View Full Version : I smell after a ride in my Cobra
DoubleD
06-07-2016, 09:06 AM
No other way to say it, I stink after a ride in my Cobra, lol. It's the smell, and sometimes taste, of exhaust fumes. Truthfully, I'm OK with it, but since I'm new to this kind of car I'm still learning what's normal and what's not.
Now, I have a 514 crate engine so she puts out some serious exhaust fumes and what I've noticed is that my clothes smell like exhaust after a ride, which is generally an hour or so. Is this normal? Fine if this is the norm, but it's good to know if I should be on the lookout for something if it isn't. The car has side pipes.
I've looked under the dash and I see the previous owner has put insulation in what I would think are places engine fumes/heat could enter the cockpit and I plan on really making an effort to plug as many gaps as possible, but that's more to mitigate heat.
I understand these cars are a raw driving experience, which I love..a lot, but is it the norm to smell like exhaust after a ride? I don't think the car is running rich, but I could look into that and maybe lean it out a bit to see if that helps.
wallace18
06-07-2016, 09:15 AM
If I had to take a guess you may have some exhaust leaks that allow it to enter the cockpit. Some folks as well as myself use the pool noodles to close up the gaps between the body and foot boxes. Make sure you have the exhaust leak proof as well. If everything is correct you should not smell like exhaust in my opinion.
IMO unless you are using cats there will be some smell
DoubleD
06-07-2016, 09:56 AM
If I had to take a guess you may have some exhaust leaks that allow it to enter the cockpit. Some folks as well as myself use the pool noodles to close up the gaps between the body and foot boxes. Make sure you have the exhaust leak proof as well. If everything is correct you should not smell like exhaust in my opinion.
Thanks for the tip on using pool noodles. I was thinking of using expanding foam, which I may for small(er) gaps, but that stuff can get messy pretty quick.
I have no leaks but still smell but for that I use fuel fragrance from summit racing so now I smell rasberry grape fruit
GoDadGo
06-07-2016, 11:15 AM
I get the "Motor Cycle Funk" every time I ride my bike or when I drop the top on my old C-4 rag top.
I'm sure that it must be the side pipes and how close the exhaust is to the drivers compartment.
I'll invest in some Racing Fuel Fragrance as soon as I get FFR #8,515 running.
Do you think they have it in Glazed Donut or Grilled Steak?
DoubleD
06-07-2016, 11:47 AM
For a minute, I thought you guys were being wisenheimers about the fuel fragrance until I saw them for sale at Summit Racing. Just when you think you've seen it all, lol.
walt mckenna
06-07-2016, 11:57 AM
My wife refused to ride with me until I got rid of the smell. One set of CAT's later and the smell is gone plus the exhaust note is a little quieter.
edwardb
06-07-2016, 12:04 PM
You need to have any air leaks into the cockpit plugged up. Pool noodles or foam for the gap between the body and frame by the door hinges if it's open. The instructions show to fill this area when installing the body, but many guys don't (or miss it) so fill it after the fact. Any other air leaks you have should be plugged. Mainly though that's a heat issue. The air coming into the cockpit from the engine compartment typically doesn't smell like exhaust unless you have a header leak or whatever. And that's not only smelly it's also potentially dangerous, especially if you use a top. Likely the smell you're getting is from the side pipes. A carb'd engine without cats is going to have some exhaust smell. But if it's excessive then you need to check your tuning IMO. Could be running too rich. One other thing I've noticed is with the GAS-N side pipes I use the ends are tipped down slightly. Makes difference in noise and exhaust smell.
frankeeski
06-07-2016, 12:11 PM
It's not just the exhaust from your car. As pointed out in one of the posts above. driving a motorcycle gives you the same funky smell. It's perfectly normal, especially if you're on the highway with a bunch of other cars. The worst is when you are on a cruise with the rest of your Cobra buddies and you're at the end of the pack. :)
DoubleD
06-07-2016, 12:18 PM
I really appreciate the replies and feedback. I'll get a pool noodle and spend some time plugging any holes, but I don't think that will make too much of a difference. When I bought the car a couple weeks ago I drove it back from MA and got stuck in 2 miles of bumper to bumper traffic on the highway, in the sun, on a hot day. Took about almost an hour to clear. My legs about cooked and I probably took a year off my life from the fumes, lol.
