Projects DRAG SNAKE "Vintage Terror!"

So I had a great conversation today regarding the front suspension kit. I had originally been talking to Heidts who told me I could get a pro builder kit (with no frame notches cut in the cross member) with a shorter "A" arm kit. Our goal is a track width of 54" (same as original Cobras). The body width front fender flare to flare is 61". There is a lot riding on the wheel backspace that Scott can give me but I figure we need to be close to the 54" as using the knock off kit ads 3/8" per side to the face of the rotors.

Originally Heidts did the math and said they could get me to 54.25" track. Which I am thinking is close but probably not perfect. But this morning when I called to order the kit I found the best we can do is 55.25" track. So I know I could do a couple of things. I could just narrow the cross member and move on but after getting measurements on the cross member in question, they tell me the rack steering boss is going hit the lower "A" arm mount and also have issues with the driver's side upright portion. It suddenly appeared to be so much fabrication work involved I would better to just start from scratch. For the heck of it I called TCI and got the same basic information albeit for some advice to call Fat Man Fabrication.

Let me just say, these guys are awesome. I laid my plight out for Tim who knew exactly what I needed. Including the fact that they will narrow the cross member AND the rack for me. He said they are known for creating IFS kits for Anglias so no issue with a 54" track. I am really excited about this kit because not only will it be exactly the track width I request but it also comes with QA1 Coil Overs. After hearing everything, I was wondering where it was headed as far as price? I about fell over, even with the up charge to narrow the rack unit it was still $900 cheaper than the Heidts!

 

Oh baby! Scott is the MAN! He called me back to say he can go as narrow as 5.25" on my FIA 289 Front Runners.....We decided to just call it 5.5" with a 2" back space so they are in the process of being built and I am doing all the math to hit these front fenders just right etc.!

 

This is really starting to fall into place! You must be beyond thrilled.

 

Well I changed directions on the injection system today after a long talk with the guys at Borla. Actually it was sort of an accident after for a week of not hearing anything back from the Redline Guys. I had been reading about the Borla systems anyway (Roush Certainly Likes Them). The big selling point for me outside of the quality, fit and finish etc. was the fuel lines. They DO NOT use a fuel log down the middle like the others. You have to use a fuel block and plumb them just like carbs. I can run the fuel line up to the first set, then straight back to the second set, then off the back down somewhere out of sight to the regulator for the return etc. I am really excited. That TPS switch you see in the photo can be moved to the back completely out of sight. It will be hard to tell at a glance that it is an EFI system. I went ahead and placed the order so it is in production. Look at that thing!!!

 

I feel all warm and fuzzy.
How much H/P can this support?

 

That looks awesome!

 

Up to 750 hp...

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Nice

 

Well I think we have knocked out most of the MAJOR component purchases for the Cobra this past week and weekend.

1. Ford Racing Boss 363 short block
2. Silver Sport Tremec Magnum 6 Speed
3. Quick Performance 9 inch Ford Rear
4. Fat Man Fabrication Complete IFS
5. QA-1 Rear coli overs
6. Borla 8 stack Weber EFI full kit
7. Coker Front Runner
8. Radir 15x10 Pie Crust Slicks
9. ET Custom Set FIA 289 Cobra Rims
10. AFR Aluminum Heads
11. Holman Moody Gauge Set



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Cha-ching.

 

Don't forget the car itself otherwise you'll have a nice parts pile lol. I have multiple piles here but too bad all my stuff is old and mostly broken lmao


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Randall
What did you decide for rear wheels?
Anybody make big tube headers for big inch small block Fords in Cobras or will a set have to be custom built?

 

Ford Racing Boss 363 Short Block

1. Engine type: 302 based SBF
2. Displacement (cu in): 363
3. Bore 4.125" x Stroke 3.400"
4. 4-bolt main block 8.2" deck height
5. Crankshaft: SCAT[emoji768] Forged Steel
6. Rods: SCAT[emoji768] forged steel I-beam
7. Pistons: Mahle[emoji768] forged aluminum

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Randall, if you are looking for a source for big tube headers you can give Tubular Automotive in Rockland Massachusetts (781-878-9875)a try. They made the headers for my avatar car that you can see hanging down. Fit like a glove with a BBC where as you may know a big block is a bit of a tight squeeze. I can send better pictures if you like. They have been making custom headers for drag cars since the 60s. I believe they make headers for several Cobra replica companies (or so I have been told). My headers are works of art IMO and they are the best sounding headers I have owned.

 

You should ask H/M about a cam.

 

You need a truck load of tubing to hold everything together.

 

Quick Performance 9" Ford

1. Yukon Nodular 9" Center Section
2. Aluminum Daytona pinion support
3. Yoke 1350 Billet Steel
4. Detroit Locker
5. 411 Gears
6. Moser 31 Spine Axels
7. New 9" housing (bare)(strengthened)
8. Green O-Ring Bearings (Drag Racing)
9. Billet Big Ford Old Style 1/2" ends (with seal surface)
10. Complete rear Rotor Brake Kit


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<b>Randall<br />What did you decide for rear wheels?<br />Anybody make big tube headers for big inch small block Fords in Cobras or will a set have to be custom built?</b>

Same FIA Trigo rims from the front but 15x9.5" they are also 5 pin knock off. However if I want...i figure once in a while I will put a real set of slicks on a set of black "steelies" for more traction and a different look.

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Hmmmm not sure how to quote on the phone app!!!???

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Well we have some parts inventory rolling in today. Coker front runners hit the back door this morning about 9 a.m. along with the Quick Time Scatter Shield Kit for Tremec.





I am such a tire hound, it is all I can do to keep from ripping those babies open and having a closer look. LOL
AND...the Tremec Trans is due today according to FedEx but the notification says the package weighs 256 pounds. I was assuming the above bell housing kit was included in that shipment but it showed up all on its own direct from manufacturer. So I am wondering what in the wide world weighs so much!?!?

 

I hear you on wanting to unwrap the tires!
I recently got a set of those Pro-Tracs for an OT project.....

 

You know the saying......they will make those gears out of rubber next year.

 

Well the Tremec finally rolled in this afternoon, check it out, they must get them from Italy...it says right on the box
FRA-GEEE-LAY!!!! lol

 

Why is it that the hole knocked in the box is always right next to the fragile sticker?

 

OH NOW IT IS ON!!!....I did not see any tracking on the Radir Slicks but they just rolled in today as well!

 

A classic example of Murphy's Law.

 

Hmm, looks shifty to me [emoji23].


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FRA-GEE-LAY is actually French. Translated into English it means "kick left footed".

Denny

 

I really like the "Delicate Instruments" on the decal. That might actually work to keep the handling safer if they didn't put Automotive Transmission on the bill of laden. As I was unloading the pallet yesterday, the FedEx freight driver with the ship sheet in his hand read the logo and said, "...what kind of of automotive transmission is a delicate instrument?" I said well it is for a Ford so....???

He must have been a Chevy guy or at least a car guy because his face lit up and he busted up laughing....LOL!

 

Randal
FRA-GEE-LAY might be a really good name for a Cobra. lmao
The only one I ever got to drive was a big block with a 5 speed.
Transmission tunnel was huge so had to hang my legs uncomfortably left ( FRA-GEE-LAY)
The tiny pedals were really close together so took my shoes off because my size 13 feet wanted to grab any two
of the three pedals at once.
Small block Cobras might have a smaller tunnel.
BY THE WAY IT WAS BLAST TO DRIVE and well worth the Ford rash I got on my butt.

Norb