Cobra kit car, what motor?

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 09:23 PM

Hi all, the level of knowledge on this forum has re ignited my interest in building a cobra car kit by python. I got cold feet a few years ago thinking that there was no-one that could be trusted to get un-biased info on all the work that goes into a project like this. I have been touch with python enquiring what 351 ci vintage would be the easiest "drop in" motor. This was their responce.....

"ACCORDING TO OUR INFOMATION YOU HAVE TO APPLY TO TODAYS EMMISSION STANDARDS TO REGISTER A COBRA ,HOWEVER THERE IS A POSSSIBILITY THAT THE N.T COULD SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY, THEREFOR YOU NEED TO GET ADVISE FROM THE REGO BRANCH IN YOUR AREA TO YOUR EMMISION STANDARDS"

REGARDS

GEORGE VIDOVIC

end quote.

This raised some questions in my rather lacking head. 1. I thought that emission laws are a federal thing. 2. Is the 351 a dead option? Can a 351 be built to meet todays emission standards?? I was hoping to have a "warm" 351. I mean grunty, but not crazy as the cobra is a very light car. Especially Georges version. I was hoping to run a carby version, but can this be done? I will probably start this project in the next week or so, as in order a rolling chassis from python and get started.... I wll post pics in the project list once it gets of the ground. Any feed back on the 351 question will be VERY much appreciated.

Cheers all, Brian.

XRQTOR · 06-03-2006, 09:51 PM

If you need to meet new emission's standards i think your in for a hard time, best bet would be to give the Blue oval garage a ring as they are dropping a Boss290 into a an mustang.

Racecraft · 06-03-2006, 10:01 PM

Dare to be different, put a DOHC XR6T engine in it.. Better weight distribution, cheap'er' to mod, easily ADR compliant and something alittle different

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racecraft

Dare to be different, put a DOHC XR6T engine in it.. Better weight distribution, cheap'er' to mod, easily ADR compliant and something alittle different

Awsome motor , I agree. But it just isnt a V8

:

Racecraft · 06-03-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

Awsome motor , I agree. But it just isnt a V8

:

well build two then :P

XRQTOR · 06-03-2006, 10:05 PM

how much you plannning to spend on the engine, thats the biggest factor.

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRQTOR

how much you plannning to spend on the engine, thats the biggest factor.

I have about 60K stacked away for the whole project. It depends on the overall distribution of funds, I am guessing about 15-20K on the motor and gearbox.

Racecraft · 06-03-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

I have about 60K stacked away for the whole project. It depends on the overall distribution of funds, I am guessing about 15-20K on the motor and gearbox.

I'd drop FTG an email then and get on the short list for a stroked Windsor (complete with Auxc. a T3 engine, ECU, trans and loom)

Click on the link at the top of the page

XRQTOR · 06-03-2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racecraft

I'd drop FTG an email then and get on the short list for a stroked Windsor (complete with Auxc. a T3 engine, ECU, trans and loom)

Click on the link at the top of the page

If this car needs to meet o6 adr's once built thats out of the question.

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racecraft

I'd drop FTG an email then and get on the short list for a stroked Windsor (complete with Auxc. a T3 engine, ECU, trans and loom)

Click on the link at the top of the page

Thanks, this is the kind of info. I am after. I will start to talk to some vendors once I get a feel for what is possible, and what gives best value for $$$.

philstoj · 06-03-2006, 10:31 PM

A friend of mine has a cobra replica which he bought from a guy that didnt have it registered as it was mainly used for racing.
It runs a twin throttlebody, supercharged 351 windsor.
Now that he wants to get it registered, he has to make it comply with all the rules etc.
Now being a 2000 build, he has to comply to those rules so hes going to fit an AU XR8 series windsor so it will comply, then after he gets it all registered, hes going to fit a 400 cube dart windsor!
What im trying to say is it would probably be easier to buy a complete and running car and modify it to suit yourself, as long as you find a good built one.
If you build a new one from scratch, it will have to comply with the latest rules, or it will cost you mega $$$ to make it comply.
Talk to a few different builders of cobra replicas, they all do things a bit different, and im sure you will get some good advice.
BTW, my mates one was built by george's company, and its a good one.

Steffo · 06-03-2006, 10:16 PM

Just get a 5.0 Windsor from an AU or late model E-Series of some description and make a 347 out of it.

If you've got a bit of cash, throw in an aftermarket block, and take it to 360ci or so, same deck etc. Then keep all the EFI hardware and that for emissions compliance.

mcflux · 06-03-2006, 10:20 PM

But in an 06 car it needs to meet 06 emissions

unless you stuff a mini LPG tank somewhere in the cobra :P

FPV8U · 06-03-2006, 10:21 PM

Either a Injected Windsor or a worked Boss, your a lucky man either way!

outback_ute · 06-03-2006, 10:21 PM

I would be surprised if you can get a carby anything through current emissions regs - however LPG may be an option. Boss motor would be an obvious way to go, or possibly the Mustang 4.6 - the all-alloy motor (with supercharger) will improve the balance of the car.

One possibility is to buy an older Cobra replica and rebuild it - that way you don't have the same hassles.

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 10:29 PM

This thread has almost as many breasts as ford babble.

private9 · 06-03-2006, 10:33 PM

IMO go for the 4.6 Mustang motor or even (I'll get shot for this!) an eight out of a Lexus. Most Jap importers sell them for a pittance, and they come with 200kw standard.

philstoj · 06-03-2006, 10:37 PM

You could also fit an LS1 in it, they are plentifull and theres a few going around these days powered by them.