It sounds like aside from possibly running a tad rich that this is the norm for these cars and that's really what I wanted to know. I did order some grape fuel additive just to try it out :D
edwardb
06-07-2016, 12:26 PM
It sounds like aside from possibly running a tad rich that this is the norm for these cars and that's really what I wanted to know. :D
To a certain extent, it's the norm. Open top car, sidepipes, hard not to. But there are certainly degrees. Running rich doesn't just smell. It kills your gas mileage and it's not good for your engine. With what you're describing, I'd check the tune. Either yourself if you have the knowledge and gear, or by a pro.
GoDadGo
06-07-2016, 12:33 PM
Guys,
It's A Cobra, Not A Toyota Camry!
It's Also The Smell Of Victory & A Badge Of Honor!
Enjoy The Aromas & Be Glad For You Are One Of The Chosen Few!
Steve
PS: My earlier post I did think that the "Fuel Fragrance" was a joke, hence my comment, but I learned something new.
Avalanche325
06-07-2016, 03:43 PM
I smell after a ride in my Cobra
Yeah, isn't it GREAT!
There will be some no matter what. But, if you are running rich, it can make your eyes water.
DoubleD
06-07-2016, 05:54 PM
I don't mind the smell at all. Even if I'm running a bit rich I know it won't go away and that's fine by me. :cool:
It's called Cobra Perfume. Enjoy it
6t8dart
06-07-2016, 06:29 PM
I think the key may be your cam, no matter how well tuned whether carbed or fuel injected, big cams tend to be very inefficient at idle, a lot of unburied fuel goes into the exhaust. My old big block dart had a big roller cam, and was fuel injected, but I always stunk. My wife refused to ride with me anymore, and I didn't want my son in the car breathing that stuff. My final solution was to seriously de-cam the engine, but I ended up selling it before I did. Now I have a MK4 with a mild 302, I have a FITECH injection, it remains to be seen if it will be clean, but it will be a lot cleaner than my old Dart.
Svtfreak
06-07-2016, 07:51 PM
Yep. Normal. EBen with good seal on both body and exhaust, when you get to lights and stop signs, you'll smell. Add cats to completely remove it (unless others around you are catless).
Big cams with lots of overlap can make it worse.
To me it's part of it. You don't have to accept it. But I also won't take it to a nice dinner date. I have a 750 hp Mustang for with cats for that purpose lol.
But in a cobra you will smell of exhaust, sweat, road grime and damn it's amazing.
Raceral
06-07-2016, 08:47 PM
Part of it
MPTech
06-07-2016, 10:32 PM
I have an SUV with air freshners, A/C, and a soft ride to get me to my destination. I drive my Cobra to stimulate my other senses, occasionally a butt-pucker, and I don't care where I end up, it's the journey.
with that said, I do get a little smell in the garage (kinda expected), but I just asked my wife and she said I don't smell of fumes. I'm running EFI, it was dyno-tuned, I have the cockpit well sealed, and running Gas-N pipes (slightly angled downward and a little longer than FFR sidepipes).
DaleG
06-07-2016, 11:20 PM
Same as MPTech. MKII and MK4; neither smelled as you describe, except, as mentioned, running in the garage. Took xtra care in isolating engine bay from cockpit. After the body is on, you have to remove the front elephant ears to properly use the pool noodles.
rich grsc
06-08-2016, 06:20 AM
A Toyota Pruis will solve the problem. :rolleyes:
DoubleD
06-08-2016, 07:26 AM
A Toyota Pruis will solve the problem. :rolleyes:
Hush you:p. My 69 Mach 1 would solve the problem if it were really a problem.
luvaz
06-08-2016, 09:55 AM
It can be remedied by washing your face.
HTH,
Will
jmccabe
06-08-2016, 10:31 AM
I thought I had this one figured out with my "Electric" Cobra...but after 2-3 hours last weekend on the road I still smelled like Diesel from all the trucks :(
Put CATs on it and enjoy !
Jeff
GoDadGo
06-08-2016, 03:12 PM
I Smell After I Cut My Grass!
That Toro Zero Turn Rocks!
DoubleD
06-08-2016, 06:09 PM
They do rock! You can get a blast of grass in the face after doing a 180, but they make lawn mowing so much easier.
