Taboo

[Hottrodder427]

Is it taboo to put a chevy engine in a cobra I have a mean small block 400 but if I will be stoned for doing it I wont

[MK4]

There are a few chevcobra out there here is a pic of one


2159521595

[David Hodgkins]

Not at all! It's your build, do as you like. It's been done before. You will need different engine mounts, and some other changes. I'll ping Randy Jones (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/member.php?17-Randy-Jones) to chime in with his thoughts.

:)

[68GT500MAN]

It has been done before in at least 5 brands of replicas that I know of. There was a time that they all would show up at the annual Knott's show before it moved.

[Randy Jones]

Yep, it's been done and it's great. I was a little worried when I started building my car almost 10 years ago (next year) but quickly learned that a Chevy engine is the way Carroll wanted it in the first place. Even die hard Ford guys know this and it's not disputed. In the end, after a Duntov fit and a cancelled handshake agreement with the GM execs, he went with Ford and history is history. So, if you're asking if it's ok to put a Chevy in a Cobra. I wouldn't do it but luckily, we're not restoring Cobras. We're building custom tube frame race cars for the street that loosely resemble an AC ace! ...And yes, they look very close to 427 Cobras.

I'd have to say that I get love at every show that I'm at and always open the hood. I sometimes walk away and come back a few minutes later to watch people's reactions and it makes me smile. Originally, my car was a four speed automatic and the guys that laughed and smiled really big about the engine just couldn't figure out the automatic part. It's just what I wanted at the time.

http://ourffr.com/finished%20052.jpg



So, in the end, you're building your dream car. It's YOUR car. You are paying for it, you'll get to drive it. Why would you build something other than exactly what you want! :-)

I have a ton of pictures on my website: http://www.ourffr.com and will be happy to help in any way I can. I did the old school SBC (a little north of 500hp and it has a 5 speed TKO600 now). Guys have put everything from BBC's to modern LS based engines in them and it all works great. If I were to do it again, I'd do an LS3 just for variety.

Have fun! It will be a really rewarding project no matter what you choose to do and you'll get plenty of help from here and the local guys around you.

A slideshow to music that I think is worth the download. :-)

http://www.gpsconnection.com/project/chevycobra.wmv


Best regards,

Randy

[Ray]

You really want to mess with people....put a 312-Y block in it.

Ray

[riptide motorsport]

your car.......do it.your way.

[Bob Cowan]

It's not taboo. But.... why would you? I mean, I like spaghetti. And I like peanut butter. But the two together.... Yuck! ;)

[bwwooster]

I'm definitely a Ford Guy, but I can also tell you that AC sent an engineless Ace to the USA, chassis # BEX327 where it was fitted with the V-8 from a 'vette and run in SCCA events.

21616

In 1957.

So, yeah, no problem here.

[MeanCobra]

Go for it!

Personally I am thinking about doing something more exotic like a BMW S85 (M5 V10) but the cost of the electronics is a deterrent.

[carbon fiber]

I like the idea of a coyote 5.0 or ls3 in one. the new engines make tons of power out of the box, are reliable, and get great gas mileage. check the oil, fill it with gas, drive!

[edwardb]

I have nothing against Chevy engines, and I agree completely with the multiple statements that it's your car so build it they way you want. FWIW, though, I suspect you may affect the resale value. This may/may not be a concern, and certainly there are exceptions. But most buyers expect a Ford engine in a Cobra. Regardless of the background, that's what Shelby ended up with and what the history is.

Having said that, my Mk4 build has a DART block, and when it's done will have only a few actual Ford parts in the engine. From Ford Racing: Coil mounting bracket, billet flywheel, clutch pressure plate dowels and bolts, and pilot bearing. That's it. But it's another replica. A replica of a SBF. ;)

[Randy Jones]

...and LOL at Bob... :D

[skullandbones]

I'm definitely a Ford Guy, but I can also tell you that AC sent an engineless Ace to the USA, chassis # BEX327 where it was fitted with the V-8 from a 'vette and run in SCCA events.

21616

In 1957.


I had forgotten about Shelby's Chevy connection in the beginning. So it's funny how the business relationships can change history. Personally, I've always liked Chevy engines but in this case, even I talked myself out of it partly for the logistics (support and aftermarket stuff that would fit in the Cobra) and also for the "correctness" of it. Don't like to admit it but I am influenced by such things sometimes. I don't think you will get as much negatively with a Chevy engine with carb than many get with a Ford engine with EFI. It all depends on the individual and their particular quirks or history and experiences. The only thing that is guaranteed is how much fun you are going to have driving it: Chevy or Ford! Good luck, WEK.

[cobraguy13]

Like everyone is saying it is your dream car make it as you want it. My only concern is that the 400 is a Siamese cylinder design that had overheating issues all through their history so make sure you have plenty of radiator.