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 10:45 PM

I am waiting to hear if the boss 260 is an option. The only reason that I dont want to buy an already going concern is that I want to do as much as possible with my boy (14) He is as keen as mustard to learn about how a car goes together. Only down side here is he will probably want to drive it when he gets his licence. He will be ever so disapointed..... The do it yourself journey is as much the attraction here as owning the car. :eclipsee_

Steffo · 06-03-2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by private9

IMO go for the 4.6 Mustang motor or even (I'll get shot for this!) an eight out of a Lexus. Most Jap importers sell them for a pittance, and they come with 200kw standard.

The Lexus V8s (1UZ-FE... the 4.0 and 3UZ-FE... the 4.3) are actually very, very good engines. Wouldn't be a bad idea to stick a 3UZ-FE under the bonnet of a Cobra replica. 1UZ is a bit too old if its going for 06 emissions.

FPV8U · 06-03-2006, 10:31 PM

Supercharged Mustang 4.6L would be a good option

Steffo · 06-03-2006, 10:33 PM

A 2006 model Cobra replica with a 5.4litre Boss engine wouldn't be too bad though.

I'd love to see that... would be different, that's for sure...

trick_xd · 06-03-2006, 11:01 PM

Well jack they are a great car to be in and drive.
A m8 6 doors up has 1 and it goes very well with the 302 windsor and 5 speed . Rob built his car himself and got it regoed by doing it as a I.C.V. it still needs a engineers certificate but when you buy the kit you will get a list of the people to send it to .
NOW im not in N.T. im in vic but if you want i will pm you with the number of Rob and you can talk to him ... There is allso the Australian Cobra Club . They are very helpfull as they want to see more of these cars on the road so they will help you in any way they can
Cheers

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 11:06 PM

PM away trick xd. Any help is gratefully recieved.

Steffo · 06-03-2006, 11:23 PM

You know what could be an inexpensive way into Euro III compliance...

The SOHC 5.4. Can get some very nice numbers out of those, and they should be a damn sight cheaper to get a hold of then a DOHC Boss. Plus they're a smaller overall engine (don't need that bonnet hump to fit properly like the DOHC Boss does).

Outbackjack · 06-03-2006, 11:30 PM

Single 5.4... Ya know I never evn thought of that... Bloody good idea. Worth persuing Ta heaps. :voldar02:

LeMans · 07-03-2006, 12:01 AM

Outbackjack,

Getting your car complied for emissions is the single hardest aspect of getting your car legally registered. If you try to get around the rules you could ruin the whole experience of building your cobra... especially once you start getting knocked back time after time by the authorities. The process could then be delayed months or even years and be very expensive. I have heard many horror stories from those who have tried to do it their way.

My advice to you is to firstly find the engineer that will give you your final ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance certificate and work very closely with him from the start of the project. Then select any production motor out of any CURRENT model available in Australia (even the BOSS 290) and plan to transplant it directly into your cobra with NO modifications... NONE! The authorities will look favorably on this type of approach and you should have no trouble getting it through so you can enjoy immediate motoring on completion.

Incidentally, it is correct that the emissions laws are national, but the interpretation and application of them can vary from state to state.

atec77 · 07-03-2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

Hi all, the level of knowledge on this forum has re ignited my interest in building a cobra car kit by python. I got cold feet a few years ago thinking that there was no-one that could be trusted to get un-biased info on all the work that goes into a project like this. I have been touch with python enquiring what 351 ci vintage would be the easiest "drop in" motor. This was their responce.....

"ACCORDING TO OUR INFOMATION YOU HAVE TO APPLY TO TODAYS EMMISSION STANDARDS TO REGISTER A COBRA ,HOWEVER THERE IS A POSSSIBILITY THAT THE N.T COULD SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY, THEREFOR YOU NEED TO GET ADVISE FROM THE REGO BRANCH IN YOUR AREA TO YOUR EMMISION STANDARDS"

REGARDS

GEORGE VIDOVIC

end quote.

This raised some questions in my rather lacking head. 1. I thought that emission laws are a federal thing. 2. Is the 351 a dead option? Can a 351 be built to meet todays emission standards?? I was hoping to have a "warm" 351. I mean grunty, but not crazy as the cobra is a very light car. Especially Georges version. I was hoping to run a carby version, but can this be done? I will probably start this project in the next week or so, as in order a rolling chassis from python and get started.... I wll post pics in the project list once it gets of the ground. Any feed back on the 351 question will be VERY much appreciated.

Cheers all, Brian.

State dependant but if you use a late model windsor injected its not to bad , if you want to make some real mumbo then lpg and pretty much what ever mods you want as emissions are easy then ( maybe a turbo as well ) good luck :eclipsee_

Rev28K · 07-03-2006, 07:20 AM

Some Australian manufacturers offer a 429 (Robnell don't know if it is LPG), some of them have a 429 on gas. Ask them how they do it or how they would get a Cleveland registered.

http://www.gt40australia.com/
http://www.gforcesportscars.com.au/kits.html
http://www.classicrevival.com.au/index.swf

4Vman · 07-03-2006, 08:53 AM

Best idea is either shop around for an 05 or earlier plated kit which someone has started but not finished (there are a few around) or just buy one that's finished and mod it to suit your needs.
Euro 3 has killed the kit car market for most engines unless you fit a new euro 3 BOSS motor, there isnt a wheezor made that will pass euro 3 so that motor isnt a consideration.