BigUgly
06-09-2016, 10:37 AM
It's not how fast you mow, it's how well you mow fast.
BigUgly
Jester
06-09-2016, 10:49 AM
roll out of the garage before start and no issues. Coyote with Cats and well sealed cockpit - only smell burning rubber, sometimes clutch and lots of fresh air.
Dave Howard
06-09-2016, 10:53 AM
Guys,
It's A Cobra, Not A Toyota Camry!
It's Also The Smell Of Victory & A Badge Of Honor!
Enjoy The Aromas & Be Glad For You Are One Of The Chosen Few!
Steve
PS: My earlier post I did think that the "Fuel Fragrance" was a joke, hence my comment, but I learned something new.
My thought exactly Steve.
Although, I've found a few different smells from driving the Cobra. There's that typical fuel/engine smell, but then I also get that sweaty BO mixed with sunscreen smell when its blistering hot and I'm on a long drive. Not to mention the "did I drop something in my shorts???" smell when my right foot coaxes the Coyote into the 5,000 to 7,000 rpm range. Phew:p
DaleG
06-09-2016, 11:19 AM
Too much information.
MisterAdam
06-09-2016, 12:34 PM
Mod edit: sorry MisterAdam... removed non kid-friendly comment.
:)
6t8dart
06-09-2016, 01:00 PM
wow, this thread actually went there....
turbonut48
06-09-2016, 01:24 PM
Expanding Foam..Use the DAP brand. It cleans with soap and water. Spray into an appropriate sized
plastic bag held in the position you need sealed. If you need to remove it , it isnt stuck to the car.
The Nut
ehansen007
06-09-2016, 01:31 PM
IMO unless you are using cats there will be some smell
Exactly why I put cats on. I hated feeling like I needed a shower after each ride. Fuel injection helps as well.
MisterAdam
06-09-2016, 02:17 PM
Expanding Foam..Use the DAP brand. It cleans with soap and water. Spray into an appropriate sized
plastic bag held in the position you need sealed. If you need to remove it , it isnt stuck to the car.
The Nut
I have used this but never in a plastic bag. Great advice.
DoubleD
06-09-2016, 02:52 PM
Expanding Foam..Use the DAP brand. It cleans with soap and water. Spray into an appropriate sized
plastic bag held in the position you need sealed. If you need to remove it , it isnt stuck to the car.
The Nut
I have used this but never in a plastic bag. Great advice.
That is good advice!
Real time recon
06-09-2016, 03:30 PM
Does it smell anything like napalm in the morning ? If so, its the smell of victory :)
Jester
06-09-2016, 08:37 PM
Mr Adam - Funniest thing I have seen on this forum - thx for the laugh
GoDadGo
06-09-2016, 09:27 PM
My thought exactly Steve.
Although, I've found a few different smells from driving the Cobra. There's that typical fuel/engine smell, but then I also get that sweaty BO mixed with sunscreen smell when its blistering hot and I'm on a long drive. Not to mention the "did I drop something in my shorts???" smell when my right foot coaxes the Coyote into the 5,000 to 7,000 rpm range. Phew:p
I never thought about the Drop Something In My Shorts scenario so I'll get some Depends Underwear once I get the engine in and started.
Thanks For The Advice!
First Fuel Fragrance & Now Depends!
What A Great Forum!
Plebeian
06-10-2016, 11:09 AM
If you convert to E85 you'll smell like popcorn. Honestly though, without a catalytic converter you will get some smell. All you can do is minimize exposure by sealing off compartment, optimal A/F ratio, and change to a rear exit exhaust. Cheers.
DoubleD
06-10-2016, 02:07 PM
We're good. I knew I'd get some smell being an open cockpit, side exhaust, and a large engine. I just wanted to know what's normal since I normally change my shirt after a ride due to the smell. Small price to pay for the fun I have with it.
Hottrodder427
06-10-2016, 07:06 PM
I guess with my FE build, I'll be smelling good
wallace18
06-14-2016, 02:02 PM
I just finished up my MK4. I used the Breeze quiet pipes and have zero exhaust smell driving the car. I also paid a lot of attention to sealing up the body to foot box/engine bay areas. Not sure why I am Ok and others not. Maybe the way my side pipes dump out pointing downward? Also I have tuned my carbs so I do not run over rich as well.
55041