Frequently Asked Questions on our Cobra Kit Engines

 

 

Some typical questions along with misconceptions :

You need a big Block to really get some serious Horsepower and to get that classic Cobra "sound"

The 427 won a lot of races for Ford in the '60s but an original 427 Side oiler is very rare these days and can run in the ballpark price range of  $25,000-$30,000. Using a Big Block 460 also adds a lot of extra weight to handle the car properly. Remember these cars are only about 2,000+lbs.so the horsepower to weight ratio of these cars are comparable to some of the highest performance cars in the world. So do you need a big block with monster Horsepower to achieve what your after? Most of the time the answer is no!  The fact of the matter is a lighter weight small block engine will deliver better "streetable horsepower", run cooler, require less maintenance, make the car handle better, can pump out 500+HP when prepared correctly and run several thousands less as well. Running with a hot small block V8 with open headers these cars sound pretty fierce.

 

 

I want  your biggest and baddest engine you've got but I only have a $2,000 budget.

Two words that sum it up. Reality Check!  We all want a good deal but as the saying goes you can't get something for nothing. We may not be the cheapest or the most expensive for that matter. One thing does hold true, no one in the market place offers as complete and thoroughly tested engine as Engine Factory does.  We can customize your order to work with you.  Preferably providing our engine packages as listed is advisable because they have stood the test of time.

 

 

Q.    Can you make any suggestions on an engine for my kit?

Yes we can  We have a knowledgeable sales staff that's can give you some recommendations. We'll often have our own questions to get a feel what their looking for:

What are you plan on using your car mostly for?

Do you have any aspirations of running on the strip or Track?

Future plans of Supercharging or Running Nitrous?

Is your Kit setup to handle the extra Horsepower? Transmission, Tires, suspension, Rear End....

Do you want a good idle or racey sound to it?

Do you have a price range your striving to stay within?

 

Once we establish this then we can give you some ideas and suggestions.

 

 

Q.   What's better a 302 or a 351w Ford for my Kit?

There's no right or wrong answer to this. The 302 is light in weight, quick revving and responsive, fits into the Cobras very easily and can be stroked to increase torque.  The 351w has some of it's own qualities. Big Torque, Lightweight, Large Main and Connecting Rod Caps and can too be stroked.  A lot of customers opt for one of our 351w engine packages being that they are close in price and fit practically the same as the 302. The bigger cubic inches doesn't hurt either.

 

 

Q.    How are your Cobra Kit Engines different from your other engines?

Even though our other engines are complete we take these motors a step further, including the Polished 1 wire Alternator, Billet Aluminum March Performance Pulleys, Billet Steel Flywheel, Pilot Bushing , Aluminum Cobra Valve Covers and Oval Cobra Air Cleaner. This gives them a more authentic Look. This is why they run more money as well.

 

 

Q.   Why choose a Cobra Kit engine from the Engine Factory over another Supplier?

We've seen other engines that just aren't as complete or specific for your Cobra. It's pretty much one size fits all. They don't include any accessories like Alternator or Power Steering, No Distributor, No ignition wires, No pulleys or Brackets, Water pump height often wrong or rotating in wrong direction, No Steel Flywheel, no carburetor, no Fuel pump, no fuel lines, No Cobra Valve Covers or Air Cleaner. I think you see our point. We arrange to paint the engines the traditional Ford Blue or other colors upon request. The camshaft, carburetor and Intake manifold we have selected are designed to be more street friendly. Best of all each complete engine that leaves here is live run tested and all readings are documented. So the bottom line is a more complete package for less money!  We've worked hard to earn a strong following of customers from all over and were the first in the industry to offer such a package.

 

 

Q.   What else will I need to complete the installation besides your Engine?

 

Most kit suppliers will furnish the headers, engine mounts, wiring harness and sensors to complete the job. We don't supply a starter with the Ford engines mainly because it doesn't mount on until the transmission bellhousing is bolted on first. We do offer a mini high torque starter when specified or when you purchase one of our Transmission packages. We provide some instructions with our motors to give you some indication as well.

 

Q.    Do you offer Transmissions with your Engines?

Our main focus is engines not transmissions. Were not a direct distributor and don't promise to have the lowest prices on Trannys either. For those customers who don't feel comfortable taking this on or just want to have the convenience of one stop shopping as an entire engine / Trans. package then this can work for you. We'll install and align the Clutch Disk, Clutch Fork and Extension, Pressure Plate,  Scattershield Bellhousing, Related bolts and the Mini High Torque Starter. The Transmission itself will be shipped separately from the engine.

 

 

Q.   How much planning time do you need to have something ready for me?

This can vary slightly depending upon the time of year and our production schedule. It's wise to allow around 6-8 weeks notice. Sometimes we stock more popular selling engines like our 351w / 400HP engine.  You can place an order with as little as $1,000 deposit to reserve the price and engine and just tell us when you need to it delivered.  We usually have price increases at the beginning of the year so plan ahead to get your best deal.

 

 

Q.    Can I customize my Order?

Yes you have the option of some cosmetic changes.  IE. Ignition wire color, Engine block colors, polished components ect. As far as the internal components of the engine we prefer to stay away from changing the characteristics of it.

 

Q.    Carbureted or Fuel Injection. Which way to go?

We still enjoy working with the Carbureted setups, they also have a more traditional look to them as well. Easy to tune and less complex. We do provide a Fuel injected setups with the complete Throttle Body, injectors, fuel Rail, wiring harness, computer and sensors to plug in. The EFI Mass Flo setup  is an easier way of going.  Figure Approx. another $2,000-$2,500 over and above a Carbureted setup. We now offer a complete Boss EFI setup that is more user friendly and cost effective. Some more technical knowledge is needed on Fuel Injection when dialing in the engine is usually needed.

 

      

Q.    What part of the kit build do you need to install the engine?

For the beginner to intermediate builder it's recommended about ¼ to ½ way through the build to drop the engine and transmission in place to make certain the wiring harnesses is installed correctly and functioning, mountings line up and the Panels are riveted in place. You then take the car out for test drive in the karting phase without the body in place. This way you can confirm everything feels and runs strong. The engine can also be installed at the very last moment too but this is for more advanced builders.

 

 

Q.    How much Horsepower Do I really Need?

Go to this link for help on this  http://www.fordcobraengines.com/Cobra%20Selections.htm or feel free to speak with one of our Sale Techs for suggestions.

 

 

Q.  WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY ON THE COBRA KIT ENGINES?

1 YEAR WORLDWIDE LIMITED WARRANTY.

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