiving of missed shifts and much louder)

As for Getrag and ZF.. I'm kinda leery of them - they're main market is OEM, so they build everything to a price point.

Crate motors - If you're gonna use one, probably the best choice is a new LS-7 - sure they're 13 grand, but they're 500HP.. In terms of bang for your buck, one of the 383 stroker Chevy's, some rated as high a 450HP. Another option is the various 347CID stroker motors built on the 5.0L platform - ranging up to 425HP. Both of the latter options will be significantly cheaper than the LS7.. World products has 427CID small blocks in a short block configuration for 5 grand, and if you're willing to put up with the additional weight of big block, World has a Ford 460 "ManO'War" that makes 600Hp. GM on the other hand.. Yeesh. They have crate motors [strike]approaching[/strike]exceeding 10 liters..


HTRN

[Jericho941]

Anybody thing we pilots are getting ripped off on the engine technology front?

*NO KIDDING*. 1930s technology at new-Ferrari prices. Fortunately there's still the experimental route -- thank you, Lord, for the EAA, the NRA of the air .

One interesting thing I've heard about is taking Wankel rotary engines meant for RX-7s and RX-8s and using them to power airplanes. Apparently, the practice has a small but highly enthusiastic community.

[Netpackrat]

Hmm, missed this entire thread since I don't often visit this sub-forum. Gotta give it up for the MGA, and the E-type Jag. My MG is a '59, but they were produced until '62.