Messages

31

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: AC Mk IV 302 to 427 FE downgrade ......

« on: January 12, 2020, 00:41:53 »

a) Say it was worth it to go FE?

 110%, but only with an aluminium block. It handles like with the 302, but has 2 1/2 times the output.

b) If you have to do over would you pick a small block Nascar type motor as it gives the power and bolt up to stock position?

No. I would only do that of there was no possibility of being able to do the full conversion. I mean the engine bay, footwells, interior, column, pedals, etc. This work is extensive, if you want to keep it looking stock.
 I originally was going to go 331 or 347, but felt I was selling out. I finally came  to rest with the FE and was very happy with that plan.  The Mk IV already has the 427, chassis, the 427 body and I wanted to experience the legend. Also all everyone asks apart from is it real, is is it really a 7 litre? It makes their day when I reply,  actually yes.

32

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: MKIII Stering Wheel in MKIV

« on: December 13, 2019, 22:48:45 »

This is my 16” Mota Lita in my Mk IV. The steering column has been moved;2.5cm to the right, and angled 2.5 degrees.

33

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: Soft top - Is there a max speed?

« on: September 18, 2019, 19:25:58 »

The poor aerodynamics make the top balloon above 45mph. You will see it rise 2” clear of the hoops, but worse where the attachments are, you can see the hood trying to lif off the body, where it can damage the alloy panels. It’s also noisy with wind roar. You can reduce it by removing the side screens and rear window, where you can do 70mph just about.

34

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: Owners Manual and Wheel Hex Nuts

« on: July 17, 2019, 22:30:47 »

 I presume you have tried Redline in the U.K. and Hawk Cars? My 3 ear phosphor bronze spinners are from Redline. They are maybe better than the nuts. I have two sets of wheels, the original Autokraft 16” and also 15” wheels from Hawk, made from the Autokraft dies, not destroyed. The spinner cone angle is correct for both.

35

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: 15" tyres that are not Avon CR6ZZ

« on: May 24, 2019, 21:34:39 »

Hey, I wasn’t alluding that Avon are in trouble. I’m saying that  if they stop making this low volume size, we won’t have a drivers tyre to pick, only a poseurs tyre like the Goodyear Billboard, that looks great, but everyone says is no comparison to the Avon. Even our American friends....

36

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: 15" tyres that are not Avon CR6ZZ

« on: May 23, 2019, 21:40:25 »

 If you convince Avon that you are a genuine Motorsport competitor, you will get a racers discount. Go through the Motorsport section, buy the tyres, have them fitted locally.  There is no other tyre, unless the weather is always warm and the road dry.
 Quite frankly Avon need our support. I they stop production, we will have to rely on tyres we can’t.

37

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: Continuation MKIII 427 manufactured at Brooklands

« on: May 10, 2019, 21:32:26 »

 Bear in mind that the later aluminium bodied Mk IVs were made by AC Cars and beautifully built. That is Autokraft owned AC Cars as opposed to building them under license. They were sold as new cars and there is not likely to be any future challenges to their status. There are around 11, Mk IV 427’s and one of those over a continuation, were one available, might be preferable for some.
 You have to have certain make up to be a long term 427 owner and very few have that DNA. That’s important as the cars are near impossible to sell privately, or p/ex for anything like what you paid. The cars with original iron engines are very front heavy and Shelby himself called it ‘The Turd’ and stated it needed a aluminium block. That wasn’t available in the mid sixties, so development ended fast.
 Anything over 400 bhp is very hard to hook up (drive fast) with anything approaching the security of modern performance cars. Some find the scare factor part of the excitement, others soon realise they can’t live with the unpredictability and quite frankly, danger.
 The base Mk IV is unlikely to frighten you at all and the so called Lightweight is a good compromise. But for some, they need the thrill of attempting to master the spellbinding big block 427. Lewis Hamilton owns two 427s and I’m pretty sure Michael Schumacher bought one upon his original retirement.
 The most coveted big block engine is the 427 side oiler, not the 427 top oiler, nor the much less powerful 428. Make sure you are buying what the description says you are.
 But really you need to be sure you are one of the few that will love the monster 427, long term.
 

 

38

Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Re: Tour Auto 2019

« on: May 10, 2019, 21:14:02 »

No but they were one of several to hit the barrier on one of the special stage hairpins.

39

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: First start of the big block 427

« on: May 06, 2019, 22:42:08 »

Fantastic work and sounds / looks great.  What are the detailed spec of the engine and trans?  Who supplied?

Well done and all the best.

C

It’s an original 427FE with OE spec bore and stroke, which meant a special built billet steel crank as most in the US want the 482 unit. Built by the master, Barry Rabotnic in Michigan, it features Survival heads and and all Aluminum Robert Pond block. Just over 500 ft/lbs and same power wise. Trans TKO 600 with 0.82 5th. This trans is basically the original Toploader with a 5th gear. It passed the MoT Saturday so will be on the road shortly. Just a few bugs to sort out, interior trim etc and it will be on the road, with a particularly appropriate registration no that has never been issued before. Looking forward to a very special summer !!!

40

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / First start of the big block 427

« on: May 06, 2019, 10:16:53 »

https://youtu.be/9fgrY9ocfpI

41

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: AC MKIV Brakes parts and pads - Help needed

« on: May 02, 2019, 14:12:08 »

I have AK 1500 1993. Front pads I have here are PAGID (Germany) T0494. I bought them in the UK from Euro Car Parts. I'm sure I have the rear number somewhere.

42

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: AC Mk IV 302 to 427 FE downgrade ......

« on: April 26, 2019, 18:20:24 »

It’s a Salisbury 3.54 with LSD, but by all accounts will need to be changed to 3.31. But as it’s already in place, might as well make up my own mind. Hopefully start up tmrw!

43

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / AC Mk IV 302 to 427 FE downgrade ......

« on: April 22, 2019, 11:19:18 »

Finally, the all stainless headers, 24" mufflers and undercar exhaust system are complete. Thanks to meticulous planning, the original ground clearance has been maintained and there is ample room between the header and the footbox for air flow and heat shielding, despite 1 7/8" primaries, 2 1/2" system. In a RHD car, the motor offset reduces the drivers footwell width by a full 1", compared to LHD, so you need to get your comprises right. Simpson Race Exhausts, here in the UK made light work of the installation and I particularly like the elegant and compact, one bolt jointing system used. Thanks to this the headers can be removed in situ, without removing the steering. Hopefully first fire up, the weekend after this.
Attached Images

44

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: Looking for MKIV smith speedometer cable

« on: March 31, 2019, 23:58:51 »

The main supplier in the U.K. for cables is Speedy Cables and your gauges are manufactured by Caerbont Automotive. Both the companies are on the same site and offer a mail order repair service. Before you do that though, thoroughly check the cable, that’s it’s not broken and that both ends  rotate when you drive. If you have a right angle bevel drive coming out of the gearbox, they often fail. Speedo’s are quite reliable.

45

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Re: AC verses the Shelby community

« on: February 08, 2019, 13:28:39 »

According to the DVLA, the Cobra name, nor Mk IV, not Cobra Mk IV was never registered with the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) as model designation, by AC Cars with regard to cars produced when Autokraft owned the AC name. Autokraft, marketed the car as the Mk IV but never registered it officially, possibly because they believed they would eventually acquire the Cobra name. In UK registration documents the Mk IV as we know it is listed as AC under manufacturer, but with model left completely. Despite letters from club registrar etc they wont change that, although they bizarrely will agree to change the manufacturer to AC Mk IV. Its best to leave the log book, as AC, as when the car was new IMO.