What should I do next?

[MDCobra]

Help! I need advice.

I'm selling my investment property and will have some extra money available to do some mods. I'm thinking I'll leave my Cobra alone (in case I have to sell it) and work on the convertible next. See my sig. for my current mods.

I definately need a new top. Aside from that, I'm debating on the following:

1. New crate motor (DSS or Coast High or Ford Racing) - Not sure if I should go the long block route or short block and add my some new heads, intake, etc. If I go this route, what do you suggest? 306, 331, 347 ...?

2. I could just go the new Intake/Cam/Heads route

3. Add a supercharger to the pretty much stock motor.

4. Do both 2 and 3 but with cheaper parts.

What would you do? I've got about 5-7K to spend.

Thanks!

-Tom

 

[dreddstang]

Top (nice cloth one), heads, cam, intake......supercharger=low 12's, high 11's depending on combo!

How many miles on your motor?

 

[lopey4.6]

If your motor is high milage then get a new short or long block. I also agree with dredd on a new top.

 

[MDCobra]

I've got 109K. I think the new short block is the right choice.

Any suggestions on what and from where?

 

[89roadster]

Since it's a vert I would suggest braces - subframe, strut towers, and g-load.

 

[MDCobra]

Since it's a vert I would suggest braces - subframe, strut towers, and g-load.

I've got sub-frames. Matter of fact, that's the first thing I did with this car.
I may need to get a new stut tower brace, depending on the intake I select.

What's "g-load"?

 

[89roadster]

I've got sub-frames. Matter of fact, that's the first thing I did with this car.
I may need to get a new stut tower brace, depending on the intake I select.

What's "g-load"?

Ask described by Kenny Brown:
The 4 point lower chassis brace ties the control arm mounting points on the k-member to the front sub frame for a more rigid front end and improved handling.

 

[dreddstang]

For some reason alot of Convertables won't fit a 4 point brace on the K member, has to do with the extra stuff the factory does to them.

Just get a Ford Racing Cobra shortblock to fit in with the budget. Then add AFR heads, F-cam, Twisted Wedge or Edelbrock intake, and an S-trim. 11 second car all day long, and it would be well with 7K! You'd even have money left over for the top.

Cobra Short block--About $2K
AFR heads--$1200
F-cam--$150
TW/ EDL intake--$400
S-trim--$2800 to $3200
Installation.........Priceless!

 

[tarstang]

check around for those shortblocks, i got a pretty good deal on mine from kieth craft a 306 for about $1300 assembled, thats w/ scat rods and probe pistons. you could also check out summit for thier h/c/i kits. trick flow, which i recommend, or holley systemax. some people don't like the holley heads but supposedly they have improved. either one of those should get you in the 12's easily. just another idea. and then like dredd said hopefully you know someone to help with install because speed shop prices can be outrageous sometimes. also beware modding is very contageous once you start you might not be able to stop. i'm speaking from experience, trust me ali wanted was a 12 sec. car, well i have one and it only lasted 1 season now i want an 11 sec car. working on that now. ha ha ha

tom

 

[dreddstang]

I did not realize that Keith Craft could get you a short block that cheap!

Of, and he's already been OWNED by the HP disease! Seen the stats on his Cobra?

 

[tarstang]

that was over a year ago i'm sure the prices have went up since then. i can't build a motor so for what it cost for a built shortblock it might not be a bad idea.

 

[MDCobra]

Ok, this is what I've decided to do.

1. Trick Flow Engine Kit
2. TB Adapter Elbow
3. FMS 24lb Fuel Injectors
4. 190 lb Fuel Pump
5. MSD6A Ignition Box
6. MSD Distributor
7. Prothane Motor Mounts
8. New convertible top
9. Light Bar
10. Replacement side skirts and rear wing
11. Paint - Anyone recommend a decent place?

-Tom

 

[dreddstang]

J&J Autobody in Upper Marlboro. They do great work, and can do custom. Don't have the # with me, call Pete's shop though, Nate (the machanic) has his '93 LX convertable in there right now getting re-done.

 

[MDCobra]

Any idea of the cost? I'm looking to go on the cheap now after everything I just bought.

 

[sldghmr]

J&J Autobody in Upper Marlboro. They do great work, and can do custom. Don't have the # with me, call Pete's shop though, Nate (the machanic) has his '93 LX convertable in there right now getting re-done.

Not trying to knock J&J, but you might want to make absolutly sure that understand/do what you want them to. When I first had my body kit put on they painted it for me. I had another shop mount it and primer it. They (J&J) painted it, along w/painting (overspray) half of the A/C condensor sitting in front of the radiator. Since it was the beginning of winter, late fall, and I was so excited to have a complete painted Stalker kit, I never noticed the overspray. Come spring my temps start creaping up. Long story shortened, too late for me to do anything about it, so now I run a 160* thermostat. Overall paint matched rest of car pretty good too.... Just food for thought.....

 

[tarstang]

tom, if i were you i would really look into a shortblock. i'm not trying to tell you what to do but to me it does'nt make sense to put all those mods on a stock 110,000 mile block. check around. www.keithcraftracing.com, www.bennetracing.com, www.dssracing.com, a few others not sure of the sites but those are probably the most popular. got mine from keith craft like i said in a earlier post. some people don't like the idea of letting someone else build there motor but for me you just can't beat the price.

 

[MDCobra]

tom, if i were you i would really look into a shortblock. i'm not trying to tell you what to do but to me it does'nt make sense to put all those mods on a stock 110,000 mile block. check around. www.keithcraftracing.com, www.bennetracing.com, www.dssracing.com, a few others not sure of the sites but those are probably the most popular. got mine from keith craft like i said in a earlier post. some people don't like the idea of letting someone else build there motor but for me you just can't beat the price.

I hear you, believe me! I'm still trying to decide if I should get a new short block. I probably would if I could get the same deal you did. I'm also looking at trying to buy a used 95GT motor from a fellow stanget member which only has 51k miles on it.

I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for all the help!