Tech Question of the week

[Purple Venom]

Ok, Paul's post about an FE Distributor got me to thinking, dangerous I know. What about a Tech Question of the Week that applies to our cars? Can be common, unusual or whatever. Winner get's a milkshake at Sonic at the meeting/cruises. How to determine a winner? First correct reply I guess. I suppose I could post the questions as I know enough to be dangerous and I will probably learn something too. :) Almost forgot, I will purchase the milk shake of your choice.

So, the question for this week is:
What size engine was originally installed in the FIRST Cobra? (No peaking)

This question applies in giving history about the original, so when you are approached at a gas station, you have some knowledge about it. Kind of like the guy that approached Tom, Dave and I at the KSHE car show and stated rather confidently that the originals ran 429's in them. I like Tom's quick response, instead of laughing, like I did on the inside, "Or the 289's too". :O

[Matthew 10:16]

Ok, Paul's post about an FE Distributor got me to thinking, dangerous I know.* What about a Tech Question of the Week that applies to our cars?* Can be common, unusual or whatever.* Winner get's a milkshake at Sonic at the meeting/cruises.* How to determine a winner? First correct reply I guess.* I suppose I could post the questions as I know enough to be dangerous and I will probably learn something too. :)* Almost forgot, I will purchase the milk shake of your choice.So, the question for this week is:What size engine was originally installed in the FIRST Cobra? (No peaking)This question applies in giving history about the original, so when you are approached at a gas station, you have some knowledge about it.* Kind of like the guy that approached Tom, Dave and I at the KSHE car show and stated rather confidently that the originals ran 429's in them.* I like Tom's quick response, instead of laughing, like I did on the inside, "Or the 289's too".* :O* Here's my stab a 4 cylinder (& don't ask me the displacement ;)) The part I liked best about TommyK's reply was "Oh you must know more about it than I do" :eek: I thought I was going to lose it. :D Man does that guy know his ____ (explitive deleted 4 my virgin [not] ears) Dave

[STL Mark]

I'm pretty sure the first few ran 260's - the first one was yellow.

[PaulProe]

The first prototype used a 260 Ford small block. When it came time to take delivery for the next batch of motors, Ford shipped 289's. Essentially the same engine, just performance evolution.

The big block cars prototype was a 390. But Ford couldn't/wouldn't supply an aluminum block 390, offered up their new NASCAR motor, the 427. There was a 390 Cobra built (but wrecked) If you are an FE guy, you know the exterior dimensions of the FE motor are the same whether it is a 332, 352, 360, 361, 390, 391, 406, 410, 427 or 428 (How's that for part standardization?). From the outside, you can't tell the difference in these 10 different motors.

Rest is history.

How's that for telling you how to build a clock? Can I get a taste of the milkshake?

Paul

[PaulProe]

REVISED
The very first prototype was a small block 221", precursor to the 260. The AC people claim it was fitted and test driven in England then shipped over. Shelby claims it was fitted in US and first driven here. But he aslo acknowledges shipping the 221 to England and says the first engine he installed was a 260 supplied by Ford.

Which/Who was first? guess it depends on which side of the pond you are on and who tells the story.

Maybe they're both telling the truth?

Paul

[Purple Venom]

Well the "correct" answer as I have it is a 260. See Pic. Story is the first Cobra was built and ready to be shipped to the US in 2/1962. Before it was taken to the airport, on 2/20/1962, the engine and gearbox were removed as by now the 221 cu. in. had been superseded as far as the Cobra, and a new 260 awaited in the US. Footnote - Haynes Great Cars - AC Cobra - The truth behind the anglo-american legend - Published by Rinsey Mills for Haynes Books.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/Hawgwild06/CobraPics/CobraInfo.jpg

So, the winner of the milkshake is Mark with the first 'correct' response, however, his noted color of the car COULD be disputed as the first car shipped and arrived here with no paint at all. It's first layer of paint was yellow and due to manufacturing delays and shipping delays the ONE car was painted several different colors and photo's were taken each time to make it look like there was more than one car. Ala Tucker. :D

[Purple Venom]

How bout instead of a milkshake, you get this brand new, shiney picture of a trophy with your name on it? :D

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/Hawgwild06/CobraPics/TrophyPicWk1.jpg

Right click and save for your desktop :D

[Matthew 10:16]

How bout instead of a milkshake, you get this brand new, shiney picture of a trophy with your name on it? :Dhttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/Hawgwild06/CobraPics/TrophyPicWk1.jpgRight click and save for your desktop :DHey Mark: Is Timbo trying to welch & weazel on the milk shake. :eek: Say it ain't so.* I say ya buy one urself & pour it over his head.* Food Fight!* OK Blutarski knock it off. Nuck-Nuck-Nuck. Dave/Shrewd Snake/Matthew 10:16

[Purple Venom]

Nope, will buy the milkshake, but since we don't have meetings every week, I thought it might be better to have a weekly prize as well. Maybe a real tough tech question of the month for the milk shake from now on. :D

[Matthew 10:16]

Nope, will buy the milkshake, but since we don't have meetings every week, I thought it might be better to have a weekly prize as well.* Maybe a real tough tech question of the month for the milk shake from now on. :DJust Kiddn Timbo. But U knew that. Dave/Matthew 10:16 :p

[mike w]

1954 6cylinder 2 liter 1956 a bmw bristol power plant then 1961 2.6 ford zephyr egine and somewhere along the line Tasca Ford ( who to this day is still in racing TF FUNNY CAR ) was involved in these engine swaps. i have the test results on the cobra 427 1/4 mile was kinda piggy 13.8 106 mph with 425 hp at 6000 and 480 lb torque 3700 I will reseach the Tasca Ford involment farther but if memory serves me well it was something about demand vs what C S was supplying