AC Cobra build : Advice!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,174
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
AC Cobra build : Advice!
OK I know its not part of the forum but since we are all enthusiasts I need some advice from my American friends - since I will be using American power....- err or maybe I wont 
!!!
After my recent moods to the E55 I got the bug to get stuck into a major project... so here goes.
The chassis and bodywork is all sorted (as in I know the kit manufacturer, colour I want and style) but would like recommendations as to what power source to use that will deliver serious power... I aint building this for doodling around town... target around +600rwhp... also want a motor that will rev freely i.e. up to ~7k rpm.
Yes I know I could fit in a 55K unit but lets not go there... for now ...
I need to know if I should go TT / SC or NOS ?
Chevvy? small block or big block ?
Tranny auto or manual? If so which one ...?
Any advice welcome ... and sorry mods for this thread but mbe once the guys have put something in you can move it to off topic??
!!!After my recent moods to the E55 I got the bug to get stuck into a major project... so here goes.
The chassis and bodywork is all sorted (as in I know the kit manufacturer, colour I want and style) but would like recommendations as to what power source to use that will deliver serious power... I aint building this for doodling around town... target around +600rwhp... also want a motor that will rev freely i.e. up to ~7k rpm.
Yes I know I could fit in a 55K unit but lets not go there... for now ...
I need to know if I should go TT / SC or NOS ?
Chevvy? small block or big block ?
Tranny auto or manual? If so which one ...?
Any advice welcome ... and sorry mods for this thread but mbe once the guys have put something in you can move it to off topic??
Last edited by stevebez; Aug 14, 2007 at 06:20 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,174
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Its going to be a replica (think DAX at mom - but not decided) the $300,000 they want for a 427 from AC Cars is a little too steep for me, and it aint road legal here - but it does have aluminium formed body - they also build another version (slower) for $160,000 with a CF body - but I can get 90-95% of the build quality for around $30-40k...
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From: orange county NY
'05 C55(sold)'05 E55(sold)'06 911C4S(sold)'06 ML350 '06 CLS55(sold),buncha slo bikes
I'm planning on building a FFR Cobra.After talking with alot of knowledgeable folks I decide on a small block Ford,probably s/c.Big block is great but upsets the handling with the extra 300lbs on the front end
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
The FFR looks really good esp the CNC cut panels etc ... I have 3 problems .... I am in the UK ... our cars are RHD and I only have metric tools !!!
If they make a RHD and have metric fittings I think I'll be sold...!!!
If they make a RHD and have metric fittings I think I'll be sold...!!!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Maryland
07 S65
Look at a Superformance Cobra. They are owned by AC and have the best body and frame to go with. It's not a kit but a true replica. Meaning, you don't build the car. It comes painted and built. All you need to add is motor and trans. I had one and I can tell you NONE of the other Cobra's compared to that car. It is head and shoulders above the other KIT cars out there. For a motor, it has to be a Ford and it has to be a 427. Well, a stroked 427 at least. Good luck with your project. They are a blast!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Atlanta
CTSV/6sp Grocery Getter
I say stick with a Ford engine. A twin turbo 302 stroked to 331 would be nice
The build school would be a blast to attend before getting your hands dirty if you decide to build your own.
http://www.factoryfive.com/rdsterhome.html
The build school would be a blast to attend before getting your hands dirty if you decide to build your own.
http://www.factoryfive.com/rdsterhome.html
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,174
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Thanks guys ....
I been thinking black and chrome only for colour scheme ... mbe the purists prefer blue... mbe midnight blue met...
So CF dashboard , Met black paint and fully chromed engine bay ...
Sheesh getting way ahead of myself here. One thing I wnat is a decnt suspension setup with 18" wheels ... DAX does this. Not sure about SPF....also dont know if they do RHD. Any other "kit" makers you can recommend will be appreciated .. btw the FFR guys are working on a rhd kit.
I been thinking black and chrome only for colour scheme ... mbe the purists prefer blue... mbe midnight blue met...
So CF dashboard , Met black paint and fully chromed engine bay ...
Sheesh getting way ahead of myself here. One thing I wnat is a decnt suspension setup with 18" wheels ... DAX does this. Not sure about SPF....also dont know if they do RHD. Any other "kit" makers you can recommend will be appreciated .. btw the FFR guys are working on a rhd kit.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 77
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From: NJ
E63
i thought these guys made the best replica:
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
Thanks guys ....
I been thinking black and chrome only for colour scheme ... mbe the purists prefer blue... mbe midnight blue met...
So CF dashboard , Met black paint and fully chromed engine bay ...
Sheesh getting way ahead of myself here. One thing I wnat is a decnt suspension setup with 18" wheels ... DAX does this. Not sure about SPF....also dont know if they do RHD. Any other "kit" makers you can recommend will be appreciated .. btw the FFR guys are working on a rhd kit.
I been thinking black and chrome only for colour scheme ... mbe the purists prefer blue... mbe midnight blue met...
So CF dashboard , Met black paint and fully chromed engine bay ...
Sheesh getting way ahead of myself here. One thing I wnat is a decnt suspension setup with 18" wheels ... DAX does this. Not sure about SPF....also dont know if they do RHD. Any other "kit" makers you can recommend will be appreciated .. btw the FFR guys are working on a rhd kit.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 463
Likes: 8
From: South Florida
2014 E63, Cobra replica, 68 Camaro, 66 Chevy II SS, Z4 BMW, Honda Element, Birel 125cc Shifter Kart.
Look at a Superformance Cobra. They are owned by AC and have the best body and frame to go with. It's not a kit but a true replica. Meaning, you don't build the car. It comes painted and built. All you need to add is motor and trans. I had one and I can tell you NONE of the other Cobra's compared to that car. It is head and shoulders above the other KIT cars out there. For a motor, it has to be a Ford and it has to be a 427. Well, a stroked 427 at least. Good luck with your project. They are a blast!
As for engines...it isn't a Cobra if it doesn't have a Ford engine and anything over 500 hp is useless in these 2,000 lb cars. They are an absolute blast to drive. Like driving an adult sized shifter Kart on the street. Think, crotch rocket performance, thumping Harley like music from the side pipes and four wheels instead of two.
Think I'll go for a ride right now!
Last edited by speedpeddler; Aug 14, 2007 at 12:25 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: In a box
W211 E55
I would agree with 'gixxer about the small block. With the ability to punch one out to over 400 cubes, you aren't losing much to the big-block in terms of motivation in such a light package.
500 small-block ponies would be enough for a great "B" road blast, then switch on the 125 shot at Santa Pod.
500 small-block ponies would be enough for a great "B" road blast, then switch on the 125 shot at Santa Pod.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: West Los Angeles
Cobra/E55
Look around on SVTPerformance.com. There are some VERY knowledgeable Ford guys over there.
I myself think a fully built/forged 5.0 (302) or 4.6 (281) with a large turbo and some gears will be ideal. The gears will get you into boost quickly.
I myself think a fully built/forged 5.0 (302) or 4.6 (281) with a large turbo and some gears will be ideal. The gears will get you into boost quickly.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
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From: los angeles
w211 E55
THE ONLY ENGINE TO GO WITH IS the terminator engine. 4.6L 4V w/whipple or even original eaton supercharger. These are the engines out of the 03-04 SVT Cobras. Awesome. I have absolutely no complaints from mine. Super fast, super torquey, and super reliable. Just my two cents. Oh yeah, six speed tremec T-56.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: London, UK
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Looks like the best "kits" are (in decending order) ...
1. Kirkham (only because they use alu body) ~$80,000 mark complete
2. Superformance ~$50,000 complete (and they do a RHD) can anyone confirm this guide price?
3. FFR ~$20,000 when fully specced up (RHD in the works)
4. DAX ~$35,000 complete - with loads of self assembly and donor parts
5. Pilgrim ~$30,000 complete - v similar to DAX
Hmmm choices ... so far I think its Superformance ... but here in the UK they want ~$80,000 for a rolling chassis ... nuts!
You guys in the good 'ol USA have such cheap cars ... u really are v luckY!
Ok enuf from me on this now thanks for all your input. Time for me to make some decisions.
1. Kirkham (only because they use alu body) ~$80,000 mark complete
2. Superformance ~$50,000 complete (and they do a RHD) can anyone confirm this guide price?
3. FFR ~$20,000 when fully specced up (RHD in the works)
4. DAX ~$35,000 complete - with loads of self assembly and donor parts
5. Pilgrim ~$30,000 complete - v similar to DAX
Hmmm choices ... so far I think its Superformance ... but here in the UK they want ~$80,000 for a rolling chassis ... nuts!
You guys in the good 'ol USA have such cheap cars ... u really are v luckY!
Ok enuf from me on this now thanks for all your input. Time for me to make some decisions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
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agree that Superformance would be the way to go and go with the 427. These newer 4.6L motors just don't have the same rumble as the 427. And when you pop the hood you want it to look old school american muscle. No need for s/c or tt set up as these cars weigh nothing. One thing to make sure you upgarde is the brakes and if you can swing it go with the true knock off wheels vs. look a likes.
